How do you hand sew elastic to gather fabric?
Matthew Cannon
Updated on January 16, 2026
How to sew elastic to fabric
- Measure and pin to divide your fabric into quarter sections. Mark your elastic into quarters in the same way.
- Pin the end of your elastic to the end of your fabric and stitch to secure. Pull the elastic tightly and pin the next section of elastic to the next pin on the fabric.
What stitch should I use to sew elastic?
Use the zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine and sew across the overlapping elastic 2 or 3 times. This will ensure that the ends of the elastic band are well connected. Another option is to sew the ends of the elastic together using a scrap piece of fabric.How do you gather with clear elastic?
How to gather using clear elastic
- First, identify how long the elatic needs to be. ...
- Pin the starting point along the raw edge of the bottom pattern piece and the center of the elastic to the center of the pattern piece. ...
- Place your fabric and clear elastic in your machine – elastic under the foot.
How do you hand sew two ends of elastic?
How do you hand sew elastic ends together?
- Cut the elastic to a suitable size after carefully measuring.
- Use either zigzag stitch or alternate straight and backstitch to secure the two ends together about 10 times.
- Stretch the elastic to make sure the stitches don't show weakness or break.