What am I doing to the elastic

[rozzie'sma]

I made a fitted last night and it is beautiful except the elastic. It is stretchy and bunches nicely at the beginning but by the time I'm at the end of the piece it lays flat, and my fitted becomes a not so fitted. I've thought I was pulling it tight enough. Am I using to much? I've never sewn diapers before or done elastic and I need help!

[amysuen]

Are you keeping it stretched tight all the way to the end? Sometimes mine gets flat for the last 1/4 inch or so because I let up where I'm holding it and it doesn't stretch as much. Next time I'm going to try tacking it down on both ends before zigzagging it in. Another idea is to stretch the elastic out and pin it to the diaper. It takes a lot of time and talent though- usually I tack the end down with the machine, sink the needle, then pull the elastic tight. While holding the elastic and diaper with my right hand I put the pins in with my left. It's a PITB, which is why I'm going to try tacking both ends next time! :LOL

[rozzie'sma]

I must not have kept it tight enough. I'll try tacking it down cause it seems easier than what I was doing.

[MommaNette]

hope this helps

: I have found when using elastic especially in a
Aio or fitted it is easier to figure out how much elastic
each side need (like lets say 6") then I mark it with
a washable marker (steal the kid's).
Attaching the elastic and zig zagging as I go I know
when I am getting close to what I need because of the
mark. Then I cut the elastic after I am done in that area.
It keeps the elastic tight all the way and you have
something to hold on to. Give it a try.

nette

[rozzie'sma]

Thanks for the help. I just started sewing and it has all been overwhelming. I love doing it though. I feel so good when I have a finished product in my hand. I'm a SAHM and I know what I do is important but it's hard when you work all day, get up and do the same thing the next day, and never have any tangible evidence of what I did. This has been a god send

[Kari_mom]

I'm a SAHM and I know what I do is important but it's hard when you work all day, get up and do the same thing the next day, and never have any tangible evidence of what I did. This has been a god send

It does help, doesn't it?

[rozzie'sma]

It helps so very much. I have been showing off that diaper to everyone I know. And a sling I made too. This is so addictive and my next diaper turned out ok on the elastic. I am addicted now. I just volunteered to sew a diaper layette for my nephew. Dear sis can't afford to buy one and I need stuff to do.