Elastic seems simple until a waistband twists inside its casing or narrow elastic goes limp after a few washes. The construction of the elastic — braided, knit, woven non-roll or sport — determines how it stretches, how it recovers, and where it belongs in your sewing. Linda's now stocks a full elastic wall in widths from 1/8″ beading cord to 2″ wide knit.
The Four Main Types of Elastic
Braided elastic narrows when stretched and grips well inside casings, making it the economical choice for sleeve hems, leg openings and lightweight casings. It shouldn't be sewn through, since stitching breaks the braid. Options include 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and bulk 1/4″ x 65 yd and 1″ x 20 yd rolls.
Knit elastic is soft, keeps its width when stretched, and can be sewn directly to fabric, which makes it the go-to for waistbands worn against skin. Find it in 1/4″, 1/2″, 1″, wide 2″ and bulk 1″ x 25 yd.
Non-roll elastic is woven with lateral ribs that keep it flat inside a casing — the cure for waistbands that flip and twist. Choose 1/2″, 3/4″, 1-1/2″, or bulk rolls in 1/2″ x 30 yd, 3/4″ x 18 yd and 1″ x 12 yd, including black 1″ x 12 yd.
Specialty elastics round out the wall: firm 1-1/4″ sport elastic for activewear waistbands, ultra-soft baby elastic for delicate skin, beading cord elastic for jewelry and button loops, and elastic thread for shirring on a home machine.
Which Width Do You Need?
1/8″–1/4″ suits necklines, lingerie and shirring; 1/2″–3/4″ covers pajamas, skirts and kids' clothes; 1″ and wider is waistband territory, where non-roll or sport elastic earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between braided and knit elastic?
Braided elastic narrows when stretched and loses stretch if sewn through, so it belongs inside casings. Knit elastic keeps its width, stays soft against skin, and can be stitched directly to fabric.
Which elastic won't twist in a waistband?
Non-roll elastic. Its woven ribs keep it flat inside the casing, even in wide waistbands that get heavy wear and washing.
Can I sew through elastic with my machine?
Knit, non-roll and sport elastic can all be sewn through. Avoid stitching through braided elastic, which weakens the braid and reduces recovery. Use a stretch or zigzag stitch either way.