Understanding the Waistband - Threads A length of 1 1 4-in -wide stiff waistband interfacing pulled snugly over this same waistline measured 28 1 4 in , and 2-in -wide interfacing measured 28% in The greater the difference between the waist and hips, the longer that wider bands will need to be
My Favorite Trouser-Making Details, Part 4: Waistband Finishes The waistband’s inside layer is often a little deeper than the outside layer so that it completely covers the seam allowances at the waistline This technique is often used on the top facings of Hollywood waist trousers (trousers with a grown-on or cut-on waistband rather than a sewn-on, separate one) and in menswear
Sewing an Elastic Waistband - Threads For me, the narrower the elastic, the less aware I am of something around my waist But others prefer the firmer feel of a wider elastic And although most of us wear something over an elastic waistband that hides it, some of the designer techniques I want to share are pretty enough to leave uncovered The sewing professional’s favorite
How to Sew Flat, Flattering Elastic Waistbands - Threads Fold the waistband to the wrong side along the foldline, and pin through both layers along the waistband seam Stitch-in-the-ditch along the seam; leave about 3 inches unsewn at the center back Thread elastic through the opening, smooth the area to remain flat, then pin and stitch across the waistband through all layers at each end of the flat
Sew a Two-Piece Waistband for Great Fitting Pants - Threads My solution was an adaptation of the standard man’s trouser waistband, made in two pieces and seamed at the center back I added up to 1 5 ⁄ 8 inches to the new center back waistband seam allowance (s a ) and widened the allowance on the seam of the back pants to match I also changed the standard construction sequence to sew the center
How to Reconfigure the Back Waistband - Threads In my experience, there are more seams available in ladies’ garments with higher price points That translates to more adjustment opportunities Even so, the back waistband needs to be reconfigured for easier alterations The back waistband of these ready-to-wear pants is in one piece, with a facing on the inside, which is also one piece
The Inside Scoop on Hollywood Waists - Threads We have the 1940s to thank for this wonderful style that first appeared in menswear Rather than cutting the pant to rest at the natural waist—the accepted style of the day and higher than today’s style dictates—the waistband was eliminated, and pants were extended above the waist
The Amazing Expanding Waistband - Threads 3 Stitch ends of elastic to markings on waistband facing, creating 1-in excess Repeat on other side of band 4 Finish waistband ends as directed in your pattern Turn waistband facing under and stitch from right side in ditch of waistband garment seam, catching fold Stretch elastic inside band as you stitch over side seams
Couture Techniques for a Better Fitting Waistband - Threads In this excerpt from “Build a Better Waistband” in Threads #165 (Feb March 2013), Susan Khalje shares her techniques and tips for adding hooks, eyes, snaps, and other small finishing details to achieve a better fitting waistband Don’t miss other fabulous techniques by subscribing to Threads or by purchasing the tablet edition today
How to Sew a Classic Waistband - Threads The directions that follow are for a standard waistband with a cut-on facing: The finished upper edge is a fold rather than a seam This type is the most common in commericial patterns, and it has benefits It is quicker to sew and provides a smoother edge than a band with a separate facing