Thursday Tip // Types of Elastic⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You know that feeling of walking into a fabric store and not knowing what the heck you are looking at? Whether it’s a lack of consistent labelling, similar things in different places, or just poor organization; as a beginner, trying to locate the correct notions for a project can be frustrating. When all the pattern tells you is the size of elastic, finding the right type can be especially difficult if you don’t really know what to look for. Here is some info about elastic to get you on the right track for your next project. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Braided elastic - parallel ribs that run the length of the elastic, becomes more narrow when stretched, loses some stretch when sewn so it is best used for casings and channeling eg. waistlines, necklines, sleeve hems⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Knit elastic - smooth in appearance, does not become more narrow when stretched and maintains resiliency when sewn. Best to use with light to medium weight fabrics eg. casings/waistlines, undies, boxer shorts⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Woven or “non-roll” elastic - has horizontal and vertical ribs, does not become more narrow when stretched, strongest garment elastic, does not lose resiliency when sewn. Ideal for heavy weight fabrics eg. outerwear, pants⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Specialty elastics:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clear elastic - transparent and light weight, use for gathering medium to lightweight knits or stabilizing seams (eg. necklines, shoulder seams)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Swimwear elastic (braided) - combination of cotton/rubber or 100% rubber, both are resistant to chlorinated water and salt.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lingerie - plush back for softness against the skin, eg. picot, strap, fold over elastic ("FOE", used for knits too)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There are so many options! What is your go-to elastic? ⠀⠀