How To Sew Elastic Waistband With Casing
Skirts add a classy yet playful look to your personality. There are plenty of skirt types that you can try for different looks. One of the most important things that make the skirt look even more stylish and classy is indeed its waistband. Skirts without waistband are just incomplete and hard to imagine. The waistband helps in completing the skirt and holding the pleats together. So, when you are sewing a skirt, you need to make sure that you add a waistband into it.
A waistband is nothing but a sturdy piece of fabric similar to the skirt that is added at the top of the skirt. When you are sewing a skirt, you also need to learn how to sew a waistband into the casting; only then you will be able to complete your apparel. So, if the waistband is something that brought you here, you come to the right place. In this article, you will learn how to sew a waistband with casing.
How To Sew Elastic Waistband With Casing?
Contents
The waistband with the casing is an elastic waistband, which is super easy to finish the skirt with. There’s no issue of fitting; you will be highly comfortable in it. You just need to learn the appropriate method of sewing elastic waistbands in the right pattern. A basic fold-down waistband is the most commonly used pattern that can be used for skirts and pants alike. For this, you need to choose the width type, create a casing, take a pattern, cut it out, stitch around the edges, and fill in the elastic.
Steps To Sew Elastic Waistband With Casing
Learning to sew an elastic waistband is super simple; you don’t need any extra materials for it; just your regular sewing items would be enough. In this step-by-step guide, we are going to elaborate on the basic fold-down waistband pattern, which is the most common and easy to make.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- The fabric of your choice
- Sewing thread matching the fabric
- Elastic
- Ruler
- Pen
- Scissors
- Pins
- Chalk
- Sewing Gauge
- Sewing Machine
- Needle
- Safety Pin
You need to choose the type of elastic you will need. They come in different widths, colours, and texture. You can also avail a waistband with buttonholes that are easy to attach and reattach.
A fold-down waistband is a common pattern wherein the fabric allowance is added to the waistline at the garment edge and stitching it in the right place, creating a casing. It is perfectly ideal for garments that are pulled on.
Step 1.
You need to choose the right width of the elastic that you need to insert 1” wide braided elastic is the ideal width for an elastic. Make sure to cut the elastic a few inches smaller than the waist measurement and add 1” seam allowance.
Step 2.
Now you need to make a casing that can completely house the elastic. If you are using 1” wide elastic, you will need 1” + ¼” + seam allowance for the casing.
Step 3.
Take the draw pattern and measure it from the waistline to draw the line. Follow the same guidelines to create the back piece as well.
Step 4.
Now cut out the marked pieces and sew the sides of the garment together. You must go with the continuous length to give a more neat finish to the skirt.
Step 5.
Press down the raw edges of the fabric under 3/8” or general seam allowance.
Step 6.
Place the pins in place for stitching marks. Start stitching at the lower edge of the waistband casing, leaving a 2” opening to insert the elastic. Make sure you backstitch both the ends thoroughly.
Step 7.
Now take your elastic and tie a safety pin to one end of the elastic. Start pulling through the casing and take the end from the other hole.
Step 8.
Place one end of the elastic on the other and stitch it together, creating a box pattern. The overlapping elastic will help in reducing the bulk and prevents it from ripping off.
Step 9.
Now gently pull the waistband fabric in order to allow the elastic to set inside the casing. Don’t forget to sew the opening that was left for the elastic.
Step 10.
To further prevent the twisting and turning in the future, you can stitch layers in the side of the seams.
That’s all it takes to make a waistband casing that will rest on your skirt or pant, giving it a perfect fit.
Types of Waistband You Can Try
Not just a basic down fold waistband, you can try different types of waistbands that will look ideal on different apparel. Here are a few waistbands to try-:
- Tiered Waistband: Just like the name suggests, there will be several channels in the waistband. The topstitching will have channels and rows that will give it a tier like an appearance. It is quite similar to the don fold waistband, but instead of making just one casing, you will create a series of the casing and insert pieces of elastic into it. You can add it to your pants or any other pull-on.
- Paperbag Waistband: It is an elasticized waistband that has ruffles on it. You can see scrunched up fabric on the top of the garment. It gives a chic and sophisticated look for your garment. You can prefer it on your high waisted pants that you can pair with a crop top to flaunt it well. Though it is quite complicated to make, the end result will be worth all your efforts.
- Shirred Waistband: It looks like smocking has been added to your garment. This type of waistband will add more elasticity to your garment, making it stretchier. It falls under the category of the decorative waistband that is made with a simple elastic thread and sewing machine; everything is done with the stitching method.
- Exposed Waistband: Just like the name suggests, the exposed waistband will put your elastic outside the garment, instead of hiding it inside the casing. You can avail elastic in different colours and try out this bold move. Earlier, this technique was used in kids’ garments, but today, even adults try out this styling move to add more boldness to their attire. It is a fold-over elastic waistband pattern, where you don’t need to create a casing.
Related Questions
What is the elastic casing?
It is a hollow channel in the fabric that is meant for the elastic. You can simply insert your elastic into that channel to get a perfect fit. For those apparels that need an elastic to hold the fabric, it is essential to make an elastic casing. It will make the insertion much easier if you have a good casing for the waistband.
How much elastic do you need to make a waistband?
It totally depends on your usage and waist size. Here’s a general rule to get the perfect measurement of the waistband. Cut the elastic band 2”-4” smaller than the waist measurement, make sure you are comfortable with it. You can also try the elastic around your waist before making the waistband. Make sure it is not highly tight around your waist; it may create a discomforting situation.
Which stitch is perfect for sewing elastic?
The elastic has to attach to your fabric thoroughly, so you need to use a stitching method to ensure a perfect hold. Generally, a zig-zag stitch is used to sew elastic. Make an overlapping with the elastic and make a zig-zag stitch over it. Another option that you can try out is to sew the ends with a scrap piece of fabric.
Can you cut the elastic into strips?
Yes, if you have brought thicker elastic, you can cut them into pieces and use them accordingly. The elasticity will not be lost when you cut it into pieces. Make sure to choose a braided kind of elastic or else it may start to unravel, and you may not get the ultimate elasticity.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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