If you are not sure what elastic to use on your sewing project, we are here to help! Today, we are here to teach you the different types of elastics for sewing and when to use them.
Can you imagine your life as a sewer, sewing your favorite projects without elastics? How about making yoga pants or maternity pants without elastic waistbands? Think about those swimsuits, surgical garments, socks, or gowns without the ability to stretch.
Elastic gives us comfort, and a fantastic fit, and provides room for the stretch-ability of our clothes.
What is Elastic?
Elastic is a stretchy and narrow fabric made with a flexible substance. It is manufactured by weaving, knitting or braiding together strands of rubber, latex, or other pliable material that can be stretched and returned to its original shape. Because of the different types available, it is essential for you to know which type of elastic is right for your project.
The Different Types of Sewing Elastic
Braided Elastic
Braided elastic, the cheapest type of elastic, narrows when stretched and is lightweight. If you think your project will get heavy use, then it is better to use braided elastic because it has a longer life expectancy than other types of elastics. It is mostly used in casings but it is not recommended to be sewn directly to your fabric because it will lose its stretch over time.
Knit Elastic
If you prefer a soft kind of elastic, knit elastic is a perfect choice! Aside from being soft, it is also comfortable to use. Knit elastic is shrink-resistant and does not narrow when stretched. It can be used in a casing or can be sewn directly to the fabric without losing its stretch. It is an excellent choice for your wash-and-wear project. An example of this is your pajama pants.
Woven Elastic
Another type of elastic that is stronger than braided and knit elastic is the woven elastic. It is the thickest kind of elastic that does not narrow when stretched, thus, making it an excellent choice when sewing heavy-weight projects. Woven elastic will retain the stretch when sewn directly onto fabric. It is also suitable for casings.
Foldover Elastic
Fold-over elastic (also called FOE) is a flat, thin elastic that has a line along the center that makes it easier to be folded in half. It is used to finish edges on stretch fabrics or garments just like athletic apparel or swimsuits. FOE is typically used for making undies, and baby diapers and can be an alternative for finishing necklines. It comes in varieties of colors and unique patterns so you can choose which one is suitable for your desired project. It does not narrow when stretched.
Lingerie Elastic
There are other types of elastic, too, such as swimwear elastic, baby elastic, clear elastic, buttonhole elastic, elastic thread, and even drawstring elastic. We will cover these in a later article but I just wanted to introduce you to the basics now.
I love fold-over elastic, it’s soft and comfortable so I use it a lot for making underwear. Another type I like is the clear stuff (I’m ancient and don’t remember what it’s called ????) as it’s great for athletic wear and swimwear. You can just fold it under the fabric edge, fold it a second time so it’s completely enclosed, then stitch-away with twin needles. I suppose you could use it in underwear too, but I don’t know how it would hold up considering underwear is washed and dried so frequently. Think I’m going to stay with FOE for my undies.
Thanks for the picture of foldover elastic. After reading about it uses, I looked for it in regular packaged elastics and was unable to find it. It never occurred to me to look for it in another area.
Good information to have. I have all sorts of elastic but never quite sure which would work best in a particular situation, unless pattern asked for a specific type. Thanks. Looking forward to part two, where you cover the rest.
Very useful information, thank you for posting!
This is so useful to know, thanks. Pinning
Before reading this, I only knew of the braided elastic. Thanks so much, the information here is going to be very useful.
I have been sewing for 50 years and I learned more today about elastic and which types can be sew on. Love it!
You are welcome 🙂
Very useful information. Thanks, Mayra! Keep updating more about such stuff.
You are welcome Eli! 🙂
Great info on Elastic Types.
I never knew exactly which elastic was to be used in some projects, and now I have a better understanding of them. Thanks Mayra.
Great information about elastic and I look forward to your next episode. One thing I learned about elastic is that if you don’t have the correct width, if the elastic has ribs you can cut down the length of the elastic along the rib to get your desired size and it doesn’t unravel. Always test a piece first to be sure but this tip has saved me many times eliminating the need to run to the store and waste time making my garment!
Thanks for sharing this great tip and happy sewing, Mayra
I wish I had internet when I was young. your articles are so helpful and the explanations make it easier to remember the tips. thank you
You are welcome, Pam 😉
Great info…simple too!
Do you think you think it would be possible to outline attachment methods?
Many thanks…..
Great idea Marg!
Interesting Article, thank you for sharing your expertise!
Mayra, you have given me a great idea to put together a handout and do a lesson on the different kinds of elastic with my 4-H girls, this is really needed, thank you!
You are welcome Tami, let me know how you go.
Thank you! Great info. Looking forward to the next set too.
Most welcome!
Starting a file folder just for stuff from your website. Info is always so helpful and I love your patterns
Thank you, Pat!
I love your style of explainations- and with pics- yahoo
Thank you so much!
Finally, a good explanation of elastic for this beginner!
Thanks.
Thank you. Elastic has been mysterious to me. I look forward to the next episode.
Very helpful information, Mayra. Thanks!
Thank you Pam!