Stretch Fabric Waistband - Free!
Stretch Fabric Waistband - Free!
Lycra blend knit fabrics make excellent waistbands, helping achieve a wonderfully smooth transition at the waist without casings, pins or topstitching involved. A simple alteration is all that is needed to make the change to your pattern.
DOWNLOAD FILE
This download includes alteration instructions and a Print-at-Home pattern for Classic CJP and PlusCJP waist body measurements. At checkout you will be given a link to download the pattern files. The download link will expire after 24 hours so we recommend downloading at this time. A copy of this link will also be in your order confirmation email.
By removing a portion of the garment and replacing it with a band the garment will still fit properly, just smoother. Depending on the desired width of the band the pattern alteration varies.
For the most accurate and comfortable fit, use body measurements rather than finished garment measurements when replacing elastic with a fabric waistband. A fabric waistband needs to stretch over the hips and recover snuggly at the waist. Soft-hand, jersey type LYCRA blend fabrics with at least 100% crosswise stretch and good recovery work best.
Length Calculations
This is to ensure the correct “tightness” of the band (also known as negative ease). Using the calculation below is a good start but is only an approximation. You will need to experiment with your fabric’s stretch and recovery to find the perfect fit. Before sewing the band, try it on! You may need a longer band length if your fabric has less stretch or a shorter band for a fabric with plenty of stretch but poor recovery.
Calculation: (Waist Measurement x 75%) + (seam allowance x 2) = Waistband Length
For reference, we have already done the calculations for you using seam allowance of 5/8”. (see chart)