elastic???

[ddschlr]

Having elastic prob. What type of elastic should
I be using? Please be specific.

Thanks!!!!

[Kari_mom]

What kind of diapers are you sewing and what kind of elastic are you using now? And do you have a three step zig-zag stitch on your machine?

[ddschlr]

I am sewing fitted diapers. They are stitched and turned. The outer layer is hemp and the inner cotton sherpa. I used a quarter inch swimsuit elastic and I just straight stitched. I believe I pulled it as tight as I could. I seems really whimpy.

Since I do not know what a three step zig zag is I am going to say no Please explain as I am in the market for a machine (I am borrowing)

Thanks

[tippytoes26]

Yup.. it totally depends on what you are making and your preferences. Sorry that's not much help

For a general elastic that is easy to get, I like a 1/4 inch knit elastic. You can get it at walmart.. it's by stretchrite. You can also get polybraid, but I feel like the return on it is too strong and it leaves marks for my dd (but some patterns like the VB pattern call for polybraid.. so it's totally a preference thing) . If you are ordering online, a really nice elastic that has a lot of stretch but the return on it isn't so strong but stronger than a knit elastic, is swimsuit elastic. I get mine from diapershop.com

You'll eventually figure out what works for you, so don't buy too much at once of any single kind. But overall, I'd say 1/4 inch wide elastic. Try some knit, some polybraid, and some swimsuit elastic if you can. Just get a couple of yards each (most diapers can be made with about 18 inches of elastic give or take so two yards will get you at least three diapers in most cases) so you can give each one a "stretch test" and see what you like with the pattern you are using.

There are others too, but those are the easiest to work with and find so stick with those for now.

Amber

[ddschlr]

Thanks I will check out Wal-mart.

[Kari_mom]

FWIW, I like 3/8" swimwear elastic for T&T fitteds. Quarter-inch is too wimpy for all those layers.

A three-step zig-zag looks like a regular zig-zag that takes three stitches for every one. So there are three stitches up the hill, three stitches down. It helps with elastic recovery and makes pretty, even gathers. Some manufacturers call it by other names.

If you don't have a three-step zig-zag, try a regular zig-zag. Straight stitches aren't stretchy enough for elastic sewing except if you just tack down the ends. So you could try tacking down the ends of the elastic on the seam allowance, turning the diaper right side out, and sewing a casing around the elastic.

One last thought. You don't have to make a whole diaper to test elastic techniques, playing with scraps layered together will give you some practice with different types first.

Good luck!

[CamsMama]

I use the 3 step zig zag on 1/4" poly braid elastic for all of my diapers (fitteds, pockets, aios). I really like stretchrite, but I bought some at a local fabric store that doesn't have a brand on the spool. It works just as well and is 15 cents or so cheaper per yard than stretchrite. I think the key is that it has good stretch and is polyester, not cotton. I agree that you should buy some and try it out on your material scraps to decide which you like better.