Need help with elastic technique

[staceyshoe]

I'm working on some fitteds and am not happy with the amount of stretch I'm getting in the legs. I'm using 5/8" braided elastic (couldn't find swimswuit elastic at Hancock's--is that the problem?? Would it be stretchier?). I stretch it was much as possible while using a triple zigzag stitch. Would a different stitch work better? Any other tricks?

[NorthernPixie]

I have found that different elastics stretch different amounts, and it's a matter of finding what you like and what's available. I definitely prefer using elastin (I think that's the same as swimsuit elastic?). Some storebought stuff has been fine, some has been awful. Try a different brand. The 3-stitch zig-zag is what I've been using. Maybe try 1/4" if you can't try a different brand?

[detroitgirl77]

A lot of times when I'm using polybraid elastic, it doesn't seem to gather much when sewing even if I stretch it all the way. I do notice that it does recover quite nicely once you wash and dry it, so don't give up hope. I usually use 1/4 or 3/8" polybraid when I'm not using lastin.

[staceyshoe]

Thank you both! I threw away the pkg my elastic came in, so I'll have to check for the brand the next time I'm at the store. I'll try the 1/4 in. next time too.

One follow-up question for you guys. I saw a very helpful You Tube video and the person was stretching the elastic like we mentioned. She had one hand on the fabric in front of the needle and one hand behind and said that she was guiding the fabric through. I couldn't tell if she was letting the feed dogs do the work or if she was rushing it through. I have found that I can let my machine feed the fabric, or I can guide it through more quickly. By "forcing" it through faster, the needle makes fewer stitches in the elastic. How do you guys do the elastic? Let the machine feed it through? Or guide it through more quickly than what the machine would do?

[Teddy'sMom]

I guide it...if I don't my pulling on the elastic slows the feed dogs down so much that the stiches are very close together and the elastic is not free to gather the material for good stretch.

[NorthernPixie]

Yes, me too. I don't yank it - more like a firm guide, otherwise the pulling on the elastic to stretch it is too much for the feed dogs and you just don't go anywhere. This is much harder to do if using stretchy fabric, so practice on something non-stretchy until you get the hang of it.

[Carol/GA]

I just use the cheap Wal Mart elastic and it works fine. I do pull like the dickens to stretch it to it's full capacity, though while applying equal pressure on the other end so it doesn't break the needle or mess up my machine's tension, but it works great.

[staceyshoe]

This is exactly what I needed! Can't wait to try it out today. Thanks again!!:

[Carol/GA]

I hope it goes well for you. I have been sewing diaper covers all week! I am almost finished the batch I am doing for Shriners Hospital for a donation!