Ughghghghgh

[NamastePlatypus]

I HATE ELASTIC!

WHY is it not working for me? when I sew it in it scrunches, a little ( I am pulling it as tight as it will go) and then when I go and stich next to it, and it is like it is non exisitint::::: I am so sick of it! ( I am making diaps) How do I make it scrunch real tight? And HOW to I line the two fabrics together well after it is scrunched? I hope this makes sense cause I am about to KILLLLL something!

[kbstanley3]

What kind of elastic are you using? If you're using lastin, make sure you're using 3/8" for anything more than two pieces fabric (and if it's two pieces of thick fabric, like 2mm PUL and mfleece, then it needs to be 3/8" too). If you're using stretchrite elastic, then are you using the knit or the braided? I seem to have more stretchiness when I use the braided rather than the knit. Also, how far away from the elastic are you making your casing? I find that if my casing is too close to the elastic, then it loses some of it's elasticity.

[Teddy'sMom]

This may seem obvious, but you are stretching out the elastic as you go to sew next to it (make the casing), right?

[ReneeC]

"Yeah that" to what's been said already...also--you don't want to stretch the elastic out *all the way* and sew it down like that. IME, it sucks all the stretch right out of it (I think because it puts too much stress on the elastic). You only want to use about 80-90% of the stretch. Tack down the end, stretch the elastic all the way and release a little bit of the stretch (it is easier to judge 90% of the stretch going "backwards" rather than "forwards," if that makes any sense) and then sew it down. AND--what stitch are you using? A 3-step zig-zag will give the best gather.

I actually leave the casings off of my dipes. I only topstitch the "tummy panel" and the "wings". The finish is softer, and it prevents accidentally catching the elastic in your casing (which will take all the stretch out of it).


What do you mean by lining the fabrics up after it is scrunched?? I'm not totally sure what you're describing by that

[love2bmom]

I have some free Quicktime video tutorials on sewing elastic on diapers on my website. They should apply to just about any pattern - except casings.
http://diaperkit.com/catalog/index.p...ewing-help.htm

[NamastePlatypus]

That is awesome, I NEED A SERGER!!!:

[love2bmom]

Originally Posted by NamastePlatypus

That is awesome, I NEED A SERGER!!!:

For the elastic?

[crazycandigirl]

Originally Posted by ReneeC

\
I actually leave the casings off of my dipes. I only topstitch the "tummy panel" and the "wings". The finish is softer, and it prevents accidentally catching the elastic in your casing (which will take all the stretch out of it).

:

[NamastePlatypus]

Originally Posted by love2bmom

For the elastic?

for the finishing.

[love2bmom]

That's what I figured You can put elastic on with a serger, but I've never been very happy with the way it comes out.