Different Types of Elastic used in Garments

What is Elastic:

In sewing, elastic is a notion which is sold in narrow strips and generally serves to increase the ability of garment to stretch, either to accommodate movement or to make the garment suitable for wearers of many different physical sizes. Elastic comes in four forms of construction, each with costs and benefits.

Now, elastic could be of different varieties depending on how it is wrapped and formed. These varieties include knitted elastics, braided elastics, and woven elastics prominently. These are elastic for garments and are prominently used in manufacturing garments. Different elastics have different widths and thicknesses and stretch to them. They are either directly sewn into the fabrics or threaded through casings. The versatility of different elastics altogether makes them perfect for the garment industry. 

What type of elastics are used in garments:

Elastics are normally used in waistbands to provide comfort and security, but they are also used for a wide variety of applications. The main types of elastics used in garments are knitted, braided, cord elastics, and non-roll (woven) elastics, and each type is used for specific applications. You can learn more about the different types and uses below

Types of elastics:

Braided Elastic;

Braided elastic has lengthwise, parallel ridges. Those ridges make this elastic have more “grip” but they also mean that braided elastic tends to narrow as it is stretched. Braided elastic also rolls more easily than woven or knitted elastics, and tends to lose stretch if it is sewn through. For this reason braided elastic is typically recommended for use in casings, not for sewing directly to fabric. But in some casings (like waists) braided elastic isn’t the best choice because of its tendency toward rolling. It’s better in sleeves, necklines, or other areas where rolling isn’t a big issue.

Knitted Elastic;

Knitted elastic is made by knitting the fibers together. Knitted elastic tends to be softer than braided or woven elastic, and it retains its width when stretched. It also works well even when pierced by needles, so it’s a good choice for sew on applications. It rolls more than woven elastic, but less than braided elastic. Since this elastic is softer, it’s suitable for light to mid weight fabrics, but doesn’t have the grip needed for heavier fabrics. With knit elastic, I may cut the elastic slightly shorter than the finished measurement in order to have it grip properly, when I use it for waistbands.

Woven Elastic;

Woven elastic is a more structured elastic type. Because of its firmness, it does not narrow when stretched out, nor does it roll or twist, making it a great elastic for garment areas like waistbands. As well as using it within casings and channels, because of its non-roll or non-twist properties, woven elastic will work well used directly as a waistband as is. It also works well with medium to heavy weight fabrics because of its strength.

Non Roll Elastic;

Non-roll elastic is preferred over other types of elastic for various reasons. Firstly, it is designed to remain in position during use, thereby eliminating concerns regarding the rolling or twisting of waistbands or cuffs. This attribute is especially significant for attire that requires a polished and refined appearance, such as dress pants or skirts.

Second, non-roll elastic has excellent stretch and recovery, so it will maintain its shape and elasticity even after repeated use and washing. This means that your garment will fit well and look great for a long time. Finally, non-roll elastic is very easy to work with. It can be sewn directly onto the fabric, and it doesn’t require any special handling or treatment.

Why Non-Roll Elastic is better:

Non-roll elastic is better than other types of elastic for several reasons. First, it stays in place during use, so you don’t have to worry about your waistband or cuffs rolling or twisting. This is particularly important for garments that need to look neat and professional, such as dress pants or skirts.

Second, non-roll elastic has excellent stretch and recovery, so it will maintain its shape and elasticity even after repeated use and washing. This means that your garment will fit well and look great for a long time.

Why Cheap Elastic is Not Good to Use:

While it may be tempting to use cheap elastic to save money, it is not a good idea. Cheap elastic is usually made from inferior materials and may not have the same stretch and recovery as high-quality elastic. This means that your garment may not fit well and may not look as good as it should.

In addition, cheap elastic may not be very durable and may break or stretch out of shape after just a few uses. This can be frustrating and may lead to having to replace the elastic frequently.

Finally, cheap elastic may not be very easy to work with. It may be more difficult to sew onto the fabric, and it may not hold up well during washing and drying.

Conclusion:

There are different types of elastic available, each with its unique properties and uses. Non-roll elastic is better than other types of elastic because it stays in place, has excellent stretch and recovery, and is easy to work with. It is not a good idea to use cheap elastic in your sewing projects because it may not be as durable or easy to work with as high-quality elastic. By choosing the right type of elastic and using high-quality materials, you can create beautiful, well-fitting garments that will last for a long time.