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Blog – sewing tips and haberdashery guides

Practical guides to buttons, zippers, elastics, labels, ribbons and all sewing accessories – sizes, types and how to attach them.

Elastic Glossary: Elongation, Recovery, Modulus and Other Stretch Terms Elastic Glossary: Elongation, Recovery, Modulus and Other Stretch Terms Elastic stretch, elongation and recovery are terms that confuse even experienced makers. Read more → Notebook Elastic Bands for Journals, Boxes and Packaging: Branded Closures Notebook Elastic Bands for Journals, Boxes and Packaging: Branded Closures A notebook elastic band is the small detail that turns an ordinary notebook into something you want to carry everywhere. Read more → Elastic Binding for Necklines and Armholes: Method, Ratio and Stitch Elastic Binding for Necklines and Armholes: Method, Ratio and Stitch Elastic binding on necklines and armholes is the fastest and most durable way to finish the edge of a knit top, a... Read more → Sustainable Elastic: rPET, Organic Cotton and Natural Rubber Explained Sustainable Elastic: rPET, Organic Cotton and Natural Rubber Explained Sustainable elastic is the trickiest part of any eco collection, because elastic is a hybrid. Read more → Buttonhole Elastic: Adjustable Waistbands for Kids' Trousers, Step by Step Buttonhole Elastic: Adjustable Waistbands for Kids' Trousers, Step by Step Buttonhole elastic is the simple fix for the most common problem with children's trousers: the length is right but the waist is... Read more → Elastic for Activewear: Choosing for Leggings, Shorts and Sports Bras Elastic for Activewear: Choosing for Leggings, Shorts and Sports Bras Elastic for activewear works in the toughest conditions any elastic faces: constant stretching, sweat, body heat and a wash after every session. Read more → Silicone Gripper Elastic: Anti-Slip Tape for Cycling Shorts, Leggings and Lingerie Silicone Gripper Elastic: Anti-Slip Tape for Cycling Shorts, Leggings and Lingerie Silicone gripper elastic is the small detail that separates good cycling shorts from the ones that ride up your thigh after the... Read more → Fold-Over Elastic (FOE): What It Is and How to Sew It, Step by Step Fold-Over Elastic (FOE): What It Is and How to Sew It, Step by Step Fold over elastic, or FOE, is the fastest way to finish a knit edge with a clean, soft, stretchy binding: no hem,... Read more → Lingerie Elastic Types: Picot, Plush-Back, Strap Elastic and More Lingerie Elastic Types: Picot, Plush-Back, Strap Elastic and More Lingerie elastic types make up a whole family of narrow bands, and each has a precise job on a bra or a... Read more → Jacquard vs Printed Logo Elastic: Which Should Your Brand Choose? Jacquard vs Printed Logo Elastic: Which Should Your Brand Choose? Jacquard vs printed elastic is one of the first decisions an underwear or activewear brand faces when it wants its name on... Read more → Latex-Free Elastic: The Solution for Latex Allergy and Sensitive Skin Latex-Free Elastic: The Solution for Latex Allergy and Sensitive Skin Latex free elastic is something more and more makers and brands are asked about, because the question "does this elastic contain latex?"... Read more → Braided Elastic: What It Is, Why It Narrows When Stretched and When to Use It Braided Elastic: What It Is, Why It Narrows When Stretched and When to Use It Braided elastic is the third main type of flat elastic alongside woven and knitted, and it is the one most often bought... Read more → Best Elastic for Scrunchies and Hair Ties: Width, Length and Type Best Elastic for Scrunchies and Hair Ties: Width, Length and Type Choosing the right elastic for scrunchies is the hidden decision that determines whether a hair tie holds a ponytail all day or... Read more → Shirring Elastic: How to Shirr Fabric on a Sewing Machine Step by Step Shirring Elastic: How to Shirr Fabric on a Sewing Machine Step by Step Shirring elastic is the secret behind gathered summer dresses, smocked tops and children's dresses with stretchy bodices. Read more → Swimwear Elastic: Which Elastic Survives Chlorine and Salt Water Swimwear Elastic: Which Elastic Survives Chlorine and Salt Water Swimwear elastic is one of the few trims that works in a genuinely hostile environment: chlorinated water, salt, sun, sunscreen and sand. Read more → Underwear Elastic: The Right Types for Boxers, Briefs and Panties Underwear Elastic: The Right Types for Boxers, Briefs and Panties Underwear elastic is the detail that decides whether boxers, briefs or panties feel comfortable all day, or dig in, roll over and... Read more → Rubber vs Spandex Elastic: Differences, Durability and Washing Care Rubber vs Spandex Elastic: Differences, Durability and Washing Care Rubber vs spandex elastic sounds like a technical question, but the answer decides whether a waistband, a pair of briefs or a... Read more → Elastic for Sleeves, Cuffs and Hems – Choosing Width and Length Elastic for Sleeves, Cuffs and Hems – Choosing Width and Length Elastic for sleeves and cuffs turns a plain sleeve into a puff sleeve, keeps the wind out of a jacket cuff and... Read more → Fitted Sheet With Elastic – How to Sew or Convert One at Home Fitted Sheet With Elastic – How to Sew or Convert One at Home A fitted sheet with elastic is much easier to sew than it looks – and if you have a flat sheet that... Read more → How to Sew Elastic With a Sewing Machine – Zigzag, Needles, Settings How to Sew Elastic With a Sewing Machine – Zigzag, Needles, Settings Learning how to sew elastic with a sewing machine directly onto fabric is quicker than making a casing and gives a flatter,... Read more → Why Elastic Loses Its Stretch and How to Wash It Properly Why Elastic Loses Its Stretch and How to Wash It Properly Elastic loses its stretch faster than the garment itself wears out, which is why the waistband of your favourite trousers or pyjamas... Read more → Waist Elastic Length – How to Calculate It Without Guesswork Waist Elastic Length – How to Calculate It Without Guesswork Working out the right waist elastic length seems easy until a garment ends up too tight or keeps sliding down. Read more → Elastic bands for clothing – knitted, woven, jacquard, braided, and decorative Elastic bands for clothing – knitted, woven, jacquard, braided, and decorative Almost every garment contains elastic – in the waistband, cuffs, underwear, or hood. But not every elastic is suitable for every application. Read more → Colored elastic bands – woven and knitted, from 1 to 10 cm Colored elastic bands – woven and knitted, from 1 to 10 cm Elastic is no longer just a functional detail – colorful elastic can be an accent in a garment's design. Explore the possibilities. Read more →