How to Attach Elastic Using a Serger
- 1). Cut fabric and elastic to the desired width. If the elastic is to be used as a waistband, this should be 2 inches less than the waist measurement.
- 2). Mark the elastic at its center. Make another two marks between the center and the two ends. The elastic now has marks showing each quarter section. Use a washable fabric pen or a soft pencil to make the marks.
- 3). Mark the fabric in the same way -- at center and quarter points.
- 4). Thread the serger. Make sure the first spool has thread that matches the fabric.
- 5). Place the fabric wrong side up under the serger foot. If your fabric doesn't have a right side and wrong side, the fabric should have the inside of the garment or project facing upwards.
- 6). Hold the end of the elastic to the edge of the fabric with your left hand. With your right hand stretch the elastic so that the quarter mark on the elastic is in line with the quarter mark on the fabric.
- 7). Lower the foot and serge until the quarter mark. Be careful not to cut the elastic with the serger blade. Use your left forearm to keep the fabric flat as it moves forward.
- 8). Stretch the elastic so that the center point meets the central mark on the fabric, and continue serging to the center point.
- 9). Repeat on the last two quarters of the fabric and elastic.
- 10
Turn the edge of the fabric with the elastic over so that the elastic is hidden under the fold of fabric. - 11
Stretch the fabric so that it is flat, and serge along the bottom edge of the elastic. - 12
Repeat along the top edge of the fabric.