If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
questions about elastic
I'm confused and am hoping some kind soul will be able to help me.
When I go to look at elastic, I find several different types of elastic. There's non-roll, which does seem reasonably self-explanitory, if it works. But what about braided and knitted and plain old flat elastic. Where should the various types be used? I'm mainly looking for waistbands and ankles for martial arts pants to be made out of soft cotton, silk, or possibly rayon if I can't convince people otherwise. Also, regarding how to measure elastic--how much difference between waist and elastic length should there be? How much does it change the length of the elastic if it's sewn in? I'm guessing this varies depending upon the type of elastic, but is there a good rule of thumb? Any help is much appreciated! Sue |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
In article , S of uttered
Where should the various types be used? I'm mainly looking for waistbands and ankles for martial arts pants to be made out of soft cotton, silk, or possibly rayon if I can't convince people otherwise. O.. K ... which martial art(s) in particular are you talking about? Certainly in my own case, elasticating the pants on my judo Gi would lead to certain disaster, as would making them out of other than *very* solid calico, preferably with reinforced knees. Also, regarding how to measure elastic--how much difference between waist and elastic length should there be? How much does it change the length of the elastic if it's sewn in? I'm guessing this varies depending upon the type of elastic, but is there a good rule of thumb? As you surmise, it depends on the elastic. If you stitch through it, it will seriously reduce the amount of "give". You have to stretch the elastic by hand both before and behind the needle as you sew. (Personally I wouldn't recommend it). There is, however, a "sports" elastic you can get, with or without a drawstring threaded through, which has channels along the length of it. You stitch down the channels (stretching as you go) and then steam it like mad. -- AJH no email address supplied |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Where should the various types be used? I'm mainly looking for
waistbands and ankles for martial arts pants to be made out of soft cotton, silk, or possibly rayon if I can't convince people otherwise. O.. K ... which martial art(s) in particular are you talking about? Certainly in my own case, elasticating the pants on my judo Gi would lead to certain disaster, as would making them out of other than *very* solid calico, preferably with reinforced knees. *laugh* I can see how that would be a bad thing. In this case, internal martial arts--tai chi, ba gua, xing yi. So little or no contact, either with other people or the floor. The waist elastic is primarily to keep the fabric evenly distributed around the garment rather than for support. Definitely a drawstring there too. As you surmise, it depends on the elastic. If you stitch through it, it will seriously reduce the amount of "give". You have to stretch the elastic by hand both before and behind the needle as you sew. (Personally I wouldn't recommend it). On a slight tangent from there, what about mens' boxer shorts? My husband's all have the elastic sewn in. Is this a special case? And if you do use elastic with a casing, not sewn in, how do you keep the darned stuff from twisting? Would tacking it in a few places do the trick? Or perhaps two or three vertical lines of sewing with the machine? Thanks for your help! Sue |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
S wrote:
Where should the various types be used? I'm mainly looking for waistbands and ankles for martial arts pants to be made out of soft cotton, silk, or possibly rayon if I can't convince people otherwise. O.. K ... which martial art(s) in particular are you talking about? Certainly in my own case, elasticating the pants on my judo Gi would lead to certain disaster, as would making them out of other than *very* solid calico, preferably with reinforced knees. *laugh* I can see how that would be a bad thing. In this case, internal martial arts--tai chi, ba gua, xing yi. So little or no contact, either with other people or the floor. The waist elastic is primarily to keep the fabric evenly distributed around the garment rather than for support. Definitely a drawstring there too. As you surmise, it depends on the elastic. If you stitch through it, it will seriously reduce the amount of "give". You have to stretch the elastic by hand both before and behind the needle as you sew. (Personally I wouldn't recommend it). On a slight tangent from there, what about mens' boxer shorts? My husband's all have the elastic sewn in. Is this a special case? And if you do use elastic with a casing, not sewn in, how do you keep the darned stuff from twisting? Would tacking it in a few places do the trick? Or perhaps two or three vertical lines of sewing with the machine? There is a special sort of elastic for sewing in this way. Here's one sort: http://www.sewing.co.uk/images/elbear.jpg And a soft type: http://www.sewing.co.uk/images/elplsh.jpg More elastic than you'll ever need here! http://www.sewing.co.uk/elastic.htm NAYYY... As for keeping waist elastic from twisting: yes, I sew it in place! I 'stitch in the ditch' down the seams, so it doesn't show! -- Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
"S" wrote in message ... On a slight tangent from there, what about mens' boxer shorts? My husband's all have the elastic sewn in. Is this a special case? And if you do use elastic with a casing, not sewn in, how do you keep the darned stuff from twisting? Would tacking it in a few places do the trick? Or perhaps two or three vertical lines of sewing with the machine? Yes. ;-) Boxer shorts elastic is usually sewn with a chain stitch, so doesn't stretch the elastic out permanenetly. And if you "stitch-in-the-ditch" of CF, CB, and side seams, it will keep the elastic from roling in a casing. -- Beverly delete nospam and .invalid to reply |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for all the help! I'm definitely finding that sticking the
stuff under the needle is the EASY part of sewing. It's the knowing what to use and when that's difficult. Sue |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
S wrote:
Thanks for all the help! I'm definitely finding that sticking the stuff under the needle is the EASY part of sewing. It's the knowing what to use and when that's difficult. Sue A lot of the time you get needle problems with elastic: it tends to grab the thread and hang onto it, giving you loopy threads under the work! Some of this can be alieviated by tightening the upper tension, using a stretch or jersey needle, and sewing slowly. If you look like having to sew elastic in a lot of waistbands, it's worth investing in a roll of waistband elastic. -- Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Kenmore 385.15516000 - Can it sew elastic? | Oakdale6884 | Sewing | 6 | August 24th 04 08:47 AM |
The ten questions I want you to answer | Jalynne | Beads | 19 | June 22nd 04 08:58 PM |
Questions About Hardanger | Suzanne | Needlework | 7 | April 23rd 04 11:49 PM |
lots of questions about my ring | tert in seattle | Jewelry | 2 | April 15th 04 03:41 AM |
Some additional questions | Steve Lamb | Beads | 15 | April 3rd 04 03:25 PM |