Looking for a little stretch in your wardrobes but confused about which elastic to opt for? Then yes, this is the place where you should be!
Looking blankly at your conceptual avenues and trying to figure out what kind of elastic to use can be overwhelming and daunting. Despite knowing your pattern, choosing the most appropriate elastic from its endless collective is difficult.
To help you out of your dilemma, in this article, we will discuss the different types of elastics used for clothing and how you should consider using them.
Table of contents
Garment elastics
These types of elastics are specially designed to add shape to the neckline of your tops. Mainly reserved for workhorse elastics, this type is not at all decorative. Despite being fancy, garment elastics come in various widths and can be purchased in black or white.
The different types of elastics that come under garment elastics are
Knitted elastic
Knit elastic is highly smooth against the skin due to its smooth appearance. Unlike braided elastics, this one doesn’t narrow with stretching and also maintains its resiliency when sewn.
Although they can be used for multiple purposes, knitted elastics are the best lightweight fabrics.
Baby elastic
It is an extra soft elastic that is ideal for stitching baby wear. The soothing texture of the baby elastics makes them comfortable and not too rough against the skin. Besides, it’s also great for encasing certain areas of infant clothing that need elasticity.
Braided elastic
It is ideal for casings like sleeve hems, waistlines, and necklines. With parallel ribs running along the length of the elastic, braided elastic is a simple yet valuable garment elastic.
Moreover, it becomes narrower as it is stretched and losses its intensity when pierced with a pin or needle.
Woven elastic
Being the strongest garment elastic, woven elastic is perfect for projects that include heavyweight fabrics like outerwear. Unlike braided elastic, this too doesn’t become narrower when stretched and strives to hold its flexibility when stitched.
With the presence of vertical and horizontal ribs, woven elastics are easily identified. And they are popularly known by the name of “no roll” elastics.
Special elastics
All the fancy and decorative elastics in the market come under this category. Although they are derived from the primary garment elastics, these types have specific applications.
Different types of elastics that special elastics include
Fold-over elastic
Briefly known as FOE, this decorative elastic can be easily identified by the small ridge present at the center of the elastic. This ridge enables the elastic to fold in half. It comes in various colors and is ideal for encasing open edges.
Besides, fold-over elastic has become a popular choice for adding elasticity to undergarments when combined with lingerie elastic. They, too, maintain their flexibility when sewn and become narrow when extended.
Buttonhole elastic
It is a variety of corded elastic and doesn’t change its shape when stretched out.
However, buttonhole elastic maintains its resilience and includes evenly spaced holes for buttons.
Ideally used on the waistbands, it helps your waist to move in when broader or narrower than the waistband. Additionally, these elastics are suitable for maternity clothing as well.
Hat elastic
It is a round and wide thread mainly used in hats and various beading projects. Suitable with zigzag stitches, hat elastic can be quickly sewn through narrow channels.
Another name for hat elastic is cord elastic.
Swim elastic
Being a variety of braided elastic, it too narrows when extended and losses its resilience when sewed with a needle or pins. It is used in swimwear as it can withstand chlorinated water and salt.
The fiber content of swim elastic distinguishes it from the regular braided ones. Moreover, the combination of cotton and rubber makes it very gentle on the skin.
Clear elastic
As the name suggests, a clear elastic is a transparent type of elastic that is commendably light in weight. It can be both stretchy and firm depending upon the quality. The cheaper varieties should be avoided as they can break easily.
Clear elastic becomes narrower when stretched but does not lose its elasticity when stitched. Owing to its features, clear elastic is an ideal fit for stabilizing medium-weight knits.
Lingerie elastic
Similar to its name, this elastic is used explicitly for lingerie. It is a variety of knit elastic and doesn’t narrow when extended. Moreover, lingerie elastic maintains its flexibility when sewn. Available in various colors, widths, and finishes, lingerie elastics are very comfortable to put on the skin.
Further, several lingerie elastics include a plush back for extra solace.
Stretch lace elastic
Stretch lace elastics are technically laces and not elastics. However, their elasticity makes them stretchy and flexible, bringing them under the category of elastics.
Well, it is similar to lingerie elastic and can be used as a perfect replacement. When it comes to bras and panties, using stretch lace elastics is a better choice as it stretches them comfortably.
Drawstring elastic
With a narrow channel along the middle of the elastic, drawstring elastic is extremely easy to identify. The middle ridge allows the drawstring to sit and move out when pulled.
This particular type of elastic is perfect for casual clothing, sportswear, and drawstring waistbands.
Ruched elastic
A new type of elastic available in the market is a variation on lingerie elastics. Despite being decorative, it is practical enough to provide a perfect stretch to the inner-wear.
The one-sided decoration on ruched elastics enables it to fit perfectly on the fabric and adds a pleasant decorative finish.
Elastics do have a significant position in the clothing industry. From increasing the garment’s feasibility to stretch to making it wearable for different physical sizes, elastics are very important.
Therefore, to reap the best benefits of elastics choosing the right one among the different types of elastics is undoubtedly essential.
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