Get to Know Elastic and Fasteners for Sewing Projects

Most sewing projects come with a list of notions that are needed to finish the project. There will be times when your sewing project will need some type of elastic or fastener or maybe even both. Here in some information to help you understand just what is meant by the terms on your pattern envelope.

There are many types of elastic that can be used in sewing projects. The most common type is called corded elastic. This type will last longer than other types and is a firm elastic. It comes in several widths up to about ¾ of an inch. A wider elastic is called nonroll. It is designed to not fold up when used in waistbands of pants. It can also be used where ever wide elastic is needed. These types of elastic are made to be encased in a tube of fabric.

There are also types of elastic that are made for special purposes. There is sports elastic that is made to tolerate chlorine and be used in swim suits. There is lingerie elastic that is not as wide that has a soft side meant to be worn against the skin. Drawstring elastic has a built-in casing along the center to slide the string through. There is also an elastic that is made for babies that is extra soft.

There are a variety of zippers that can be used in sewing projects as well. These come in different weights and lengths, as well. There are some that have metal teeth and some have teeth made of polyester. The polyester zippers come in regular and invisible varieties. The teeth of the invisible zippers are curved inward. This is so that after the zipper is sewn into a garment, it will look like a seam instead of a zipper. The only indication that there is a zipper there is the tiny teardrop pull that will be at the top of the seam.

Snaps come in two basic varieties. There are snaps that are riveted to the cloth. And, there are snaps that are sewn onto the garment. Both of these types come in a large variety of sizes and weights.

Rivet snaps will require a hammer to fasten to the garment. You will also need a kit that will include a punch and a tool to keep the parts of the snap in place. This should keep the snap from damaging the fabric. You can also buy snap tape. This is a twill tape with snaps already attached. You just sew this to your garment. It can be a huge time saver when you are making a garment that needs a row of snaps. You do not have to worry with the riveting of the snaps. And, the snaps are already spaced as needed.

The hook and eye fasteners have been used for hundreds of years in some shape or fashion. These are sometimes preferable to snaps. This is especially true if pressure on the fastening could cause a snap to open. Use a hook and horseshoe shaped hoop eye when you want the two pieces of fabric to be flush instead of overlapping. They are usually sold in packages that contain several sets of hooks and eyes. You can also find heavyweight hooks and bars that are good to use when making skirts and pants. If you are making a coat or jacket, it is possible to find decorative hook and hoop eye fasteners for your project.

Most people who have clothes know about buttons. These fasteners come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. There are flat buttons that have holes for sewing them onto fabric. There are ball and shank buttons that have stitching holes that protrude or they may have metal loops on the bottom. These work better for thick fabrics.

Knowing what you need to finish your sewing project is a necessity. It can be confusing if you are just starting out in the hobby of sewing and you get to the fabric store and see the displays of fasteners and elastic. Hopefully, this information will help you decide what type of supplies you need to finish your sewing project.

SOURCE

Detrixhe, Sandra. "The Everything Sewing Book". 2004. F&W Publications, Inc. Avon, MA, USA.