Types of Elastic
Designer: Marcia Spencer
Instagram: @keechiibstyle
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There are so many varieties of elastic and so many uses for them. Elastic waistbands and openings provide ease and comfort in a garment. You usually find them in easy wear pieces, loungewear and underwear. Elastic is one of the easiest finishings you can add to your garment. However, choosing the right one for your project may not be so easy. Check out these tips and suggestions on choosing the correct elastic for your next creation!
*All the following OLFA Tools work great for cutting elastic
OLFA TOOLS:
- OLFA 5-Inch SCS-1 Serrated -Edge Stainless Steel Scissors
- OLFA 7-Inch SCS-2 Serrated-Edge Stainless Steel Scissors
- OLFA RM-MG 24" X 36" Green Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat
WOVEN
Woven elastic is great for medium to heavy weight fabrics. It is a strong durable elastic which is often referred to as “no-roll elastic” because it doesn’t roll in casing as some elastics will. It has visible vertical lines and horizontal strips. This elastic will maintain its elasticity when pictured with needles so it makes it great for casing and sewing through it. It's often used in more heavy duty projects and clothing like coats, bags and home decorations.
KNIT
Knit elastic is a soft stable knit that works well for projects with exposed elastic because it can be worn against the skin. It can also be sewn if needed or used in casing. It's great for hair accessories, stretch knit garments and pajamas
BRAIDED
This is the most common elastic. It has horizontal ribs that run parallel to its length. The ribs make the elastic narrow when it is stretched. It loses elasticity when punctured by needles so, it's not best to sew through it. Braided elastic is best used in casing for pants and sleeves.
FOLD OVER ELASTIC (FOE)
Fold Over Elastic is my favorite! Mainly because it comes in so many colors but its super useful too! Outside of sewing I love this elastic to make quick ponytail holders and headbands. This is a elastic that has a seam down the middle to help it fold over. There is a shiny side and a matte side. Fold Over Elastic can also be used like bias binding but because it's stretchy it has added stretch and recovery. It can also be used for underwear, bras, cloth diapers and bathing suits.
SWIM ELASTIC
Swim Elastic iis special type of elastic! It is a narrow braided elastic made with cotton which is great for swimwear because it resists chlorine, saltwater, and sunscreen. Swim elastic is easily recognizable by it yellowish natural coloring.
LINGERIE ELASTIC
Lingerie elastic is a knit elastic that is soft and flexible. It can conform to the body which makes it great for intimate wear and pieces worn against the skin. Lingerie elastic is also good for headbands for this very reason. Most of the time this elastic will come with a decorative edge resembling a scalloped edge or decorative loops. It adds a delicate touch to lingerie.
TWILL ELASTIC
Twill elastic is another form of woven elastic! This elastic is often used for swimwear, hair bonnets, dresses, wigs, waistbands, belts, jeans, furniture covers and more! Twill elastic is a non-rolling, curl-resistant elastic that won’t be damaged by machine needles so they can be sewn or used in casing.
CLEAR ELASTIC
Another special elastic is clear elastic. This is a thin, clear elastic that camouflages easily with any skin tone or color fabric. It can be tricky to sew but It stretches 3 to 4 times its original length and it can be sewn through without destroying its elasticity. Clear elastic is great for stabilizing seams. Most often it used for neckbands, shoulder seams, and waistbands.
