The Sewing Place
Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: Lolli on April 25, 2018, 19:13:17 PM
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I've made two mock up leotards that are going in the bin as I don't need them. I used knit elastic in the legs and top, is it feesable to unpick and reuse the elastic as to not waste it? I probably sound like a right skint flint but it seems a waste to throw it away.
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It also depends on its previous insertion technique. If it was greatly stretched it will probably not return to its original length. This does not automatically make it useless, but you will need to consider its current level of stretchiness in deciding what to use it for.
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I've re-used elastic in waistbands if that's any help.
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It was put on with my sewing machine using a zigzag stitch. I only slightly stretched it in most areas but greatly stretched it in a couple of places as the pattern instructions indicated.
I hate wasting things!
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It's new and not been worn? Definitely unpick it!
Edit: But remember sod's law says it will never be the right length for anything else :P
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Haha probably knowing my luck!!
But yeh, it's new and unworn so therefore I shall start unpicking!
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Slight deviation here, why not keep your practice leotards for experimenting on when you do get an overlocker, then you can play with the different settings, roll hemming, practice sewing around curves both inward and outward curves just so you get the feel of how it should be - you have nothing to lose, and it is not wasting fabric.
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That's a really good idea actually, I'll take the elastic out first though! :D
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I've been known to not only re-use elastic, but to join several pieces together if I haven't got the right length.
Thrifty I call it.... ;)
Jessie
OK it's mean, but needs must.....
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2-3 years ago, I made a couple of skirts with elastic waists. They stretched just enough to get over my hips but were very big around the waist. Last week I took out the elastic and put a zip in the side seam. Then I cut about 6" off the elastic and sewed it back into the waist. A hook and eye to secure the top and the fit is perfect. Elastic is expensive these days. Especially the non-roll woven stuff. Like Jessie, I have saved the bits I cut off. >:)
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Well I'm glad my thoughts of re-using it is a feesable idea after all! It's good quality knit elastic that doesn't roll when stretched so it should be good to use again.
I'm also trying to be thrifty @b15erk ;)
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I've been known to not only re-use elastic, but to join several pieces together if I haven't got the right length.
Thrifty I call it.... ;)
Jessie
OK it's mean, but needs must.....
I do that too J.
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right
I've been known to not only re-use elastic, but to join several pieces together if I haven't got the right length.
Another here although I don't overlap it, I butt it up together over a snippet of organza & zigzag the join & zigzag either side to keep it smooth. This is how I join elastic in general.
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right
Another here although I don't overlap it, I butt it up together over a snippet of organza & zigzag the join & zigzag either side to keep it smooth. This is how I join elastic in general.
Yes, me too - avoids lumps!
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right
Another here although I don't overlap it, I butt it up together over a snippet of organza & zigzag the join & zigzag either side to keep it smooth. This is how I join elastic in general.
What a great idea, I would never have thought of that :D