How to Measure Elastic for a Waistband

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Plus, a guide to different styles of elastic
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If you've ever made a pair of pants or shorts that were too tight, your elastic measurement may have been off. You'll need to accurately measure around your waist and decide how tight or loose your garment should fit. Once you've customized your fit, you can easily sew the elastic into the waistband casing or directly onto the fabric.

Measuring Elastic for Your Waist

  1. Measure your waist with a fabric tape measure.
  2. Subtract 2 inches (5 cm) and cut your elastic with scissors.
  3. Pin the elastic around your waist to test for comfort.
  4. Sew the ends of the elastic together with a zig-zag stitch to use in shorts or pants.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Taking the Measurement

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    Decide how high you want your garment to sit on your waist and wrap a fabric measuring tape around your waist at that point. You might wrap the tape measure around your waist at a point about 3 inches (8 cm) below your navel for traditional low-rise pants, for instance. Then, read the measurement. [1]
    • If you don't have a fabric measuring tape, wrap a string or piece of yarn around your waist. Then, use a ruler to measure the length of string.

    Tip: Try to wear pants or a skirt that fits close to your skin and remove any bulky jackets or tops that might make it difficult to take an accurate measurement.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    Once you have your waist measurement, remove the measuring tape and subtract 2 inches (5.1 cm) from it. Unwrap a length of your elastic and mark a length of elastic based on your measurement. Then, cut the adjusted measurement. [2]
    • For example, if your waist measurement was 30 inches (76 cm), subtract 2 inches (5.1 cm) to get an elastic measurement of 28 inches (71 cm).
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    Now take the elastic and wrap it where your garment's waistband will fall. Pin the ends of the elastic with sewing pins and then wear it for several minutes. If it feels comfortable, you can begin sewing your waistband. If it's uncomfortable, adjust the elastic size and try it on again. [3]
    • If the elastic slides down too much, cut the elastic shorter. You may need to cut an extra 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) off of the elastic.
    • If the elastic is too tight, move it higher up on your waist or use a longer piece of elastic.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    Since you'll want the elastic band to be flush against your waist, don't overlap the ends before you sew them together. Instead, place a small piece of excess fabric from your project underneath the elastic band ends. Then, press the ends together and zigzag stitch them so they're attached to the excess fabric.
    • Trim off the excess fabric before you pin the elastic to your waistband and sew it in place using a zigzag stitch.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    If you've made casing, which is like a fabric tunnel, you'll need to attach a big safety pin to 1 end of the elastic. Close the safety pin and hold the non-pinned end outside of the casing while you feed the pinned end through it. It will be easier to feel and pull the safety pin than just the end of the elastic. [4]
    • Once the elastic is completely through the casing, remove the safety pin and gather the ends together so they overlap by 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm). Then, sew the ends together using a zigzag stitch before you sew the casing closed with a straight stitch.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Elastic for the Waistband

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    If you're making a loose skirt or lightweight shorts, for instance, pick knit elastic since it's very stretchy. This flexible elastic is really soft so it's also great if you plan on sewing the elastic waistband directly onto your fabric. [5]
    • You can also use knit elastic if you're sewing the waistband into a casing.
    • Avoid using braided elastic for waistbands, since this type of elastic quickly loses its stretchiness and doesn't hold its shape well.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Measure Elastic for a Waistband
    Woven elastic is stronger than knit elastic, but it's not as soft. This can make it a better choice for heavier fabrics, such as khaki or denim. [6]
    • If you like, you can sew woven elastic into a casing or directly onto fabric.
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    If you're inserting the elastic waistband into a casing, you'll probably want standard white elastic since it won't be visible. If you're sewing the waistband directly onto the fabric, decide if you want to buy fashion elastic that comes in bright colors or patterns. [7]
    • For example, if you can buy striped, polka dot, animal print, or a variety of colored elastic.
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    Although elastic comes in several widths, you'll probably want the elastic to be between 3 ⁄ 4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide. Keep in mind that the width will vary depending on whether you're sewing it directly onto the fabric or into casing. [8]
    • For example, if you're sewing an exposed waistband, you might want it to be over 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
    • If you're making clothes for kids, get elastic that's closer to 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide.

    Tip: Think about how high you'll want the garment to sit on your waist. For most adults, narrow elastic that's around 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) may cut into the skin or be more likely to twist if it's low on the waist.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long should the elastic be to go in a waistband?
    Margo West
    Professional Tailor
    Margo West is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Margo West Bridal Alterations in Dallas, Texas. She is renowned for her expertise in bridal alterations, custom wedding gowns, wedding-related design, and pattern making. Her 44 years of bridal experience has earned her the prestigious WeddingWire Brides Choice Award, Couples Choice Award 2013-2019, and The Knot Best of Weddings 2018-2020. Margo was also featured in House of Diffa 2018 Jacket Collection and Modern Luxury Brides Magazine 2020. She will launch her new bridal gown collection for fall 2021.
    Margo West
    Professional Tailor
    Expert Answer
    The elastic for a waistband should be approximately 2" smaller than your waist measurement.
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  • Question
    How do you replace an elastic waistband?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You’ll need to use a seam ripper to remove any stitching that’s holding the elastic in place, and then use scissors or your seam ripper to cut a small hole in the casing around the elastic. Pull out the old elastic band, then attach a safety pin to the end of a new band and thread it through the casing. Sew the ends of the new band together, then sew up the hole you made in the casing.
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  • Question
    How do you shrink an elastic waistband?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If the waistband isn’t sewn into the material, you can make a cut in the casing, pull the waistband to the desired length, and tie or resew the ends. If the waistband is stitched in place and can’t be easily removed, thread a new elastic into the casing alongside the original, then stitch or tie it off so it’s smaller than the original waistband.
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      • If you can't measure a child's waist before cutting the elastic, search online for average waist measurements by size. You'll find charts that show waist measurements from 6 months to 5T.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Elastic
      • Fabric measuring tape
      • Scissors
      • Sewing machine and thread
      • Safety pin

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/-FZp7maVc_E?t=23
      2. ↑ Margo West. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/6_145_elastic_notion_that_gives.pdf
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/vS5b7X-xX4Y?t=68
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/7I74aZPHELE?t=59
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/7I74aZPHELE?t=83
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/7I74aZPHELE?t=156
      8. ↑ https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C234/welcome.html

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