Understanding Different Types of Sewing Scissors

by Kellie Rose | Apr 12, 2023 | Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guide, Product Guides, Tutorials

As sewing enthusiasts, we all know how crucial it is to use the right tool for the job. And let’s be real, scissors are our ultimate weapon of choice! But did you know that not all scissors are created equal? From pinking shears to fabric scissors to embroidery scissors, each type serves a unique purpose in the sewing world. Using the right type of scissors can make a world of difference, not only in the outcome of your project but in the overall ease and enjoyment of the process. So, let’s dive into the world of scissors and get to know our trusty crafty cutting companions a little better….

Different Types of Sewing Scissors:

Fabric Scissors

Fabric scissors are the secret weapon of any sewist. These bad boys aren’t your average scissors that you might use to open a bag of frozen peas, or cut paper (heaven forbid!) No, no, NO!

These special scissors are designed specifically to cut through all kinds of materials, from delicate silk to tough denim. They’re sharp, they’re precise, and they’re just a little bit magical. Fabric scissors are designed with longer blades than regular scissors, which makes it easier to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once. To keep them that way you need to ensure you cut fabric and ONLY fabric with them. But this you know, right?! Treat them well and these specially designed scissors will slice through fabric without fraying or snagging.

My personal favourite pair of fabric scissors and what we use in our fabric shop are these Fiskars Dressmaking Scissors. They are comfortable to use, have a long blade and last well between sharpens. They’re a classic for a reason…

Tips for maintaining fabric scissors

Maintaining your fabric scissors is essential to ensure you get the best out of them for years to come.

Only use your fabric scissors for cutting fabric and nothing else.
Keep them clean and dry
Avoid dropping them or leaving them open,
Store them in a safe place
Give them a drop of oil on the pivot point every now and then.
A quick wipe after each use will help keep them in tip-top shape
Sharpen with a scissor sharpener. Hands down my fave is this amazing sharpening tool from Fiskars

Embroidery Scissors

Embroidery scissors are a Seam-Star’s best friend. Think of these scissors as tiny, sharp little helpers that help you snip and trim intricate designs in your work. They’re perfect for those hard-to-reach areas that regular scissors just can’t handle.

Embroidery scissors are typically small and lightweight and come in a variety of styles, including straight and curved. Embroidery scissors may sound like just any ordinary cutting tool, but they are so much more. These little sewing mates are a must in my sewing kit and mine get more use snipping fabric than embroidery thread, despite the name.

When you use embroidery scissors in sewing you’ll minimise the possibility of snipping your stitches… if you’ve ever done this you’ll know how frustrating this is! It can even be terminal for your project if you take a snip too far. Safety first! Use embroidery scissors for intricate work.

Embroidery scissors are the tool you need when snipping back fabric close to stitching lines for turning, notching collars or reducing bulk in a seam and help you can get right up close to a stitch line in a way your big fabric scissors can’t, lessening the chance you’ll cut through your beautiful sewn seams… I also use them a lot for grading seams. These little touches help elevate the look of your creations from homemade to artisan so are a worthwhile investment.

Curved vs. straight embroidery scissors

So what’s the difference between curved and straight embroidery scissors?

Curved embroidery scissors have blades that are curved upward, which makes it easier to cut thread or fabric while holding the scissors at an angle. These scissors are particularly useful for cutting threads close to the surface of the fabric without accidentally cutting the fabric itself. They are also helpful when cutting intricate shapes, such as curves or circles, because the curve of the blades allows for more precise cutting.

On the other hand, straight embroidery scissors have blades that are straight and flat. These scissors are best suited for cutting straight lines, such as when trimming fabric or cutting large pieces of embroidery floss. They are also useful for making small, precise cuts, such as when snipping the ends of thread after tying knots, or snipping

I’ve tried a few pairs of embroidery scissors but these little fellas are my favourite kind. With unparalleled precision, there isn’t a project I sew without using them. Trust me, once you use these little gems, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!

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Have you read our Ultimate Guide To Sewing Needles post yet?

Tailors Shears

Step aside, scissors, because there’s a new blade in town. Say hello to Tailor’s shears!

Fabric scissors and tailors shears are both used for cutting fabric, but what are their differences?

Some benefits of using tailor’s shears over fabric scissors are:

Longer blades: Tailor’s shears typically have longer blades than fabric scissors, which can make it easier to cut through larger pieces of fabric with fewer strokes. This can save time and effort when cutting out large pattern pieces.

Better leverage: The design of tailor’s shears, with their offset handles, allows for better leverage and control when cutting through multiple layers of fabric. This can make it easier to cut smoothly and accurately through thicker fabrics, such as wool or denim.

Sharper edges: Tailor’s shears are often sharper than fabric scissors, which means they can make cleaner cuts through fabric. This is especially important when cutting delicate fabrics, such as silk or chiffon, where a jagged edge can ruin the fabric.

Ergonomic design: Many tailor’s shears are designed with ergonomic handles that are more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. This can reduce hand fatigue and strain, which is important for anyone who spends a lot of time cutting fabric.

Overall, tailor’s shears can offer more control, leverage, and precision when cutting fabric, especially for larger or thicker pieces. However, they may not be the best choice for all types of fabrics or cutting tasks. Their larger size does have benefits, but also means they could be heavier than your regular fabric scissors. It’s important to choose the right tool for the job, based on the type of fabric, the complexity of the project, and your personal preferences.

General Purpose Scissors

If you’re a sewing fanatic like me, there’s no doubt that you have a collection of scissors already. But have you got a pair general purpose scissors just for your sewing space? Guaranteed to save family feuds when the kids are after something to snip with, the versatility these scissors provide is perfect for all your cutting needs.

These bad boys are the Swiss army knife of the scissor world (minus the toothpick, unfortunately). They’re perfect for cutting any weird and wonderful fabric like mesh, vinyl, PUL, laminates, and even leather.

Their stainless steel construction ensures general-purpose scissors will last for years to come. If you’re missing these in your sewing supplies then investing in some general-purpose scissors designed for more materials will leave your fabric scissors on the throne they need.

Hobby Scissors

Hobby scissors are a general-purpose scissor and are the perfect antidote to ruined fabric scissors! Hobby scissors are here to save your day! They’re scissors designed specifically for cutting through different types of materials when working on craft projects.

They tend to have a blunt tip for safety and their petite size makes hobby scissors perfect for cutting ribbon, paper, gift wrap, and basically, anything else you need sliced and diced, these little beauties are the answer to all of your crafting woes.

These speciality scissors are perfect for hobbyists who need precise cuts to make their projects look just right.

Pinking Shears

Have you ever been sewing a beautiful piece of fabric and when you cut it, it frayed like crazy? That’s where pinking shears come in! Pinking shears are a versatile tool designed to prevent fabric from fraying or unravelling.

These funky-looking scissors have zigzag blades that create a serrated edge on your fabric. They’re perfect for finishing seams, creating decorative edges, or just adding a little bit of flair to your next sewing project.

Tips for using pinking shears effectively

Don’t force the shears through the fabric. Let the blades do the work for you. If the fabric is too thick you might blunt your pinks.
Make sure your fabric is flat and not bunched up before cutting.
Clean your pinking shears regularly for optimal performance.

If you haven’t already added a pair of pinking shears to your crafting kit, they are a worthwhile investment. Don’t let frayed fabric put a snag in your handmade masterpieces; these shears offer a quick and easy solution that’ll make all the difference.

And slightly off the scissor topic, but whilst we’re talking about pinking… Did you realise you can get pinking blades for your rotary cutter too?

Children’s Scissors

So why am I talking about children’s scissors in a post about sewing scissors? Well… There are several benefits of having dedicated children’s scissors in your sewing room! Let me explain…

Keep kids occupied: Children’s scissors can keep kids occupied and entertained while you work on your sewing project. This can be especially helpful if you have a child who is curious about sewing but not quite ready for the more advanced tools.

Protect your fabric scissors: Let’s face it, fabric scissors can be expensive and it can be frustrating to have them ruined by a curious child. Giving your child their own set of scissors can help protect your fabric scissors and prevent any mishaps.

Introduce kids to sewing: By giving your child their own set of scissors, you can introduce them to the world of sewing and crafting. They can practice cutting and using scissors safely while you work on your projects.

Fun and colourful designs: Children’s scissors come in a variety of fun and colourful designs that can add a touch of whimsy to your sewing room. From animal-shaped handles to interesting blade designs, children’s scissors can be a fun addition to your collection of sewing tools.

Overall, having children’s scissors in your sewing room can be a great way to keep kids entertained and protect your more expensive tools. Plus, it can be a fun way to introduce kids to the world of sewing and crafting. Win win!

Snip, snip, hooray! We hope you found that useful and you can say goodbye to more struggles and frustration.

With a wider variety of specialised scissors in your stash, you can craft just about any project without having to worry if the tools in your kit are up for the task. You can make your sewing time quicker, easier and more enjoyable as well as helping your projects look more professional.

Do you have a secret scissor obsession? Spill the beans in the comments below! Share your go-to pair and helpful tips so fellow DIY enthusiasts can level up their crafting game. Together, we can conquer the world of sewing one snip at a time.

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9 Tips For Extending the Life of Rotary Cutter Blades

by Kellie Rose | Mar 31, 2023 | Care and Repair, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing

It’s no secret that a good rotary cutter is an essential tool for any sewist or quilter. But as we all know, those blades can get dull pretty quickly if they’re not taken care of. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your rotary cutter blades stay nice and sharp for as long as possible. Read on to find out nine tips that will extend the life of your rotary cutter blades saving you time, and money, whilst reducing waste!

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How to Enlarge A Collar With A Collar Expander – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #4

by Kellie Rose | Aug 21, 2022 | Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Welcome to post number 4 in our Care & Repair Series! Today we’re offering a solution to an annoying problem – how to enlarge a collar that is too tight… without any sewing! We’re going to be talking about how to use use a collar expander in this quick product guide.

We wanted to bring these little wonder products to your attention – who knew they were even a thing?!

These nifty little extenders are NO SEW and a great little temporary fix that can even be switched between garments.

With this series of Care & Repair blogs we really want to bring into focus all sorts of different ways in which we can all reuse, repurpose, repair and rejuvenate the clothes that we already own.

A shocking 300,000 tonnes of discarded clothing goes to landfill every year in the UK. according to Wrap, the waste charity, this is up 5% of the UK’s carbon and water footprint. And small things like this can really add up.

Being able to adjust the size of a collar that’s snug can help give a shirt a longer life. These collar expanders can also be used on skirt or trouser waistbands too!

Expanders aren’t permanent fixtures to your garments so they can easily be switched between different shirts – just make sure you take them out before your shirt goes in the wash!

The collar expanders come in a variety of sizes and finishes…. make sure you select the best match for your garment, although it’s unlikely you will see it if you’re wearing a tie, you do need to make sure the collar expander will fit through your garment’s existing buttonhole

These plastic collar extenders will increase the neck size of a shirt by half a collar size and do not stretch.

The other metal extenders do stretch and come in a variety of sizes

How to Enlarge A Collar With A Collar Expander

Choose the collar extender that best matches your garment

Take the white disc in your fingers and feed the loop through the buttonhole.

Collar Extenders Step 2 - Feed the loop through the buttonhole

Loop the band over the existing button on the collar.

Collar Extenders Step 3 - Loop the band over the existing button

Alternatively you can start by looping the loop around the existing button and then feeding the white disc through the buttonhole.

5. This is what the collar extenders look like when used correctly.

6. The larger collar extenders can also be used for waistbands. You need to match the size of the disc on the Expanders as closely as possible to the original button.

And that’s it! It really couldn’t be more simple, could it?

Check out Hemline’s video for a demo of the metal variety, which are stretchy, rather than fixed like this one

Thank you for supporting our online shop with your sewing shopping… It means the world to us & enables us to keep putting out FREE content like this for you to make & create ❤️

Linking Collar or Waist Expanders Together

Should you need greater ease at the waistband or collar, the expanders can be looped together to create a larger stretch like this.

So you can see how easy it is to prolong the life of your garment if it’s become a bit snug.

Stay tuned for more posts in our Care & Repair series

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How to repair a trouser pocket: Care & Repair Series #3

by Kellie Rose | May 19, 2022 | Care and Repair, Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guide, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Welcome to post number 3 in our Care & Repair Series! Hands up if you love a pocket?! 🙋‍♀️ Pockets are a complete joy to dressmakers everywhere… but what if your pocket wears out? Or are too small? In this post we’re going to walk you through how to repair a pocket, not in one but TWO ways!

This method can also be used to extend a pocket in a shop bought garment if the original pockets are too small for your needs. The joys of DIY, eh?!

Read on to learn how to repair a pocket… it’s easier than you think. We’ve even got a no sew option for you…

Pockets are great for keeping all kinds of useful stuff… from your phone, to loose change, even the occasional biscuit! Because pockets are so well used, they come under huge amounts of wear & tear.

Pocket bags are usually made from a thinner fabric than the outer trousers or skirt and so holes can be commonplace. And instead of outing a garment and sending it to landfill just because your keys are falling through a pocket hole you can learn to replace the pockets instead. It’s a win for the planet!

Soap box alert! When it comes to pockets in girls’ and women’s clothing. As a general rule of thumb, female fashions have sported pockets that are for purely fashion reasons rather than practical ones. This certainly annoys my daughter who feels the need to fill her pockets with stones and twigs at every given opportunity. So here I am repairing a hole in her jeans pocket but also extending the pocket bags for her.

In this post we’re going to walk you though

How to replace a pocket bag using sewing
How to replace a pocket without sewing
Create larger pocket bags for your garments

Check our full range of Care & Repair products here

Skill level required: Beginner Friendly

Some important notes about replacement pocket products

Replacement pockets come as whole pockets. You can cut them down to the size you require or use them to replace the whole pocket if needed.
We are concentrating on trouser pockets here but the same method, and replacement pockets, can be used to repair pockets in trousers, skirts, jeans, dresses, jackets and more. Just check the pocket sizes against your garment as each one differs.
In this post we are using two different products, a sew-in version and an iron-on version. It is up to you to choose which is the most suitable for your needs.
The sew in pockets are trickier to use and require some sewing knowledge but they will last a very long time.
The iron on pockets are far simpler to use and don’t require any sewing at all but the repair may not last as long as sewn in pockets.
These pockets are are suitable to replace cotton, nylon, or polyester pockets.

You Will Need:

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

How to replace a pocket : Sew In Method

Identify where the hole is in your pocket.
- Draw a line in a washable fabric pen just above the damage.
- If the pocket flap is stitched into the side seam, cut along this edge 1cm.

Trim the damaged part of the pocket away along the line you have drawn.

How to replace a pocket: sew in method step 2

To mark the new pocket:
- Lay the replacement pocket underneath the original pocket, lining up the edges.
- Make sure the folded edge is lined up with the folded edge of the original pocket and the seamed edge with the side seam.
- Allow for as much additional pocket bag as you wish to add.
- Pin the two pockets together
- Using the fabric marker, trace the edge of the original pocket onto the replacement pocket.

How to replace a pocket: sew in method step 3

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Unpin the replacement pocket
- Using your marker, draw a line 1cm ABOVE the line you just traced. This will form your seam allowance.
- Cut the pocket at this second line.

How to replace a pocket: sew in method step 4

Turn the raw edges outwards and line them up so that the new pocket and original line up.
- Match the folded edge and side seam for even positioning.
- Pin the two edges together all the way around.

How to replace a pocket: sew in method step 5

Stitch along the circumference to join the two pockets together using a 1cm seam allowance.
- Finish the raw edges in your preferred way, either pinking, zigzag stitch, overcasting stitch, or overlocker, to prevent fraying.
- Press the seam

How to replace a pocket: sew in method step 6

Top stitch the side edge back to the side seam of the trousers to finish your mending project.

How to replace a pocket: sew in method 7

If you would like to repair your pocket by hand sewing then check out Hemline’s video here

How to replace a pocket : Iron On Method

Start in the same way as you did with the sew in pocket.

Mark a line above where the damage is and cut along this line.
If your pocket is sewn into the side seam, cut along this edge approx. 1.5cm.

how to replace a pocket iron on method step 1

Insert the bottom edge of the pocket into the replacement pocket, making sure the adhesive tape covers the pocket fabric.

Pin it in place.
Using a hot iron and a damp cloth press the adhesive tape pressing firmly

replacing a pocket using the iron method - press the adhesive tape firmly

Repeat the pressing on both sides of the pocket making sure to heat all of the tape.

Leave the pocket to cool for 10-20 minutes before moving it, allowing the adhesive to bond properly.

allow the replacement pocket adhesive to bond properly

pocket repair is complete using iron method

Your pocket repair is complete!

You can also check out Hemline’s video on how to use this product here

We hope your found that helpful! Do let us know how you get on if you repair a pocket

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How To Use Fold Over Elastic

by Kellie Rose | May 3, 2022 | Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guide, Product Guides, Tutorials

Have you heard about fold over elastic? Ever wondered what this product is, where it can be used and how to apply fold over elastic?

You’re in the right place! In this product guide we’re going to shine a light on all things fold over elastic so grab a cuppa and read on!

In this Fold Over Elastic product guide we will be covering:

What Is Fold Over Elastic
What Is Fold Over Elastic Used for?
How to Sew Fold Over Elastic

What is Fold Over Elastic?

Fold Over Elastic (or ‘FOE’ for short) is a thin, lightweight, flat elastic which has a crease down the centre of its length. The crease makes it easy to fold in half along the length, encasing the seam edge of your pattern piece.

Fold over elastic or FOE - thin lightweight flat elastic with crease down its length

Sometimes fold over elastic has a matte side & a shiny side – the shiny side is the ‘right’ side and the matte side is the ‘wrong’ side.

Fold Over Elastic comes in a wide variety of colours & patterns – we have a great selection of printed options and almost every colour you can imagine!

CHECK OUT OUR FOLD OVER ELASTIC RANGE

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

What is Fold Over Elastic Used for?

Anywhere you need a stretchy binding in a funky colour or print really!

Some popular project ideas for fold over elastic are:

Legs, waistbands and armholes on lingerie, underwear & swimwear
Edge finishes on shorts, vests and other undergarments
Edge finishes on sportswear/activewear
Cloth nappies
Edge finishes on expandable pouches and pockets on bags.
Simple knotted hair ties
Headbands
Face Masks

It can be a nice way to add contrast accents or fun prints to your underwear, sportswear or knit/jersey fabric projects, whilst finishing the raw edges of your seams easily.

It is usually used to finish armholes, leg holes, waistbands and necklines on garments that need a lot of recovery, and that stretch to stay close to the body with movement, like underwear and other undergarments like vests, tights and leggings.

Fold over elastic can also be useful in bag making a lot in bag making too for pockets that would benefit from being taut to the bag like these

Uses of fold over elastic - bag making — From Lovelucie.org

READ OUR 11 TIPS FOR SEWING MESH FABRIC

Fold Over Elastic can be sewn on a regular sewing machine, so no need to be wrestling with an overlocker or any fancy feet or accessories!

Fold Over Elastic has a similar function to bias binding as it completely finishes a raw edge, but fold over elastic can stretch & recover so it keeps the edge close to the body, or it provides a taut edge for pockets on bags etc.

Usually, the narrower the Fold Over Elastic, the more stretch it has, and the wider it is, the less it stretches. You can usually interchange different widths of Fold Over Elastic in your projects, but make sure you double-check you have the right length as differences in stretch means you will require different lengths, and account for the width in your seam allowances.

Preparing and Cutting Fold Over Elastic

Many patterns will call for you to cut your elastic to a specific length, but if no instructions are given, there is an easy way to figure out what length to cut your fold over elastic (or any elastic!) to.

Begin by measuring the lengths of the leg openings, waistband, or other pattern piece you are applying the elastic to.
Check the stretch of your elastic, if it’s really stretchy, you can get away with the elastic being a little shorter. If it’s quite hard to stretch, you will need the elastic to be a little longer.
The general rule is that elastic must be shorter than the length of the edge to which it is being applied to. Deduct 10% from the length of the edge, and this will give you your elastic length. You can also adjust this percentage up or down depending on the stretchiness of your elastic.

e.g : 50cm is the length of the leg opening. 50-5cm =45cm.

45cm is the length of your elastic.

Adjusting your pattern to use Fold Over Elastic

Using Fold Over Elastic on the edge of your garment means that the edge is finished and enclosed at the width it is cut, so no fabric is removed due to a seam allowance, or folding under and hemming. If you want to use Fold Over Elastic on a project that requires a different finish (like regular elastic or picot trim elastic types), you will need to trim away the excess fabric before using the Elastic. Simply take your pattern piece and trim off the seam allowance width on the edges you want to apply the elastic to.

If your pattern needs you to use Fold Over Elastic but you don’t have any to hand, and want to use a different finish on the edge, add the seam allowance or hem desired to the edges where the elastic or your other trim will be applied.

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Sewing and Handling Tips for Fold Over Elastic

Needle – A jersey, stretch or ballpoint needle are the best choices, as these needles slide between the fibres rather than piercing them. You might be ok with a universal needle if that’s all you have – just make sure you test first.
Thread – Try to match the thread you use with the fibre that makes up the elastic. For most types of Fold Over Elastic a strong, polyester thread would work best, and would also help create strong stitches for any stretch or stress on the item you make. All-purpose Polyester thread is a good choice.
Stitch Type – Use either a medium zig zag or a 3 step zig-zag stitch. Set your machine to 2 wide with a stitch length of 2.5 to start then test. This is a good setting to start but stitch lengths/ widths will vary from project to project, so test first to see what works for you.
Sewing – Stretch the elastic a little when sewing to evenly distribute across the unfinished edge.
Sewing – Try to keep a slow steady pace whilst sewing, and avoid pulling the elastic or the fabric through the machine more than you need to. This will help you avoid gathers or puckers as you won’t stretch the fabric whilst sewing.
Sewing – Sew a sample swatch using a square of your final fabric and a length of Fold Over Elastic to help achieve the best tension. Playing around on your machine with a sample means you won’t spend time unpicking your final project if the tension is off. The best tension will vary significantly between different fabrics and elastics, even of the same composition or type.

Have you read our Ultimate Guide To Sewing Needles post yet?

How to Sew Fold Over Elastic

Method 1 : The 2-step method

This method is perfect for beginners as it secures the elastic and fabric in place before fully attaching the Fold Over Elastic. This means there is less chance of the elastic or fabric slipping out of place.

The disadvantage of this method however, is that you can see the initial line of stitching from the wrong side of the garment once complete.

Place your fabric WS (wrong sides) together with your Fold Over Elastic and line up the raw edge of your fabric with the centre crease line. Pin in place. To prevent gathering, it is best to have a few cm of elastic overhanging at each end to cleanly feed the fabric layers through the machine.

2. Stitch in place, using a narrow zig-zag stitch length and width of 2mm. If you would rather use a three-step zig-zag, use a width of 3.5 mm to 4 mm and a length of 1 mm to 1.5 mm. – you may want to adjust this based on your individual machine tension, fabric composition and elastic.

This stitch line will only be visible from the wrong side of your finished garment, but secures the elastic in place on the back side of the fabric.

Carefully trim away the excess fabric in the seam allowance.
Fold over the top section of the Fold Over Elastic, pin in place.

Stitch in place using a zig zag stitch.

Method 2 : The 1-step method

This method creates the perfect enclosed edge, with a single line of stitching so it’s neater BUT it requires a little more patience and more pins.

Place your fabric WS (wrong sides) together with your Fold Over Elastic.

Line up the raw edge of your fabric with the centre crease line. Pin in place.

To prevent gathering, it is best to have a few cm of elastic overhanging at each end to cleanly feed the fabric layers through the machine.

2. Fold over the top section of the Fold Over Elastic, pin in place, sandwiching the fabric in between the two layers of Fold Over Elastic.

Stitch in place, using a narrow zig-zag stitch length and width of 2mm. If you would rather use a three-step zig-zag, use a width of 3.5 mm to 4 mm and a length of 1 mm to 1.5 mm. – you may want to adjust this based on your individual machine tension, fabric composition and elastic.

Method 3: The 1 step method (with a little help!)

This is the same method as above, but with a little additional help that does not show on the final garment.

Apply an adhesive, such as Quilters Tape, Wundaweb or a regular glue pen (do not use runny glue or PVA) along the edge of the WS of the fabric. If the adhesive is wider than you FOE you can just trim it (or clean your iron after if you get in to trouble here!)
Place your fabric WS (wrong sides) together with your Fold Over Elastic & line up the raw edge of your fabric with the centre crease line. Press in place so the adhesive sticks to the back of the fabric and the Fold Over Elastic. Pin in place. To prevent gathering, it is best to have a few cm of elastic overhanging at each end to cleanly feed the fabric layers through the machine.
Fold over the top section of the Fold Over Elastic, pin in place, sandwiching the fabric in between the two layers of Fold Over Elastic.
Stitch in place, using a narrow zig-zag stitch length and width of 2mm. If you would rather use a three-step zig-zag, use a width of 3.5 mm to 4 mm and a length of 1 mm to 1.5 mm. – you may want to adjust this based on your individual machine tension, fabric composition and elastic.

Don’t worry about the garment edge being stiff, as both of these adhesives will dissolve after the first wash.

Method 4: The 2 step method (with removable basting stitch)

This is the same method as method 1, but with a basting stitch that can be removed easily.

Place your fabric WS (wrong sides) together with your Fold Over Elastic and line up the raw edge of your fabric with the centre crease line. Pin in place if required. Hand stitch/baste in place by hand, using long, fairly loose stitches. Only secure with a knot at one end – this allows for easier removal.

How to attach fold over elastic: Hand Baste Method 2

2. Fold over the top section of the Fold Over Elastic, pin in place, sandwiching the fabric in between the two layers of Fold Over Elastic.

How to attach fold over elastic: Hand Baste Method 3

How to attach fold over elastic: Hand Baste Method 4

3. Stitch in place, using a narrow zig-zag stitch length and width of 2mm. If you would rather use a three-step zig-zag, use a width of 3.5 mm to 4 mm and a length of 1 mm to 1.5 mm. – you may want to adjust this based on your individual machine tension, fabric composition and elastic.

4. Flip over the elastic, and gently pull the basting stitch out of the fabric and elastic. If it is stuck, gently use a seam ripper or small pair of scissors to remove it.

Sewing Fold Over Elastic in the round

Sometimes you won’t be able to apply the Fold Over Elastic to a flat edge, where the seam is sewn after to join the two pieces. You will need to apply the Fold Over Elastic in the round on some patterns, on armholes, necklines and even some waistlines.

To do this, you need to sew together the ends of the Fold Over Elastic before you apply it to your garment.

There are two main methods;

Method 1 – the straight join

Simply sew across the ends of the Fold Over Elastic, once cut to the desired length, then pin and sew it to the rounded edge. You can use any of the above methods to apply it in one or two steps, but we recommend trimming away the excess fabric if using the two step method.

fold over elastic straight join method 1

Method 2 – the mitred join

A mitred or bias join is where the two ends of the Fold Over Elastic cross at a 90 degree angle instead of aligning as above. This allows you to ease the Fold Over Elastic into the round a little easier as there is ease on the bias as well as the stretch. You cross over the ends of the Fold Over Elastic at a 90 degree angle, then sew from point to point where the top end crosses the bottom end. Trim excess bulk from the seam and then apply as above.

We hope you found this product guide helpful. Drop us a message with any comments or questions you have!

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How To Use Waistband Extenders – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #2

by Kellie Rose | Apr 27, 2022 | Care and Repair, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing

Welcome to post number 2 in our Care & Repair Series! Today we’re offering a solution to a common problem – how to really quickly and easily extend a waistband… without any sewing! We’ll highlight this little wonder product and run you through why you might need them and how to use these waistband extenders.

Let’s be real. The pandemic has meant that many of us have put on some extra pounds and clothes might have become a little snug!

Or perhaps you’re in the early stages of pregnancy and could do with an extra bit of room before buying some maternity clothes?

And let’s not forget – some days we’re just bigger than others… This can be due to our monthly cycles, or perhaps eating certain foods can make you bloat.

You might need some extra comfort post-surgery, or just after a jolly good meal! Or perhaps something has shrunk in the wash (that old chestnut…!)

Our bodies can even fluctuate in size from day to day so a quick temporary fix can help ease discomfort.

We wanted to bring this little wonder products to your attention – who knew they were even a thing?!

And as these nifty little extenders are a NO SEW temporary fix it means they can even be switched between garments to extend their life.

With this series of Care & Repair blogs we really want to bring into focus ways in which we can all reuse, repurpose, repair and rejuvenate the clothes that are already in our wardrobes.

300,000 tonnes of discarded clothing goes to landfill every year in the UK, making up 5% of the UK’s carbon and water footprint, according to Wrap, the waste charity. There’s never been a more important tome to make do and mend.

Being able to easily adjust the size of waistbands can help give them an extra lease of life and also improve their comfort by adding a little extra room. The wasit band extenders generally give you and extra will extend the waistline by approximately 2.5cm- 5cm on your waist band and are suitable for trousers, jeans or skirts.

No need to replace perfectly good garments that haven’t worn out; this is better for our wallets and for the planet – win win!

Extenders are not permanent fixtures to your garments so they can easily be switched out as required. Just make sure you remove them before laundering!

The waist extenders come in a variety of options…. make sure you select the best match for your garment.

You can also link multiple extenders together to achieve the level of fit you require – read to the end of this post to see this in action…

How to use waist band extenders

Select the Waist Band Extender product which best matches the fastening and colour of your garment. There are button, hooks and jean button products to choose from

Waistband Expander

2. Thread the existing fastening through one of the holes on the extender piece