Burda Style For people who sew

Hi all,

I have been given the remnants of plush elastics. They are not the type that you find at Wal-mart or JoAnn’s. These are the better quality elastics used in higher priced lingerie. I would like to use them in some fancy undies for myself. I’ve never used these types of elastics and don’t know how to apply them to the fabric. I also have only a small quantity of each of the elastics so I can’t play around with them much to figure out how to use them. I have a Bernina Virtuosa 153QE sewing machine and a Bernina 800DL serger. I have included a link to a photo of the elastics along with a description of each.

1. I believe this is called roll over elastic. The front of the elastic is shiny and more finished than the back. There is a line down the center where there is no elastic, only the finishing threads. It folds very easily on this line.
2. It is a rubber like material.
3. This has a plush top and an elastic look underneath.
4. I believe it is called flat elastic. It is extremely thin in thickness. When you hold it up to the light it appears to have a line down the center where there is less material. Like elastic #1 it seems to fold easily on this center line.
5. The top to this elastic is soft and finished while the under side has an elastic look to it.
6. Much like #5 but not as plush.

I hope that someone out there can help me with this. If you need more information or a better photo just ask and I’ll try and provide it.

Thanks!!!

Mar 14, 2010, 04.48 PM by bjr99

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  Mar 14, 2010, 10.15 PMby katexxxxxx

  The ones with the crease down the middle are indeed fold-over elastics, used for edging things. I’ve used different weights and thicknesses (and colours!) to edge coats made of polar fleece, undies, and swimwear.

  No 3, the picot edged elastic, is the sort you often find edging undies.

  The others sound very like different types of bra strap elastic.

  Sew them on stretched, using a narrow zigzag on the standard sewing machine, and use a STRETCH needle.

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    Mar 15, 2010, 11.50 PMby bjr99

    Thank you for your reply to my question. I’ll definitely get the stretch needles!

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  Mar 15, 2010, 01.43 AMby mlssfshn

  I worked in a lingerie factory making underwear with an elastic similar to number 3. We had a feeder that held it taunt while we folded down the edge and applied it with a triple stitch zig-zag. You can do this yourself by hand but it does take practice.

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    Mar 15, 2010, 11.52 PMby bjr99

    Thanks for your input. I will have to give the triple stitch zig zag a try!

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  Mar 16, 2010, 11.01 AMby narrawallee

  Is number #1 a elastic with a stretch cord in the middle if so could some one tell me how to attach it as I have some but don’t know how to use it.

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    Mar 16, 2010, 04.00 PMby katexxxxxx

    No, this is a fold over elastic binding…

    Is the cord a stretch one? Usually the cord up the middle of elastic is like pajama cord, not a stretch item at all.

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  Mar 20, 2010, 07.04 PMby fiefje

  Are 5 and 6 hollow and not very stretcy? They look a bit like casing for bra wires. The easiest way to attach elastic 3 is first sew it on with a tripple zigzag with the “picots” (as they’re called in Dutch) pointing at the fabric and then fold it over to the inside and sew again with a triple zigzag. 2 is probably rubber elastic that is often used for swimwear, because it is more resistant to cholorine than plush elastic.

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    Mar 22, 2010, 01.00 PMby bjr99

    No, 5&6 are both quite stretchy and not hollow . Thanks for the info on #2 &3!