Lastin question

[Kerrie]

Last night I tried to make a cover with windpro and lastin. I sewed the lastin ontoa flap that I then folded over and sewed onto the main body of the cover. The lastin didn't seem to work. Does sewing the lastin twice diminish the elastic qualities? Should I have just used braided elastic? TIA!

[mimim]

Did you use a three step zig zag stitch? For elastic to work when it's stitched down you need to use this stich.

[Kerrie]

Yup, I used the three step zig zag. I gave up and went out last night and got the braided elastic which I am used to using. I feel like an idiot for trying the lastin for the first time with the windpro - could I have chosen a more expensive fabric?:

[4boybarians]

Which size did you use? At diapershop.com, it says that the 1/4" is not suitable for thicker fabrics, that you need the 3/8" Lastin. I don't know about sewing through it twice.

[sweetladyaz]

sewing through last twice is a little rough on it, too many holes. I don't like using it much, and just stick to braided elastic, but I always use 3/8", not too wide, but much sturdier and more stretch.

[mehndi mama]

I use 3/8" clear elastic for just about everything. I apply it with a regular zig-zag (less holes!), making sure that I backstitch the ends for at least 1" - I've had problems with the ends coming undone before. I use binding on my diapers, so after the elastic is applied, the binding gets folded over it & topstitched.

The elastic does look all stretched out, and it looks like there's no elasticity left in it when I'm done. But once you wash the item for the first time, the elastic springs back very nicely. So wash your item & see if it makes a difference!

[neveryoumindthere]

i cant figure out how to do the 3 step zigzag

do i do it s l o w l y by turning the side thingy (hope i dont lose ya with my technical terms .lol)
or is there a function on my sewing machine that will do it

up till now i just straight stitch the lastin and it seems to work great but would like to try the zig zag

TIA

[Kerrie]

I used the 3/8 inch stuff - I will try to wash it and see what happens.


Neveryoumindthere - the 3 step zig zag is a special stitch on the sewing machine. You might want to check your manual.