Replace Basic Elastic

What you will learn

• Threading elastic through a casing
• Sizing new elastic
• Joining elastic ends

Materials and tools

• New elastic, the same width as the old
• Large safety pin or bodkin
• Seam ripper
• Measuring tape
• Matching thread
• Hand-sewing needle or sewing machine
• Pins

Before you start

• Measure around your waist. Measure the old elastic width, which is often 3/4 to 1 1/2 in (2 to 4 cm).

1. Find the casing opening, usually at the centre back where the elastic was sewn. If there is none, open the casing seam for 1 1/2 in (4 cm) using a seam ripper.
2. Pull out the old elastic. If it is stuck, cut it and pull each end through. Discard it.
3. Measure around your waist where the garment will sit. Subtract 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm), because the elastic must be smaller than the waist to hold. Add 1 in (2.5 cm) for the overlap. For wide elastic, subtract less.
4. Mark this length on the new elastic. If you are unsure of the fit, pin the uncut elastic at the mark and test it round your waist first. Then cut.
5. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic. Insert the pin through the casing opening and push it through the tunnel, gathering the fabric as you go, until it comes out the same opening. Keep hold of the tail end so it does not slip inside.

6. Check the elastic is flat and not twisted. A twist shows as a spiral. Pull out a few inches at each end.
7. Overlap the ends by 1 in (2.5 cm), and hold them with a pin. Try on the garment, then sit and bend. If it is loose or tight, adjust the overlap.
8. Sew the overlap with a zigzag stitch or a box shape, back and forth three times. Trim the corners if the elastic is thick.
9. Slide the joined elastic into the casing, even out the gathers, and close the opening with a slip stitch or a straight machine stitch.

Tips for a neat result

• A bodkin is a flat, blunt needle with a large eye, made for threading elastic. It will not snag the casing as a safety pin sometimes does.
• Sew a few stitches through the casing and elastic at each side seam, to stop the elastic twisting.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The waistband sits comfortably, with no rolling or twisting.
• The elastic can be pulled over your hips without strain.

Projects that use this