Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is garment elastic used for in sewing?
- A: Garment elastic is used to create a stretchy gathered waistband on trousers and skirts, on sleeve and trouser cuffs, and in underwear and children's clothing. It keeps the garment fitted to the body while still being easy and comfortable to put on. It's typically made from polyester, nylon, and rubber or elastane fibres.
Q: What width of elastic should you choose for waistbands and cuffs?
- A: Narrower elastic (up to about 1 cm) is suitable for cuffs, children's clothing and delicate underwear. Medium and wider elastic (roughly 2 to 4 cm) works better for trouser and skirt waistbands, where you need a firmer, more stable gather. Choose the width based on how much hold and support you need.
Q: What's the difference between knitted, woven and silicone elastic?
- A: Knitted elastic is soft and narrows when stretched, making it suitable for waist casings. Woven elastic is firmer, keeps its width even when stretched, and can be stitched through, so it works well for sturdy waistbands. Silicone elastic has a non-slip strip on the surface and is used where the garment mustn't slide, for example along hems.
Q: How do you wash elastic-trimmed garments so the elastic keeps its stretch?
- A: Wash elastic-trimmed garments at a lower temperature, ideally no higher than 40°C, since high heat from washing and drying gradually breaks down the elasticity of the fibres. Avoid high-heat tumble drying and harsh bleach. With gentle washing, good-quality elastic will keep its stretch for a long time.
Q: Can garment elastic be ironed?
- A: It's best not to iron garment elastic directly, as high heat can damage the elastic fibres and cause it to lose its stretch. If you need to iron the garment near the elastic, use a lower temperature and iron through a cloth. If in doubt, follow the care symbols for the specific material.
Q: How do you choose a good-quality elastic that won't stretch out?
- A: Good-quality elastic springs back to its original length after stretching and doesn't lose its shape. When choosing, consider the intended use: pick woven elastic with a higher proportion of elastic fibres for a sturdy waistband, and a softer knitted elastic for delicate pieces. Avoid elastic that's too thin for anything that needs to hold up under long-term strain.
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