Ribbed waist with no drawstring?

[lyttlewon]

I wanted to leave my ribbed waist without a drawstring, I have two inches of 2x2 ribbing, because DS unties his soakers/longies. Does this work? Do their pants stay on?

[cinnamonamon]

Occasionally...did you use a smaller needle when you knit the ribbing? Many people do the curly purly waistband when they want to go no-tie.

You could also thread the drawstring in backwards & tie it in back.

[frogger]

you can also do the no strings attached waistband

[lyttlewon]

I knit on two sizes smaller than my gauge. I have done elastic and it isn't too bad. I was trying to get away with no sewing on this pair of shorties.

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by cinnamonamon

Occasionally...did you use a smaller needle when you knit the ribbing? Many people do the curly purly waistband when they want to go no-tie.

You could also thread the drawstring in backwards & tie it in back.

Is the difference with the curly purly that it uses short rows? That is a good idea about tying in the back.

[cinnamonamon]

Originally Posted by lyttlewon

Is the difference with the curly purly that it uses short rows? That is a good idea about tying in the back.

curly purly can use short rows or not, but it's big think is a lengthy waistband with a graduated ribbing & 3-4 different needle sizes. check out her site & look at some pics to see what I mean.

[Marlet]

I don't think they stay up well on my kiddos. Have you tried the enclosed elastic waistband like on the picky pants? No sewing needed except for 5 stitches at the very end and its just a simple whip stitch. I love it!

[liawbh]

It depends a lot on the yarn you use. A super soft merino will stretch out quickly and fall down. If you wash after every wear, it might work.

A sturdier yarn, and going down 2-4 needle sizes will help. BFL, Peace Fleece, FIsherman's, LTK Farm Yarn, etc. will all stay tight longer than merino.

Also, you can do fewer stitches for the waist, then increase for the hips.

The Perfection Pants pattern works well for staying up, and I usually don't need a string.

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by liawbh

It depends a lot on the yarn you use. A super soft merino will stretch out quickly and fall down. If you wash after every wear, it might work.

A sturdier yarn, and going down 2-4 needle sizes will help. BFL, Peace Fleece, FIsherman's, LTK Farm Yarn, etc. will all stay tight longer than merino.

Also, you can do fewer stitches for the waist, then increase for the hips.

The Perfection Pants pattern works well for staying up, and I usually don't need a string.

Thank you. I do have super soft merino that I am using right now.

[MamaFern]

i find 2x2 ribbing (though it looks lovely) isn't nearly as functional as 1x1 ribbing.. it does stretch out. i've been knitting 1x1 ribbing on my pants/soakers lately with smaller needles, usually a 2mm or so.. it really makes the stretch a lot better, and it doesn't require a drawstring then.

[mommyddeville]

With the one ply merino, I'd use a tie in the back. It just stretches out incredibly quickly. But I've had great luck with the curly purly waistband for my kids. I've made soakers for both kids with that pattern, and they stay up without any ties.

[mehndi mama]

I usually do an enclosed elastic waistband, or use the no strings attached method linked above if I've already knitted the ribbing waistband and don't feel like starting over.