Thread casing for elastic

[Souzan]

anyone have instructions or a tutorial on making a thread casing for elastic? I have tried doing it neatly and end up making a mess. Tips, please.

Souzan

[showtime]

I use a large cross-stitch type approach. I usually cheat and measure 1/2" on each side of the elastic placement area, mark it with a straight pin and attach the base of each "X" there. I use 4 strands of regular thread or upholstery thread. (I have a nude colored upholstery thread, if that does not work I resort to regular thread.)

I have also utilized T-shirt fabric to cover the elastic in lieu of the "X" stitches.

[Souzan]

Do you make the X stitches with the elastic pinned in place or do you pull the elastic through the thread casing after you have finished it?

[showtime]

For me it's easier to pull the elastic through after the stitches are in-place. When I tried it the other way I found the bunched fabric could lead to missed stitches. Maybe I was too impatient to be extra careful and spread the fabric as I stitched. Since I have a rather endowed fanny I often have to utilize this process. I now pin a length of ribbon the same width as the elastic in-place. Once the "X" stitches are completed I simply pin the elastic to the ribbon and pull it through. I do stitch one end of the elastic in-place prior to pulling it through the stitches.

Hopefully the above isn't too confusing. When I sew my goal is work smarter, not harder.

[Souzan]

Oh thanks! That makes perfect sense. I have had the same problem with bunched fabric. Will try this method!

Souzan

[caasious]

Shushanna Designs: Elastic Waist Bands

[beafarhana]

Do you make the X stitches with the elastic pinned in place or do you pull the elastic through the thread casing after you have finished it?

I was watching Eman Zaki making an elastic casing, and she did it with the elastic in place.