In many cases, a zigzag or stretch stitch with regular thread will provide enough give to work with stretchy materials, but elastic thread can be used for certain cases.
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Do you need special thread to sew elastic?
Elastic thread is thicker and stretchier than regular thread. So it’s useful when you’re working with stretchy fabrics. You typically use elastic thread in your sewing machine in combination with regular thread.
Can you sew elastic directly to fabric?
You can stitch elastic straight onto your piece of fabric using a straight or zigzag stitch. When you’re making a waistband, join the elastic together first to the correct length.
What stitch do you use to sew elastic?
Use the zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine and sew across the overlapping elastic 2 or 3 times. This will ensure that the ends of the elastic band are well connected. Another option is to sew the ends of the elastic together using a scrap piece of fabric.
Why won’t my sewing machine sew elastic?
The most common mistake is that you need to adjust the seam allowance to sew elastic. In addition, you need to adjust the lower thread bobbin tension, reduce the foot pressure, and using incorrect the pressure foot instead of a walking foot can cause elastic to not sew well on the garment.
Do you need to use stretch thread?
My first recommendation is to always have stretch thread in your bobbin when you are topstitching or sewing garments that are really form-fitting. It is going to add a glorious amount of stretch to all of your sewing machine stitches.
What do you use to thread elastic?
A simple safety pin is a great way to thread elastic or cording through a channel. To do this, attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic. Insert the safety pin into the channel opening then scrunch the fabric around it and slide the safety pin forward through the channel. Repeat until it’s traveled the whole way.
How do you attach elastic to waistband?
Instructions
- Cut Your Elastic to Fit. Following the instructions for your pattern, cut your elastic to fit the part of the body it’s going around.
- Pin the Ends Together.
- Join the Ends.
- Form a Square of Stitches.
- Divide the Elastic.
- Divide the Waistband Fabric.
- Apply the Band to the Fabric.
- Stitch.
How do you sew stretched elastic?
Sew with a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch, which will stretch along with the elastic.
- Finish the hem of the garment, if applicable.
- Pin the elastic to the wrong side of the garment, matching the three pins on the elastic and on the fabric.
- Switch the elastic to the fabric, stretching the elastic between the pins.
Can you sew elastic with a straight stitch?
You can use a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch. If you are sewing this elastic waistband on a stretch garment then a zig-zag or twin needle is your best option.
Why is my elastic thread not working?
Make sure that your bobbin is not too full of the elastic thread. Try re-threading your whole machine. Make sure your elastic thread isn’t too tight or too loose on the bobbin. Make sure you didn’t mess with the tension (or any other settings) of your machine while adjusting your stitch length.
Do you need stretchy thread for stretchy fabric?
If the item you’re making needs to be stretchy or form-fitting to the body, you may want to use elastic thread. Only use elastic thread in the bobbin of your sewing machine, and wind it by hand. Choosing the right stitch is very important with stretch fabric. You need a stitch that will stretch along with the fabric.
What thread do you use to sew spandex?
As mentioned above, polyester thread is a good general pick for sewing spandex. If using a serger or cover stitch machine, you may also want to consider wooly nylon thread, especially for the loopers.
What thread tension should I use for stretchy fabric?
Tension: For loftier knits or stable knits, like ponte or scuba knit fabrics, try a lower tension around 2 or 3. Around 4 is usually good for heavyweight knits. The 4-5 Tension range generally yields the best results with light to medium weight knits.
Do you only use elastic thread in the bobbin?
Elastic thread is used in the bobbin in combination with regular thread in the top stitch because the elastic thread is too thick to be threaded through the machine. Note that the amount of stretch is limited by the regular thread. Elastic thread is great for elastic waist bands, ruffles, and techniques like shirring.
What is elastic thread called?
Shirring is a form of gathering and is the name commonly used for sewing with elastic thread. Shirring fabric is done by putting an elastic thread in your bobbin case to create an elasticated row of stitching. When stitched in several rows, it creates a band of elastic around a bodice or the top of a skirt.
How much elastic should be in a waistband?
The elastic for a waistband should be approximately 2″ smaller than your waist measurement.