EuthanasiaOfSanity
PearlZenith
EuthanasiaOfSanity
Actually, I have a question.

I was told to use the steam from an iron to make the elastic for the waist of a skirt to shrink it so it'll get that stretchyness.

Is this true?

If so, should I sew the skirt closed first or do it AFTER?
I've never heard of that, or needed to do that to make a properly stretchy skirt. It might be true, but I'd test it with some scrap fabric first, to be sure. On your actual skirt, I think you'd want to finish sewing the skirt completely before steaming the elastic. I'm a little worried that the heat might help the elastic break down more quickly, but I really don't know about what it actually does.


Well, the elastic I have just stays taught, it doesn't stretch and relax like most do. That's why I was asking. And if I use too much elastic, would it make it too lose? I'm not even sure what type of elastic to use.
I've never seen elastic like that, since I usually buy the kind that comes in 1/2" and 3/4" widths, and is cottony on the outside, with the elastic on the inside. Are you making a casing for the elastic to run through, or sewing the fabric directly to the elastic? The first option is easier to adjust the length, and you can figure out what length is right to hold the weight of your skirt up, and not be too tight around your waist.