Shorten sleeve with shirring elastic by stitching upwards from hem, or around the sleeve. This will gather the excess fabric and create a gathered effect. If you have a sleeve that is too long, a quick option is to sew elastic onto the inside arm seam or shirring elastic upwards on the sleeve. This could be at the end of the sleeve starting from the hem and working up towards the underarm, or it could be [...]
Shorten waist with shirring elastic, which also creates a great feature on a plain dress or top. Another method to shorten a dress or top is to sew shirring elastic around the waist. To ensure that the elastic does not pull away, unpick the side seams so the sewing begins at the edge of the fabric. The shirring elastic is wound on to your bobbin by hand. Make sure to wind it on firm rather [...]
Threading elastic can be a tedious job. When the elastic goes in your trousers or skirt, rather than pulling the old elastic out first, then threading the new, join the new elastic to the end of the old elastic, and when pulling the old elastic out, the new elastic will be threaded through. Quick and easy. Threading elastic Using the traditional method of a safety pin works, but there is a better product [...]
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, [...]