Uses for elastic in clothes alterations
Shorten skirt from waist big tummy. Most people who have a big tummy prefer to buy their skirts with elastic as the waist. Shortening a skirt from the hem for these people will mean you are going to be cutting on the bias, because the front is more than likely going to need to be taken up less than the back. This is because of body shape. Of course if the person is proportional front [...]
Another one of my pet hates is unpicking stitching that is sewn in a very small stitch. It is almost impossible to unpick. Whenever I have someone bring me a pair of trousers or skirt that needs the elastic replaced, I look at the stitching before I give a quote. Some have the chain stitch which is so simple and easy to unpick – takes a few seconds (well maybe a minute). But for small [...]
Shirring elastic looks great in tops and dresses. But if the elastic breaks or pulls away from the seam, the garment is usually discarded. Shirring elastic is wound onto the bobbin. It should be wound on so that it is firm on the bobbin. Shirring comes in a range of colours but the standard are black and white. Put the stitch length at the longest length, which are usually around 5 or 6, because the [...]
If you need to replace the elastic, I recommend that you place the elastic around the waist to determine the right firmness/looseness on the body. The reason I recommend this exercise is because elastics are all different in width and elasticity which of course affects how it feels on the body. Before cutting the elastic, place it around the waist with the opening at the front. Hold the two ends together when you feel it [...]
Some knit skirts have to have the elastic replaced when it loses its elasticity. Find the join in the knit (usually at the center back or side) and clip one stitch with your quick unpick so that you can see the elastic. Cut the elastic and pull both ends out. Keep hold. Use a safety pin and attach to one end of the old elastic. Make sure it is secure. Push it into the band, [...]