Fold over elastic is an ultra soft band of elastic with a seam sewn down the middle so that it can easily be folded over (hence the name). It comes in a nearly endless supply of colors and a wide variety of widths. It can be used much the same way as bias tape for binding edges and decorative purposes. An added benefit is that it has a nice amount of stretch, so provides even more versatility. Although it can be folded over, it does not have to be, so there is a huge variety of practical and fun uses for fold over elastic in everyday crafting!
Stylish Headbands
One of the easiest and most popular uses of fold over elastic is homemade headbands. These are fun to personalize and suitable for people ever age from newborn to adult. The first step when making an elastic headband is measuring the elastic. Of course, you can custom measure the elastic around the head of the person that will be wearing it. It is recommended to leave an additional 1/4 to 1/2 inch of extra elastic when cutting to allow room for attaching the cut ends together. If you are making the headband for a baby that is not yet born or as a gift for someone you wish to surprise, this option is not possible. A suggested guideline as far as sizing is:
-Newborn – 13 inches
-3-6 month – 14 inches
-6-12 month – 15 inches
-Child-teen – 16 inches
-Adult – 18 inches
Once the elastic is cut, simply stitch the ends together. To avoid any irritation of stitching against the head or for aesthetic reasons, you may wish to use fabric glue to attach a small piece of elastic around the stitching. For a more narrow headband, fold it over, but for a wide one, simply leave the elastic flat. Once the headband is complete and you are satisfied with the size, you can customize it with any number of accessories, from beads and ribbon to silk flowers. This same method can be used on a smaller scale to make elastic ponytail holders too.
A good tutorial can be found by clicking on this image:
Cloth Diapers
Fold over elastic is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer that is making cloth diapers or diaper covers for a baby. Because fold over elastic does shrink, it is important to wash and dry it once before using it in clothing design. It provides a soft and comfortable edge to the waistline and leg holes of diapers. Simply fold the elastic in half and stitch along the unfinished edges of the diapers. It is fine to stitch while the elastic is relaxed, but if you desire a tighter fit, sew while the elastic is slightly stretched to cause a gathering in the fabric once it’s released.
Legwarmers
Legwarmers are a cozy and fun addition to a wardrobe and very easy to make. Once your desired fabric has been cut and sewn together, fold over elastic can be easily used to add an elastic and decorative touch to the top and bottom to hold the legwarmers in place. Again, remember to prewash to allow for shrinking and sew with the elastic slightly stretched to make the finished product a bit tighter fitting.
Elastic Shoelaces
Elastic shoelaces are convenient for any age, but especially popular among the very old and very young. You can essentially turn any pair of tie shoes into slip-on in one easy step. Simply take out the old shoe lace and measure it against a piece of fold over elastic. Make the elastic a bit shorter, but the length needed will depend on the size and style of shoe. There is room for correction though, as you can cut off any extra once you’ve laced the shoe. Once you have the shoe laced, just knot each end, and the project is complete.
Hemlines, Necklines, Waistbands and Cuffs
Fold over elastic is soft, comfortable and stylish, making it the perfect material for finishing unfinished edges on things like the necklines and cuffs of homemade pajamas or waistline of a skirt. It is easier and faster for the beginner seamstress than sewing a pocket and stringing traditional elastic. Since it comes in such a wide variety of widths, colors, designs, and styles it is easy to fold over, stitch and add your own personal style to nearly any hand-sewn item!
Bio
This contribution comes from The Ribbon Retreat, a supplier of fabric, ribbon, as well as various hardware for arts and crafts projects.
