Is it bad to only tack elastic down?

[lhowlett]

Whenever I put elastic in diapers I tack it down on both sides on the seam allowance. Is that ok? I haven't had any break in the almost 2 years we've been doing this, but would they be a lot stronger if I sewed down the whole length? Oh and I don't use Lastin. I have it but never got the hang of it. It just seems so brittle to me. Anyway
Leslie

[ReneeC]

It's how I did my elastic when I started. I haven't had any of those dipes' elastic break either, I just find I get a more even, reliable gather when I sew the entire length with a 3-step zig-zag.

I don't use Lastin either...it always breaks or tears on me.

[jessielove]

I prefer a sewn down elastic personally, but I think it's just a matter of personal preference. Tacking the elastic and sewing a casing isn't bad at all. If it works for you, go for it

It wouldn't work with Lastin though. IIRC Lastin has to be sewn down, not just tacked down. Something about it being too brittle to have all of the stress concentrated in two areas, I think.

[momof_3_boys]

I think it's a matter of personal preference, as well. If it's working for you, keep on doin' it!

I personally like the look of elastic that has been sewn in a 3-step zig-zag, but in a hurry, I've also made diapers with the elastic racked down at the ends only. And I have never had a problem doing it either way.

Whatever works for you, Mama!

[mommy2gunnar]

I love to just tack the ends of the elastic and sew a casing around it. I looks so much nicer than sewing the length of the elastic and just leaving it. Plus I think it makes the layers of the diaper stay in place better. I even took some of my commercial diapers and sewed a casing around the elastic on them because I hated the way the inner fabric bunched up on the outside of the leg.