Where do I sew elastic?

[muttix2]

I'm sorry for all these questions, I know I've asked like 100. I'm now on the elastic and I have no idea where to sew it. I'm using this pattern and the picture isn't close enough for me to tell. So, do I put the stitches in the middle of the elastic or along the top of it?

[beepsmnms]

For the legs, I put the elastic on the seam about 1 to 1 1/2 inch below the tabs that connect to the back of the diaper. For the back elastic i start the elastic on the seam again about 2 1/2 -3 inches from the end of the diaper tabs. Make sense? Don't forget to pull the elastic taut while your zigzagging it, I pull my especially tight on the back and NOT so taut on the legs. My daughter has fat legs. HTH.

[amberthesugarcat]

I always try to stitch in the middle of the elastic, but if I get off on the side at times I don't worry as long as I have some of the elastic caught in the stitch. I do a tight zigzag to tack the elastic down at one end, and then I switch to a 3-step zigzag to sew it down, pulling the elastic tightly. At the other end I again tack it down with the tight zigzag stitch.

You can also make casings. Just figure out how much elastic you will need and tack down each end with a zigzag stitch. Then turn the diaper rightside out and change to a straight stitch. Start stitching at one end of the elastic, pull the elastic tightly, and then stitch next to the elastic, being careful to not catch it in your stitches. Finish off by backstitching on the other end of the elastic.

I prefer casings usually because I think they are more gentle on the legs, plus they look cute. But either way works great.

Hope this helps!

[muttix2]

Thanks

[Clarinet]

Can I add to this question?

How long a piece of elastic do you use?
Where should I measure on my baby to see how long I will need it?