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Let's talk Elastic . . .
Did you know there are over 13 different types of elastic? Ebony Craft Australia has a huge range of elastics in stock, covering most of the commonly used types. Being such a regularly used notion in many sewing and craft projects, let's take a look at some of the day to day uses of the most popular types.
Common Types of Elastic
Braided elastic
Braided elastic is defined by its parallel ribs that run the length of the elastic. Another defining characteristic of braided elastic is that it narrows as it's pulled, meaning it does not keep its shape when pulled taught. It also is weakened when sewn over, so it is best used inside fabric casings such as waistbands, sleeve hems and necklines rather than sewn directly onto the garment.
Knitted elastic
Ebony Craft Australia stock a heavyweight knitted elastic that is best used in lightweight to medium-weight fabrics. It has a smooth appearance and keeps its shape when stretched out, unlike braided elastic. It can be sewn directly onto fabrics, which is why it is one of the most popular elastics in garment sewing. Knitted elastic is soft and stretchy, and is used in many and varied applications. Its most popular use is in sportswear, tracksuits and under garments.
High density elastic
High Density Non Roll Elastic is a more durable form of knitted elastic. It is also known as woven elastic and, as the name suggests, it is very sturdy and has excellent recovery properties. It is designed for use in garments where long-life elastic is required, such as the waistbands on pants and skirts. It is very strong and resists rolling or twisting and can be used with heavy weight fabrics.
Ribbed elastic
Ribbed non roll elastic is perfect for use in sleeves, waistbands and leg bands. It is very sturdy and has specially constructed vertical ribs. Because of its speciality construction, it helps prevent rolling and twisting, making it a very popular choice in garment sewing.
Swim elastic
It is important when sewing garments intended for use in pools and the ocean that you use the appropriate elastic to preserve the life of the garment. Chlorine, salt water, sun exposure and sunscreens can break down the fibres in 'regular' elastic a lot quicker than swim elastic. Swim elastic is generally made from a combination of rubber and cotton, giving it more durability in those harsher garment environments. Another common use is in leotards, as the salt in sweat can also break down the regular elastics quicker.
Clear elastic
You may have come across garment patterns asking for clear elastic to be sewn into shoulder seams or on the waistbands of gathered cotton lycra skirts, dresses and tops. This is to help stabilise the seams and, in the case of gathered waistbands, prevent them from 'growing' over the day with wear. Knit fabric gathers are generally heavier than woven fabric gathers, so when attached to a knit bodice it can put extra strain on the bodice fabric, pulling it down. Clear elastic can also help keep areas of a garment in place on the body, as it has more friction on the skin than other elastic types.
Specialty elastics
In addition to the typical sewing and craft elastics mentioned above, Ebony Craft Australia also stock these speciality elastics.
- Fold Over Elastic — commonly used for finishing the edges of knit garments
- Bra Elastic — used in the making of bras
- Knicker elastic — often has a picot edging and is very soft
- Trunk elastic — used for the waistband of boxer or 'trunk' style underwear
- Shirring elastic — used to create a shirred panel in woven garments
- Metallic elastic — can be used as a decorative elastic when exposed in garments and craft
- Buttonhole elastic — often used in the waistbands of children's garments to allow the waistband to be adjusted to suit the child as they grow
- Coloured elastic — a soft braided elastic perfect for adding as a decoration feature
Save this article so the next time you are unsure of which elastic is best suited for your project, you can refer back and find the perfect match.
As always, the friendly staff at Ebony Craft Australia are always happy to assist you in any of your enquiries. If you can't find the answer to your questions in the above article, please call anytime and we can help guide you with your elastic needs.