Elastic is a simple notion that is used for so many different types of projects, and with so many different types of elastic available, the possibilities are endless.
At Goldstar Tool we offer small rolls or large spools of braided, knitted, and non-roll elastic, in addition to elastic thread and cord.
Elastic is the simple notion
that’s used in so many different things. From clothing to accessories, wrap
bandages, shoes, boots, backpacks, and luggage, you’ll find some form of
elastic. It’s useful anywhere you need to add stretch and ease to a project.
When elastic is correctly installed, it allows for a range of movement while
keeping a garment in place.
Invented in 1820 by Thomas
Hancock, he initially used elastic in gloves, stockings, shoes, and suspenders
as fasteners. Since then, elastic has become a universal piece of sewing and
manufacturing that does everything from closing a garment to making life-saving
medical equipment.
Elastic has come a long way
since its invention. Made from a combination of core threads of spandex or
rubber that’s woven into cotton, nylon or polyester, it’s then knitted, woven
or braided. While the sewing trade has long enjoyed a wide range of types,
sizes, styles, and colors, it’s only in recent years that hobbyists and home
sewers have had access to some of the same newly available elastic options.
Elastic has a wide range of uses, but is most commonly used in:
Other uses for elastic include:
Elastic’s versatility means
it can be used in a wide range of projects, from apparel to other items like
face masks and safety equipment. Anywhere holding and flexibility is needed in
an item is where you’ll find some type of elastic.
There are several types of
elastic that are suitable for garments, and each one has a specific
application. Below you will find the most common types of elastic used in
sewing projects:
Once you’ve decided what type
of elastic best suits your project, you’ll need to know what size you need. If
you’re sewing from a pattern, it will tell you what size elastic you’ll need.
However, if you’re designing your own pattern for a project, you’ll need to
determine the right size as well as what type. Below is a list of recommended
widths for different applications:
Any elastic you use should be
able to withstand regular washing and drying, including activewear like bike
shorts and yoga wear. Swimsuits also need elastic that can withstand repeated
exposure to saltwater and pool chlorine. One of our best elastics for swimsuits
is our Small Roll Woven Elastic Girdle/Sport. It’s soft, and comes in two sizes, but has additional
support things like swimwear and girdles.
Lingerie and other delicate
projects call for Trim Elastic.
It’s lightweight, available in white, in seven sizes and styles to put a
finishing touch on your designs. It is also heat resistant, and best on raw
edges.
Some projects just don’t look
right with white or black elastic. For those projects, we offer our ½” Foldover Elastic in
ten colors in addition to black and white, and it is sold by the yard. It’s
perfect for covering raw edges and can be used in place of bias tape.
For projects that call for
both waistline elastic and a drawstring, our Draw Cord With Elastic
can take care of two tasks at one time. It’s available in black and white in
1½” and 2” widths, in lengths from 10 to 500 yards.
Elastic sewing takes a little
practice to get it right. If you’re not comfortable sewing with it, try these
tips to make it easier.
Once you get the hang of
sewing elastic, you’ll be handling it like a pro in no time.
In addition to our range of
elastics, we also have tools to make working with elastic and drawstring a
little easier.
Our adjustable elastic foot for industrial 6.4mm machines makes sewing elastic as easy as stitching a seam for ¼,
⅜” and ½” elastics with adjustable tension with a simple turn of a screw. Just
thread the elastic into the foot, attach it to the machine, and start
stitching. We also carry a high-shank elastic shirring foot to apply it and control the amount of stretching.
For industrial single-needle
drop feed lockstitch machines, this Elastic Tension Guide Bracket will make stretching the elastic during sewing faster and
easier. It works on any type of elastic, and sizes up to 2½”. This bracket
doesn’t attach to the machine like a foot, but can be bolted to the machine
table, or quickly taped down to use and removed when you’re finished.
Threading elastic and ribbon
into a casing is made a lot easier with a set of these.
With three different sizes of threader, you’ll be able to add elastics of ⅛″, ½” and ¾” widths
quickly and easily without snagging or twisting them in the process.
A lost drawstring in a casing
is easy to retrieve with our drawstring threaders.
This set of two makes adding a drawstring easier, as well as fishing out the
end of a lost drawstring quickly.
Our ¼” Hanger Tape is
technically not elastic, but it does have a stretch. It’s stitched into the
shoulders of dresses and other items to hang them up carefully. But Hanger Tape
is also used to stabilize sheer fabrics during the sewing process. It’s sold by
the yard on our website where you can buy as much or as little as you need
(minimum one-yard purchase.)
We have the biggest selection
of elastic supplies and products available for all of your projects and
designs. Goldstar Tool also carries a wide range of elastics for swimwear and
other athletic knit fabrics. You can easily buy the various elastics you need for
your projects, along with all your other sewing needs, right here on our
website. We’ll ship it to your home or shop quickly. Have questions, or need
something specific? Call us at 1-800-868-4419, or use
our online contact form to get in touch.