I really really *really* hate hidden elastic

[rebeccalizzie]

I sewed together 4 diapers last night. The pattern that I'm using calls for hidden elastic, and I just plain hate doing it! I've tried just sewing it to the outer layer, and then it's impossible to sew the layers together without lots of cussing. I've tried tacking it down at both ends and then stretching it out and sewing it in, and that is at least a little easier, but I end up totally missing the elastic at least once per dipe, and having to go back and re-sew that section. I tried using polybraid instead of Lastin because I can feel it between the layers more easily, but I keep thinking that the Lastin is going to be more comfy for babe (since I *can't* feel it...assuming babe won't be able to either). I'm about to start T and T'ing my diapers again so I can just sew it into the seam allowance again, but DH just got me this serger and he's sooo excited...I hate to quit using it. Besides, it's quick and easy, although I actually like the look of T & T better.

This is partially a vent...I think I've tried everything, and I'm stuck just learning how to do it. But any hints would be good too!!!

[discojoy]

When I cut out my diapers, I make 3 or 4 notches in the fabric along each section that has elastic. Then I sew the elastic to just the outer layer. Then when I sew the layers together, I match up all the notches and pin it like crazy. That way it's a lot easier to match up the elasticized with the non-elasticized. And much faster.

[happeeevraftr]

Well, for one thing, you can still use your serger and T&T. Just serge the right sides together instead of sewing--it makes a nice finished edge, even if it is on the inside. I've heard of dipes that were just straight stitched coming apart and I think either zigzagging or serging can help with that.

For elastic, I've only used polybraid, and I had a heck of a time practicing and learning how to do it, but the blind method really isn't so hard now--at least, with cooperative fabrics. And luckily my sherpa is cooperative. So is interlock. I had a harder time when I tried to do it with flannel, believe it or not, but I think that may have been because I already had stitching on the inside from the internal soaker pad I put there.

Anyway, for the blind method, you sew the elastic to both layers at the same time. You just slide it between the layers and tack it down on one end, then 3 step zigzag, SLOWLY (I've found it helpful to put my machine at half speed). Use your right hand to stretch the elastic between the layers, tugging it in the direction you want it to go (it's also helpful to have a line with fabric pen marking where you want the elastic so you can see as you sew. Use your left hand to pull on the elastic from the opposite side. Don't pull the fabric at all, just the elastic. Make sure you let the machine feed the fabric. Tack it down at the end and your done.

It is much easier to sew the layers together at the end if they are both sewn to the elastic.

[rebeccalizzie]

Hm, couple of good thoughts here. I'm going to try T & T'ing my next dipe with the serger, I think. I just feel ungrateful for not using it *all* the time, DH was sooo incredibly sweet to buy it for me!

Yeah, I sew too fast. Always. That's a good idea to turn my speed down--my machine also has variable speeds, so if I set it to half speed I *can't* sew too fast. I agree, it is just so much easier to sew the diaper together when I've done the hidden elastic thing, although T and T and then elastic in the seam allowance is the easiest of all (at least for the elastic part).

When I let the machine feed the fabric while doing elastic, it doesn't move! I have to pull it through. I always figured it was because I was pulling the elastic so hard, I was countering the action from the feed dogs. I pull the elastic straight back toward myself with my left hand and use my right hand to pull the whole diaper through the machine. But I'm definitely pulling fabric, not elastic. So do you leave a "tab" of elastic on the end you sew first, so you have something to grab and pull?

[Jillbob]

I hate doing hidden elastic too, there always seem to be parts that didn't catch and it's a pain. Now I sew a long straight stitch through all the layers next to where I want the elastic (towards the "inside" of the diaper, not the edge if that makes any sense). Then I pull apart the inner layer and attach the elastic just to the outer layer(s) as close to the straight stitch as I can get it. After it's serged you can pull out the straight stitch, I usually just leave it because I'm lazy lol.