How to Insert Elastic Into Pant Legs

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Adding elastic to the hem of your pant legs is easier than it might seem. If you want to add an elastic band to the bottom of your pant legs, then the best option is to use a safety pin to work the elastic through. You can use this method to insert elastic into pants that you have made yourself or into an existing pair of pants.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Safety Pin to Insert Elastic

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  1. To create a casing for your elastic, you will need to hem your pants so that the elastic will have somewhere to go through. Start by folding over the bottom of your pants twice. [1]
    • Make sure that the area you fold over is wide enough for your elastic to fit into. Hold your elastic up against it to be sure.
  2. Next, sew along the edge of the hem to secure the casing. Make sure to leave a small gap in the opening that you can insert the elastic into when you are done. [2]
    • If you are inserting elastic into a pair of pants that has already been completed and has a wide enough hem to fit elastic into, then you will need to cut a small hole into the inside of the hem. Use a pair of scissors to snip a small slit across the inner layer of the hem and use this opening to insert your elastic into. [3]
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  3. When your casing is complete, attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic strip and secure it. Attaching a safety pin to the end of the elastic strip will provide an anchor for your elastic and make it easier to work it through your pant legs. [4]
    • Make sure that you attach the safety pin far enough away from the end of the elastic so that it will not slip out. You may even want to insert the pin through a couple of places in the elastic to be certain that it is secure.
  4. To work the elastic into the hem, insert the closed safety pin into the opening in your pant leg hem. Then, begin to work the elastic through the hem using the safety pin to move it along. [5] [6]
    • You will have to work slowly and move the safety pin through the hem just a little at a time. This may be easier or harder depending on the size of your casing and the material of your pants.
  5. When you get to the end, pull the safety pin out the other side and then remove it. Sew the two ends of your elastic band together by hand or using a sewing machine. [7] Then, use the sewing machine or a needle and thread to close up the opening that you inserted the elastic through.
    • Repeat the same process for the other pant leg.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Ensuring a Successful Project

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  1. To determine how much elastic to insert into your pant leg, try measuring the elastic around your ankle or around the ankle of the person who will wear the pants. This will help to ensure that your elastic pant leg hem will be a good fit. Wrap the elastic around the ankle without stretching it and then cut it about an inch past the area where the two ends meet. [8]
    • Keep in mind that you do not want to make your elastic bands too tight or too loose. Aim for a comfortable fit.
  2. As you work the elastic through the hem, make sure that the elastic does not get twisted. This could affect the look of your finished project. [9]
    • If the elastic does get twisted, then try to untwist it. If you cannot get it untwisted, then you may need to start over and try again.
  3. Using a larger safety pin may make your work go faster, but you cannot always use a large safety pin. The size of your casing will determine what size safety pin you can use. If you have wide casing, then you can go with a larger safety pin. If you have a small casing, then go with a small safety pin.
  4. Make sure that the safety pin does not open while you are working it through the casing. If it does, try to fasten it again without snagging the fabric. If you cannot get it fastened again, then pull the elastic out and start over.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I insert elastic?
    Korri Burton-Universe
    Professional Tailor
    Korri Burton-Universe is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Uncommon Closet, a custom clothing and tailor resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and those with body types often overlooked by major clothing chains and shops. Korri specializes in custom clothing, tailoring services, and wedding clothes for people of all identities, genders, races, and sizes. Uncommon Closet creates a safe space for people to find or make outfits that make them feel safe and powerful.
    Korri Burton-Universe
    Professional Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Cut a small hole in the inside hem of your pants so you can easily remove old elastic and slide the new piece in.
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  • Question
    How do I secure the elastic?
    Community Answer
    After you pull the elastic through the hem, you can hand stitch the two ends together; then you'll have to stitch the opening in the hem shut.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Pants
      • Elastic
      • Scissors
      • Sewing machine or needle and thread
      • Safety pins

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      References

      1. ↑ http://crazylittleprojects.com/2016/01/learn-to-sew-lesson-4-inserting-elastic.html
      2. ↑ http://crazylittleprojects.com/2016/01/learn-to-sew-lesson-4-inserting-elastic.html
      3. ↑ Korri Burton-Universe. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.
      4. ↑ http://crazylittleprojects.com/2016/01/learn-to-sew-lesson-4-inserting-elastic.html
      5. ↑ Korri Burton-Universe. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.
      6. ↑ http://crazylittleprojects.com/2016/01/learn-to-sew-lesson-4-inserting-elastic.html
      7. ↑ Korri Burton-Universe. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDWMHrWs4qQ
      9. ↑ Korri Burton-Universe. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to add an elastic band to the bottom of your pant legs, it’s easier than you may think! Fold over the bottom of your pants twice, making sure the area you fold over is wide enough for your elastic to fit into. Sew along the edge of the hem to secure the casing, leaving a small gap in the opening so you can insert the elastic into it. When the casing is complete, attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic strip and work it into the hem. Work the elastic all the way around until the safety pin comes out the other side. Then remove the safety pin and sew the ends of your elastic together. Finally, sew up the opening that you inserted the elastic through. To learn how to measure how much elastic you’ll need, keep reading!

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