lastin snapped!!!!

[wannabe]

Help!

I bought something that looks just like Lastin from Jo-anns, and was making my second work of recycled T-shirt art with elastic casings for the leg elastic (so the elastic is just tacked at each end, rather than sewn along it's length), and the elastic snapped! I tripped out from the last point of sewing (ie the hole the thread made got bigger and bigger and ripped.

Is this going to happen with lastin that's simply tacked or is what I bought a cheap imitation? And if that's what lastin will do, what other elastic will hold up well to washing?

This is what I bought http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?C...&source=search

[BirthFree]

Both. You're not supposed to just tack Lastin at the ends (from what I know) and I have heard HORRIBLE things about the rendition that JoAnn's has (lame I know, b/c that means I have to order mine too).

Hope that helps a bit.
~Julie

[wannabe]

Thanks, it does help - saves me ordering some and then waiting for it and having the same issue.

Swimwear elastic should work, shouldn't it? And it would hold up to the tacking...

[cuddlebug]

I use lastin, and I havn't had any of it snap. I use the three stitch zig-zag all along it, and I haven't had any snap yet, so I would guess you got a horrible imatation.

[BirthFree]

I think so. Nothing is as stretchy as Lastin though. I have used just regular woven elastic when tacking and it's been fine too. I'm still waiting on my Lastin order.

[wannabe]

I had a bit of a brainwave - if I can be bothered, I could zig zag the imitation lastin to a strip of fabric, and then tack that.

depends how badly I want to avoid going to the shop, I suppose...

[tippytoes26]

yup.. both..

"clear" elastic sucks but lastin brand is great (there are also different thicknesses of lastin, so be wary if you order from a co-op). And, just tacking the ends puts too much stress on those two end points. I don't like it tacked down anyway because it leaves marks on my baby that way.. it sort of rolls in onitself and then creats more of a string. But sewn in with a three stop zig zag.. it's my favorite elastic.

btw.. if you have a hobby lobby close, ours carried lastin.

[Jayneysews]

You mustn't just tack lastin on the ends,it NEEDS a three step zig zag all they way along the piece,with a little straight stitch at either end!!
Woven elastic is great just tacked down at either end though,and I have heard to avoid lookie likie lastin and make sure you get the right thing!!
I have used both,watch this space in three weeks when my baby gets here to tell you which I prefer in use!
I prefer to SEW with the lastin though!
Good luck,let us know how you get along!!

[Granny Anny]

When you sew Lastin with a 3-step ZigZag, how tight do you pull the Lastin? If I pull it as tightly as possible, it ends up kind of curled around the stitching. What's your technique?

[BirthFree]

You don't have to pull as tightly as possible (like you would do for a woven or braided elastic) when you sew with lastin... just pretty firm. It stretches amazingly far.

[wannabe]

Anny, I pull the elastic only just a bit further than I want it to stretch when it's on, if you know what I mean - I don't want it super tight around her legs, but I also don't want it flapping around and letting poo out.

I'm going to get some swimwaer elastic tomorrow - I made some fitteds at xmas time, and they didn't wash well where the elastic was sewn in, so I'm making a casing to allow better washing (hopefully). Plus I love the kind of gusset it makes.

[Jayneysews]

It is also a good thing to pull the lastin quite a bit BEFORE actually sewing,it kinda pre stretches it,which is vital I gather,then yep,don't pull too hard when stitching

[Jayneysews]

PUL Wet Bags

Hi,I want to make two wet bgs for being out and about for dirty nappies,and a couple of smaller ones for washable cloth wipes ,so that I can take wet ones around with me too.
Anyone have any dimensions they would care to share which have worked well when you have made them,and generally any tips?
PUL for me in the UK is like gold dust,so I want them to be just right

TIA

Jayne