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Blogpost | Tutorials

How to Make an Elasticated Waistband

If you want some more tightness at the waist of the Jade Skirt, you could add elastic in the waistband. This could be especially useful if you have traced the pattern with a waist size bigger than the hip size (hopefully making it easy for yourself by using this method), or when you’re using a stretchy jersey fabric. Inserting elastic is not hard to do, and in this tutorial I’ll show you how it’s done.

The elastic that works best for this is one with almost the same width as the waistband, 1 1/8 – 1 3/8″ (3 – 3,5 cm). A wide one has more stay-up force and when finished it won’t scrunch up the fabric.

Step 1: Sew the skirt

Step 1

Sew up the skirt as per the instructions until Step 9A. At this point you’ll have the waistband and skirt stitched right sides together.

Step 2: Sew the elastic

Step 2_1

Measure the waistband pattern along the middle. Multiply by 2 and subtract seam allowance (total of 1 1/8″ (3 cm)). In my case: (39,5 * 2) – 3 = 79 cm.

Overlap the elastic by an inch (2,5 cm) and try it on to see if the fit is right. It should be snug but not tight. We’re only adding strength to the waistband, not making a gathered skirt. Remember that the waistband of the Jade is designed to sit 1 1/2″ (4 cm) below the natural waist. If the fit is right sew it together, using a straight stitch or small zigzag.

Step 3: Insert elastic

Step 4

Slide the elastic over the waistband, down towards the lower part. Fold over the waistband lining and (hand)stitch in place.

Done! Quite easy, no?

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