Photo credit to Tailor Made Shop!
Learn all about elastic! We dive into different types of elastic, and which ones you should be using for your next project. Plus, we share our top tips for sewing with elastic, along with our favourite elastic sources!
Love to Sew episodes mentioned:
- Episode 162: Sewing Undies
- Episode 138 : Thread
- Episode 53: Bra-Making with Emerald Erin
- Episode 47: Sewing Swimwear
Braided Elastic – it is best used for casings and channeling
Braided Elastic – Blackbird Fabrics
Knit Elastic – use knit elastic for casings, undies, or boxer shorts!
Knit Elastic – From Strap Crafts
Woven Elastic- works best for outerwear, workwear, pants, etc.
Blackbird Fabrics Soft Woven Elastic
Clear Elastic from Emerald Erin Shop
Swimwear Elastic – there are cotton/rubber or all rubber types!
Cotton & Rubber Swimwear Elastic from Blackbird Fabrics
Rubber Swimwear Elastic from Blackbird Fabrics
Lingerie Elastic:
Picot Elastic from Tailor Made Shop
Strap Elastic from Tailor Made Shop
1/4 elastic from Tailor Made Shop
Fold Over Elastic from Emerald Erin Shop
Decorative / Fashion Elastic – elastic that is often added as a visual element to a garment
Fashion Elastic from Pacific Trimming
Elastic Cording and Thread:
- Heavier cords are best used for button loops or narrow casings
- Thinner cords work great for jewelry making but are not recommended for garment sewing.
- Elastic thread is used in your bobbin and it can be used to create a smocking or shirring effect.
Elastic Cording from Dritz
Elastic Thread from YarnShop4U on Etsy
Buttonhole Elastic from CharmCraftStore on Etsy
Drawcord/drawstring elastic – popular in sportswear!
Drawcord Elastic from The Sewing Place
Elastic options for mask-making:
- Lingerie elastic
- Elastic cording
- Knit fabric
Different ways to insert an elastic:
Helen’s Closet has a whole blog tutorial on hacking the Winslow Culottes with an elastic waist!
Where to Buy Elastics Online:
- Your local fabric shop!
- Emerald Erin
- Bra-Makers Supply
- Blackbird Fabrics
- Wawak
- Cleaner’s Supply
- Pacific Trimming
- Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics
- Fancy Tiger Crafts
- Etsy
- Dressew
Sewing patterns mentioned in this episode:
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Loved this episode. But I have a question: Which kind of elastic is best for cutting width-wise? I have a big roll of 2″ elastic (I believe it’s knit) that I often cut down to narrower widths and I think it’s been working out.
Thanks for your question, Karina! We would not recommend cutting the width down on elastic. In a desperate situation, we recommend serging or using a zigzag stitch on the cut edge. For the type of elastic, it will depend a lot on where it’s from and the specific construction, so testing a small piece to see if it frays is the best way to go!
Hello lovely ladies, great episode as usual, thank you! I went looking for woven elastic in my very large local store, but couldn’t find it unfortunately. However there were heaps of other elastics I had no idea about – can you please do a follow up on these at some stage? I found loom elastic, high density elastic and ribbed elastic (all in various widths) and I wasn’t sure what category they would fall into. Thank you very much for your help!
Irina, thanks so much for your message! Duly noted on doing a round 2 of elastic on the show
I leave in Portugal I need to buy picot elastic for swimming wear can you tell me where can I order in European Union in Uk now is difficult as we buy so much on customs please let me know which country I can i find your product
Thank you
Alda Carvalho
Alda, thanks so much for getting in touch! Our knowledge of UK elastic suppliers is limited by we did notice some small business options on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/search?q=picot+elastic&locationQuery=2635167