Elastic in Notions & Sewing Accessories

What is the difference between braided and knit elastic?

Braided, or woven, elastic and knit elastic can both be used for sewing, but they do serve different purposes. Knit elastic is softer and maintains its width when stretched out, while braided elastic is ribbed and more heavy-duty than knit. Braided elastic works well for items that will see a lot of wear and tear, whereas knit elastic is ideal for waistbands in clothing.

How long should my elastic be?

In order to determine how long your elastic should be, you first need to have the measurements of the item you're sewing. Once you have taken that measurement, simply deduct 2 to 4 inches from that to figure out how long your elastic should be. The width of the elastic band can be as thin or as thick as you'd like, though it's most common to be somewhere in the middle with either a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch thickness.

Can I sew directly on elastic?

It is perfectly fine to sew directly on elastic, putting stitches into the elastic itself. The best stitches to sew elastic with are either a zig-zag or a stretch stitch, as the elastic will be stretching as you sew it. If your elastic breaks or comes undone, you can simply stitch over it or cut another piece.