Dare to Make It! Crochet-Along: Week 5  

Back to List

How to Make Quilted Wall Art

How to Use Fold-over Elastic

cal patch, contributor

10 users recommend

For a clean look on neckline edges, try finishing it with fold-over elastic.

Cal Patch

The unfinished neckline as you begin.

Cal Patch

Begin pinning on the elastic near the right-side shoulder seam, wrapping the elastic over the edge.

Cal Patch

For a clean look on neckline edges, try finishing it with fold-over elastic.

Photo: Cal Patch

Add Comment
Print

I often leave knit edges raw, as I like the way they organically curl. But when I want a cleaner look, one of my favorite techniques is to bind the edge with fold-over elastic. This is a stretchy trim with a knitted-in foldline, so that it can be used as a binding and lie nice and flat. The biggest advantage is that it S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-S! Fold-over elastic comes in a few different widths, a rainbow of colors, and in shiny or matte. I prefer the matte and it's what I used here.

First I will show you how to use this trim flat, on the neckline of this T-shirt I'm making:

1. Begin by pinning the elastic to your raw edge, with the elastic folded so that it wraps over the edge and the edge is sandwiched between the two layers of elastic. I like to start just behind the right shoulder seam. You'll want to stretch the elastic a little as you sew it to keep it flat, so you should pin it on a little smaller than the neck edge. Once you are comfortable with this technique, you may not have to pin it on first; I usually hop right into the sewing step. But for your first attempts, you'll probably have better success if you pin the trim on first.

The unfinished neckline as you begin.

Begin pinning on the elastic near the right-side shoulder seam, wrapping the elastic over the raw edge.

The needle should come down on the left side just at the edge of the elastic.

3. Take a few stitches into the elastic to get going, then start stretching the elastic as you go. It may take a few tests before you get a feel for how much to stretch; if you don't stretch it enough, the edge will be wavy instead of flat. When you come back around to where you started, just overlap the elastic for about 1/2 inch or so and backstitch.

Here's a close-up of how the elastic binding looks after it's stitched on.

This is how the join will look when you overlap the end of the elastic onto the beginning.

Once you get the hang of it, this might just be your favorite neckline finish! You can also use this nifty trim to make a gathered edge that stretches, which is what I did for the cuffs on my shirt. All you have to do is really stretch the heck out of the elastic as you're sewing it on; everything else is the same. Again, it may seem a little tricky at first, but just play around on some scraps before you attempt it on a real garment and I think you'll quickly be pleased with your results. Soon you'll wonder how you ever finished all those knit edges before!

If you stretch the elastic a lot as you sew it on, it will gather up the edge, which is a nice effect, too.

Here's my finished shirt, with a flat binding at the neck and a gathered binding at the cuffs.

Add Comment Print

Comments (10)

JenniferStern writes: Hi, another thing you can do to get a "straight stitch" look is to use a regular zig-zag and adjust the stitch a little longer, like 3.5 mm and adjust the width very narrow, like 0.5 mm. Those adjustments will give your "straight zia-zag" a little give....if you need lots stretch around the edge, the stitch shown is an excellent option.
Posted: 7:25 pm on November 21st

CalPatch writes: you can use a straight stretch stitch, but a regular straight stitch won't usually stretch enough, and the stitches may break. if the neckline is big enough to fit over the head, it might not be a problem though!
Posted: 8:04 pm on November 16th

kerrlynn writes: Good idea. I would use a straight stitch to look more like ready made clothing.
Posted: 8:55 am on November 16th

Butter1 writes: My first time here. I have been looking for ribbing to trim things for my grand daughter. I guess ribbing isn't made anymore (must be old school). This is a great idea. I do shop at JoAnns and will check to see if they have it. Thanks for the idea.
Posted: 6:59 am on November 13th

CalPatch writes: i got mine at one of my local haunts, Daytona Trimmings in New York; not sure if Jo Ann has it or not since we don't have one here.
you can also get it online at SewZanne's in lots of colors, for $.50/yd:
http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/e-foldoverelastic.html
Posted: 2:43 pm on November 12th

MistyKitty writes: here's a link. $0.29 per yd.

http://faysfabrics.com/Elastic.htm
Posted: 1:18 pm on November 12th

GrandmaGFS writes: I'm new here and am so excited to find such a helpful how-to!
I, too, would like to know where I can purchase foldover elastic. It will be great to use on my grandkids' garments. Thanks!
Posted: 12:36 pm on November 12th

princessheart writes: Great technique! I am also curious where you can purchase foldover elastic? Do the big box stores carry it? (JoAnns, etc)
Posted: 11:20 am on November 12th

rsew writes: This is a great idea. Where can foldover elastic be
purchased and what brand is it?
Thanks
Posted: 5:54 pm on November 11th

jonwen45 writes: Thank you for the "how-to". I had seen the stretch elastic on readymade clothes but had no idea that it was avaliable for the home seamstress. I am putting it on my list to get.
Thanks to you, I now know how to apply it. Well taught!!!!

jonwen45

http://www.jonwen45.esty.com
http://www.jonwen45craftingcreations.blogspot.com
Posted: 2:30 pm on November 11th

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.