4Real Forums: calling seasoned seamstresses!

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
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Topic: calling seasoned seamstresses!

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Syncletica
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Joined: June 11 2007
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Posted: Dec 20 2007 at 11:48pm \| IP Logged

Is there a trick for getting the right size of elastic in a skirt? I've only made a few for my daughters, but each time i have to take the elastic out b/c it's too long. I thought it would be perfect b/c I took the elastic and wrapped it around their waist. How does one take a correct waist measurement for an elastic?

Fe2h2o
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Joined: Sept 09 2005
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Posted: Dec 21 2007 at 12:29am \| IP Logged

I can't remember for skirts... but I'm just making brief style bathers and the pattern says waist measurement, take 10 cms, add one for overlap (so 9cms less than the waist measurement... that would be about 3 1/2 inches).

Hope that helps!

(Back to sewing!)

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mavmama
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Posted: Dec 21 2007 at 7:55am \| IP Logged

Most pattern directions will tell you to subtract from the waist measurement. For kids, I only subtract 1 1/2 - 2" since my kiddos don't like tight elastic. If the item is not a surprise, use a safety pin to hold the elastic while they try on the garment, then pull it up to where it feels comfortable to the child. Also, if you have not pre-washed the elastic, sometimes it will shrink a bit with the first wash/dry cycle, especially cotton covered elastic. Hope this helps!

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Liz
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guitarnan
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Posted: Dec 21 2007 at 8:33am \| IP Logged

I used to use waist measurement minus one inch, plus the overlap I felt I needed (generally about 1.5 inches). I agree with Liz, though, some children really dislike tight waistbands, and I'm finding I do, too, as I become more gracefully mature.

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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.

JodieLyn
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Posted: Dec 21 2007 at 11:36am \| IP Logged

and it also depends on your fabric.. a lighter skirt can be held up with a looser elastic than a heavier skirt.

The way I measure for myself.. stretch the elastic out tight and put it around my hips.. measure that.. then add a bit for ease and another bit for overlap. That way it'll definately slide over my hips

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-Sir Walter Scott

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