2.27.2012

Tutorial: Easy way to fix a stretched out or too-large waistband

I found this nifty broomstick skirt at the Downtown Rescue Mission Thrift Store. Unfortunately it was a size too big and the elastic on the waistband was all stretched out so when I put it on I looked like the "after" picture in a diet ad. But the skirt was in good shape and worth saving. I suppose I could have carefully seam-ripped out the old elastic and replaced it, but I'm all about quick and easy solutions. This tutorial covers a quick and easy way to fix a stretched out or too-large waistband without removing the old elastic.



First wrap a piece of elastic around your waist to determine the correct size waistband. I made my waistband slightly tighter than I wanted the skirt in the end because there's a lot of bulk to the skirt, which will stretch the elastic out a little once it's sewn onto the skirt. Sew the ends of the elastic together so you have a continuous band.


Pin the elastic to the inside of the original waistband, distributing it evenly around. 


Sew the elastic to the old waistband using a zig-zag stitch, stretching the elastic to fit the original waistband size in the process. So in the end, when the new elastic is unstretched, the old waistband will be gathered somewhat. I had to use both hands to hold the new elastic stretched out while sewing; one hand held it in front of the presser foot and one hand behind the presser foot.


 
You should end up with a nice line of zig-zag going all around the elastic on the inside.


And if you've chosen a matching thread color you should only just be able to see the stitching on the outside of the waistband. I was out of brown thread to match the skirt, so I used maroon, but it's still close enough that you can only just see it. Normally my shirt will end up covering the waistband anyway.


Now the waistband of your skirt should be fitted to the right size!


11 comments:

  1. Ehhhg-sa-lent! That's Russian spy talk..get it..Nancy Drew..Carolyn Keene..Oh well. *G*

    I have a few of the originals.. Loved ND when growing up (60's,early 70's) and I still do. Always was a BIG deal for us to go to Grants (at the time) and get the new book (yellow ones).

    Anyway...THANKS for the tip. I have a fave pair of shorts (just ulitarian cotton short shorts for around the house) that I will be glad to drag out the sewing machine for. AND, if I leave it out, maybe I can find a few more thngs to fix at the same time!

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  2. thanks for your clear and simple explanation of what to do. you make it look fairly easy. i'm wearing shorts now that i bought @ 15 years ago in st. thomas. i love everything about this short set except for the fact that the elastic gave up its responsibilities since last summer, i have been walking around today with my pants hanging off my butt. i'm going to take them off and repair them right away, i need this set to last until i find another one as perfect for me as this.

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  3. I need to fix the waistband in hubbie's pajamas. Your instructions are easy to follow, just what I was looking for to fix his pj's--easy instructions with pictures. Thanks!

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  4. Thank you! This is just what I needed!

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  5. Thank you! This is just what I needed!

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  6. this sounds wonderful, but I have already removed the band and the old elastic. So what do I do now? Fran Oakleykl Sept 2016 2:30 pm please reply. Standing by

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  7. this sounds wonderful, but I have already removed the band and the old elastic. So what do I do now? Fran Oakleykl Sept 2016 2:30 pm please reply. Standing by

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  8. That is right on time, Carolyn.

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  9. Thank you for the easy fix, I'm going to give it a try.

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  10. Thanks for sharing this informative information about elastic waist pyjama shorts with us. It's very helpful. Keep it up!

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