What are sewing bands and how are they used?
Sewing thread-elastic is an integral part of many types of clothing. Without it, sewing underwear, socks is unthinkable. Sewing elastic has many advantages, and the quality of modern models is constantly improving. This article will tell you all about such an unusual product.
Description and purpose
Sewing elastic, also called elastic thread, is used when it is necessary to make assemblies on the product. Elastic bands for sewing are produced in the same form as ordinary threads - spools. However, when stretched, such products are much wider than ordinary threads and, obviously, stretch well. Usually they are used to sew the neckline, sleeve ends, waist and chest area. They are sometimes used for decoration. They are an elastic multilayer thread. The sewing elastic band can be stretched and can become almost 6 times larger.
When working on a sewing machine, such an elastic band can only be used as a lower thread. Otherwise, it will tear. One of the advantages of sewing elastic is the ability to sew directly onto fabric.
Views
The existence of several varieties of sewing elastic bands is due to the fact that some styles, as well as types of fabrics, require the use of different threads. For example, a sewing elastic can be round and wide. The first is an elastic band braided with threads. The second has a flattened appearance and is an elastic fabric made of elastic, as well as other materials.
Sewing rubber threads are divided according to the material of manufacture into two groups: from rubber and elastomer. Nowadays, most of the assortment of such products is represented by elastomer threads. It is considered a more modern material.
Lingerie
This wide elastic thread was used and is still used by many girls to play rubber bands. However, in fact, it is produced for subsequent use in the processes of sewing underwear, car covers, sportswear and other products. Wide models are used in the process of sewing bed linen. The average width of the product is 1.2 cm. As a rule, threads are sold in packs of 90 meters.
In terms of colors, they are most often black or white, less often - red, striped, checkered.
Fishnet
These rubber models are elastic bands with lace... Openwork models are used mainly for decorating clothes. Sometimes they can be used in cases where you need to make the elastic as invisible as possible. Often, patterns are applied to openwork elastic bands: ornaments, floral prints, and so on.
Reflective
These rubber bands are almost always colorful and bright. The products are relatively wide - almost 5 cm. There is a reflective line along the middle of the tape. They are used, as a rule, when sewing overalls, as well as children's clothing. The reflective part is visible in poor weather and at night. Feature - they tolerate temperature drops and cold well. Quite durable.
With silicone
Such products have two sides: front and back. They differ in appearance and touch. The front is often smooth, and the back is soft and fluffy. The latter has a transparent silicone tape attached. These models are used for sewing straps. The silicone coating allows for a close and durable contact with the skin. The products are used for sewing clothes that require a firm fit. Sometimes silicone tape can be seen on the sleeve cuffs of baby clothes.
Hat
This type of sewing elastic looks like a thickened thread. It got its name from its original use: it was used to fix the hat on the head. It is shiny and elastic. The less internal threads there are in the product, the thinner the sewing thread itself will be.
Thinner models are used for sewing summer clothes, and thicker ones for sewing sports equipment. It is these threads that can be seen on face masks, as well as on other medical products. They tolerate exposure to sunlight well.
Decorative
Decorative elastic bands can have sequins, beads, beads, glitter, frills and many other elements. The decorative elastic can be thick or thin. You can find a wide range of colors in stores. A striking example of a decorative sewing elastic band is an elastic band that replaces a belt in a skirt.
Another example is a wide elastic band with various inscriptions sewn over suits. Also, the manufacturer can change the structure of the gum. For example, an elastic band that includes different layers (with free weaving and tight weaving) is also considered decorative.
How are they used?
Elastic bands for sewing are usually used in sewing women's and children's clothing, less often in men's... From the men's wardrobe, underwear, sweatpants, sometimes cuffs and necks are finished with sewing threads. As for the ladies' wardrobe, sewing models are often used when sewing evening and cocktail dresses. They add sophistication to outfits and also make them more feminine. The woven braid is also worth noting, which is also an elastic thread. It is distinguished by strength and rigidity, as well as smoothness. A similar braid is actively used for sewing sports equipment, as well as workwear.
Openwork ribbon can be seen on children's clothes, bodysuits, dresses, swimsuits, handbags and even shoes.As already mentioned, a large number of different shades makes it possible to sew sewing elastic on the outside of the product. An elastic thread is often sewn to the cuffs of the sleeves of woolen products. So they stretch less, and also aesthetically improve the appearance of the product. It is quite common to see sewing elastic on socks. This keeps the socks on your feet. These products are also used to create closed necklaces and bracelets.
Jewelry without fasteners requires a high density of the base, which a sewing elastic is capable of providing.
How to sew correctly?
Sew on elastic threads with a machine as follows.
- You need to wind the elastic thread around the bobbin. When winding, you need to stretch the thread slightly, but do not do it too much. The more the thread was stretched during winding, the greater the compressive force of the product will be when sewing.
- Set the stitch length to 4. While sewing, keep the sewing thread taut while sewing.
- The needle is set in the right place and the sewing process begins. After going through a few stitches, it will already be possible to notice that the fabric is stretching, to see a distinct gathering. If the assembly is too strong, then it is necessary to unwind the bobbin and rewind the rubber thread around it, this time without too much tension. Tighten the fabric slightly while sewing, making sure to keep it straight.
- After the second row is sewn... If you wish, you can sew a few more rows. As a rule, three rows are sewn with a sewing elastic band.
- After all the stitches are completed, each of the remaining threads from the edges is threaded into a regular needle.... Next, for each end, a few stitches are manually sewn with a needle, then a knot is tied to secure.
Relatively thick rubber threads can be sewn to the fabric with a zigzag stitch. As a result, the tension can be adjusted by hand after sewing is complete. Elastic bands are not sewn by hand.
Usually, in such cases, the tension of the fabric may be uneven, and the rubber threads themselves will not adhere well to the fabric.
Care rules
It is worth noting that you need to buy quality material. It is advisable to do this in a well-stocked sewing accessories store. Poor quality items will stretch quickly. Just a few simple tips will help keep things with elastic threads and extend their useful life.
- It is necessary to wash products with similar threads at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. Most of these garments deteriorate from exposure to high temperature water. There are products with special thermal protection, but they are used only for sewing overalls.
- Can't be ironed sewing elastic bands at temperatures over 100 degrees. Also, do not expose products to steam.
- It is advisable to wash things with sewing thread on a delicate cycle.... The elastic band can easily unravel or move away from mechanical stress.