I have a wool cover question too

[our3boys]

Does anyone have an idea of how to attractively attach elastic and finish a wool cover that is
1) not FOE and
2) not two layers of fabric (b/c the wool I have is so thick already)?

And I am getting a serger from my aunt that has a coverstitch on it, if that helps.

[Kari_mom]

I have a cover that I bought from the TP that I really like made with one layer of thick wool. The edges are serged to finish them. A seam allowance was added in the areas with elastic - the legs and the back waist. The seam allowance tapers into the outside edge of the cover where it is just serged. Then elastic was added, and the seam allowance turned inside.

I adapted this method to make some single layer windpro covers and it works great.

Here's some pics of my covers with a detail shot:Cover

HTH!

[amysuen]

Cute cover Kari_mom!! Does your cover have seam allowance turned over only where the elastic is, or are all the edges turned? It looks like they're all turned, but maybe it's just me.

[Kari_mom]

Cute cover Kari_mom!! Does your cover have seam allowance turned over only where the elastic is, or are all the edges turned? It looks like they're all turned, but maybe it's just me.

Thanks!
No, your eyes were right, the edges are turned in all around except the back wings. I made this cover last summer and didn't have a serger. Not that I can serge that well yet anyway! I loved that cover, it's too small now. . But it still shows what I meant by adding a seam allowance to cover up the elastic.

[our3boys]

That is SOOOO cute. What pattern did you use?

Did you use 1/4 inch elastic? I had been wondering if the seam allowance would have enough fabric to go the "distance" when it is folded over. I am thinking the fleece had enough stretch to compensate??? Maybe the wool would also since that area is slightly on the bias??

[Kari_mom]

Thanks. It is my own pattern, based on a combo of features I liked best from some covers I owned.

I used 1/4" swimsuit elastic pulled tight but not as tight as I could. I like to zig-zag it to the seam allowance before I turn and stitch, but you could also just tack the ends.

I am not sure I completely understood your question, but I think you were asking if the fabric in the leg area can stretch further with the elastic. It doesn't need to stretch beyond the elastic gathers, really. You are building in the stretch with the elastic and you are also putting in shaping, like an invisible gusset, so that the cover wraps around the diaper to the leg. If the cover was stretched completely out again, it would flatten and the cover would gap.

I hope that answered your question. What kind of wool fabric are you using, btw?

[our3boys]

Your cover looks like the syle I want to make. I have a mix of wool - I have some very heavy navy wool that is from *real* navy 1940's sailor pants (they feel wonderful, anybody know if they might be itchy after wearing a while?), and a lot of different kinds of sweaters. Those I am not so worried about, b/c most of them have stretch. They were going to be my "testers". I also found a wonderful thick navy Donna Karan wool at the fabric store yesterday. It also has some stretch, so the leg elastic would not be so much of an issue. I think the weave is tight enough to serge the edges reliably also, like you had suggested.

The issue with the (non-stretch) navy wool is that since the leg area is a curve, the cut edge would be smaller than the stitching line when it is folded over. Then I would get "gathers" or little folds as I was sewing. But I think if I use 1/4" elastic and stretch it tight like you did, and with the slight "give" of the fabric by not being completely on grain around the curve, I think it may all work out. How did you figure how long to make the leg elastic? I am afraid if I pull it too tight, the legs will be too small, but if I don't pull it enough, they will be too big. I think I will have to run some trials...

[Kari_mom]

Ahh, now I see. It isn't a problem really if the turned in seam allowance is smaller because you aren't trying to match edges. Be a tad generous in starting and stopping the seam allowance and it will be fine. And the length of elastic is determined mostly by the length of the leg curve and how hard you pull it. It will be stretched out a bit after sewing. I find it almost impossible to have it too tight with swimsuit elastic. I have WAHM diapers with lastin that I can't say the same about though, it does depend on the type of elastic I think.

Your wools sound wonderful. Have you washed them yet? I find washing and possibly felting makes a big difference in how they feel.

Good luck. Give it a go and let us know!

[our3boys]

Thanks. I think your idea of a seam allowance for the elastic legs and serging the other edges may be key. I had not allowed myself to think of doing *both* a hem and a serged finished edge in the same cover! Good to know on the elastic, too.
Yes, I have washed the wools I already own. Just not that one still at the fabric store. I think that would be my favorite. But it would cost a lot more, too.
I need to spend less time here and more time in my sewing room!! Then I'll get my husband to show me how to add pics.