Uploaded January 2014 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
A demo showing how I use a variable width zig-zag stitch to cleanly join the ends of an elastic waistband together. This eliminates the overlapping bulge. Try using a ballpoint needle first. Cut some small pieces such as I have here and do a test first to see the results. NOTE! I mistakenly say zigzag length when I actually mean zigzag WIDTH. Also, Bernina machines allow you to simply press a button and the machine will sew in reverse without holding a reverse button. That is why I made this Bernina 220 my dedicated elastic joining machine.
NOTICE! Not all machines can handle this task. Some of my machine will stall feeding at some point when attempting this. This is usually the machines that offer the wider zigzag throat plates. It works better in machine that have a max width of 4mm. 5mm and above it can become a problem.
You can help your machine feed by placing a piece of woven fabric under the elastic. I've uses Muslin Fabric with success.
A demo showing how I use a variable width zig-zag stitch to cleanly join the ends of an elastic waistband together. This eliminates the overlapping bulge. Try using a ballpoint needle first. Cut some small pieces such as I have here and do a test first to see the results. NOTE! I mistakenly say zigzag length when I actually mean zigzag WIDTH. Also, Bernina machines allow you to simply press a button and the machine will sew in reverse without holding a reverse button. That is why I made this Bernina 220 my dedicated elastic joining machine.
NOTICE! Not all machines can handle this task. Some of my machine will stall feeding at some point when attempting this. This is usually the machines that offer the wider zigzag throat plates. It works better in machine that have a max width of 4mm. 5mm and above it can become a problem.
You can help your machine feed by placing a piece of woven fabric under the elastic. I've uses Muslin Fabric with success.
