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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 02 2008 : 11:49:34 PM
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Assuming your making an elastic waist (the method would be the same anyway), measure your elastic to the length you want it and stitch the ends together to form a circle. Now divide the elastic into four with pins, equally spaced apart. Do the same with the waist, divide it into four. Match up the pins on the elastic to the pins on the wrong side of the waistband. Use a wide zigzag stitch and gently stretch the elastic to fit the lycra as you stitch. Then turn the waistband to the inside over the elastic and using a zigzag stitch again, gently stretch out the fabric just until it's smooth. A zigzag stitch might seem a strange way to finish a seam, but when it gathers in on itself, it's not noticeable.
Hems are a whole other story and difficult at best with lycra. I would strongly suggest if you're going to be sewing with lycra alot, to purchase an even-feed foot for your sewing machine. The lycra must be fed through evenly and without stretching or you will end up with a wavy hemline (done that lots!!). Lycra doesn't fray, so you only need to turn it under once. If you have a serger, you can serge the entire hemline with a short stitch length and then use the serging as a guide for turning under. The serging helps to stabilize the stretch as you hem, too.
Hope this helps Peggy. I've sewed tons of lycra dance dresses and love the way they flow.
Di
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hemming stretch fabric
