Tips to Prevent Elastic From Twisting When Sewing

Sewing with elastic requires technique and even the best sewists can end up with twisted elastic. But with a few tweaks you can avoid this.

Elastic’s flexibility is what makes it great for waistbands, cuffs, sleeves, necklines and more, but frustrating when it twists while sewing. You can use our twist prevention tips to improve the comfort and fit of your garments.

Check Your Elastic Sewing Technique

Sewing with elastic casings can cause twisting since it requires feeding a twistable band through a narrow opening.

Instead of elastic casings consider using the direct sewing method. This is when you attach the elastic directly to the fabric without feeding it through a channel, giving it fewer opportunities to roll and twist.

Check the Fit of the Elastic Band

If the elastic band is too tight it will twist and roll inside the garment. An elastic that stretches on the body will twist uncomfortably.

You can prevent this by taking accurate body measurements before cutting the elastic. Measure the waist where the waistband will fit most comfortably and go from there.

For a finished garment that fits too tight try replacing the band with a longer one. This is an easy swap especially for garments that use elastic casing.

Use the Edge Stitching Technique

If sewing with elastic casings is unavoidable in your garment you can use an extra row of edge stitches to secure the elastic and prevent twisting.

After sewing in your casing secure it with an extra row of stitches about 1/16 inch in from the top of the fold. This is where you creased the fabric to fold it inward to create the casing.

These edge stitches give the elastic band less room to move around. Think of the edge stitching technique as a way to perfect the fit of the elastic band inside the casing.

Discreet edge stitches can also add a nice finish to the waistband of sewn pants.

Try to “Stitch in the Ditch”

“Stitching in the ditch” is a way sewists prevent twisting when sewing with elastic. You’ll pin the elastic to the fabric vertically inside the casing, allowing for plenty of stretch.To stitch in the ditch trick, turn your garment inside out. Find the seams on the waistband, the sides and back seam. Sew along the seam lines to secure the elastic without adding any visible changes to the garment.

Match the Elastic and Fabric Strengths

When the elastic you use can withstand much more stretch force than the fabric it’s sewn into, twisting can happen. Your fabric should not leave any gaps to allow for elastic rolling and twisting.

This happens when a high-strength elastic band is paired with a more delicate fabric. Instead try to match the strengths of the two materials. This may take some trial and error.

When all else fails try a lightweight elastic band to see if that fixes the problem.

Check for Poor Elastic Placement Inside the Casing

Sewing elastic inside casings can create gaps or weak spots in the casing that allow the elastic to twist more than it should in the fabric.

Tips to Correct Elastic Placement

One way to get proper placement is to pin the loose end of the elastic to a secure spot outside of the casing. That way when you’re feeding the other end through the elastic will stay straight while you sew it in.

Attach a Safety Pin to the Elastic Band

The end of the band that enters through the opening in the casing is often the reason for twisting the elastic. It’s easy for it to become rolled and twisted. Try hooking a safety pin through the front of the band to give you something to hold on to as you feed the band through.

Take Your Time

As you feed an elastic band through a casing work slowly and carefully to make sure the elastic isn’t twisted from the beginning. Feel the safety pin and band through the fabric and regularly check for any twists, bulges or bulky spots within the casing.

This can be time consuming but being thorough will save you time in the long run. You won’t have to adjust your work nearly as often (or ever) if you get the elastic placement right from the beginning.

Never Stitch In the Direction of the Stretch

Elastic stretches outward in one direction, which gives it the flexibility you need for things like waistbands. If you sew in that same direction along the band it will keep the elastic stretched out and cause it to twist frequently.

Buy Non-Roll Elastic

Non-roll elastic prevents twisting and rolling. It gives a comfortable fit without a bulky waistband.

You can get non-roll elastic at most online shops. Worth adding to your sewing supplies and just buy a better type of elastic for your needs. In this case non-roll elastic should work.

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