How to sew an exposed elastic waistband | Step-by-step tutorial for pants & skirts
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How to sew an exposed elastic waistband | Step-by-step tutorial for pants & skirts
Want a comfortable and professional-looking waistband that also adds a sporty, modern touch to your garment? This tutorial will show you exactly how to sew an exposed elastic waistband – a technique that works beautifully for pants, skirts, and shorts. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to achieve a neat, stretchy finish that holds up over time.
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🧵Materials Needed:
- Wide elastic (cut to fit your waist snugly)
- Matching thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or clips
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🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Join the Ends of the Elastic
Create a French seam to connect the ends of your elastic:
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First, place the wrong sides together and sew a straight seam.
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Then, fold so the right sides are together and sew again, enclosing the raw edge.
This creates a strong, neat join with no exposed edges.
2. Divide the Elastic and Waistline
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Fold the elastic band into quarters and mark each point with a pin.
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Do the same for the waistline of your garment.
These marks will help evenly distribute the elastic when attaching it to the fabric.
3. Pin the Elastic to the Garment
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Place the wrong side of the elastic against the wrong side of the waistline.
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Align each pin on the elastic with a corresponding pin on the garment.
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Pin or clip in place at those four points.
4. Sew the Elastic to the Waistline
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Use a zigzag stitch or stretch stitch for best results.
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Sew the elastic to the waistline, gently stretching the elastic between each pin so the fabric gathers evenly underneath.
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Go section by section for control and precision.
5. Trim the Seam Allowance
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After sewing, trim any excess fabric close to the seam to reduce bulk.
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Be careful not to cut into the elastic!
6. Topstitch the Elastic in Place
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Flip the elastic up so it sits on the outside of the garment.
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Sew along the bottom edge of the elastic, pulling slightly as you go to keep everything smooth and stretchy.
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💡 Pro Tip:
Use a ballpoint needle to avoid damaging the elastic, and test your stitch length and tension on a scrap piece before sewing your actual waistband.
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If you want to learn more from our sewing tutorials, check out our additional video tutorials to enhance your sewing skills.
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