There are quite a few different types of elastic used in sewing and this article will explain what they are and when best to use each type!
Here are 15 types of elastic:
- Baby elastic
- Braided elastic
- Buttonhole elastic
- Clear elastic
- Corded elastic
- Drawstring elastic
- Elastic thread
- Fold over elastic
- Hat elastic
- Knitted elastic
- Lace elastic
- Lingerie elastic
- Ruched elastic
- Swimwear elastic
- Woven elastic
15 Types Of Elastic Used In Sewing Clothes
Let’s now look more closely at each of these elastic types so that you can feel more confident selecting the right type of elastic for your sewing project!
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1. Baby Elastic
Baby elastic is an extra soft elastic, making it great when sewing baby clothes. It works well in casings and channels to gently gather areas of baby clothing in need of elasticity, but due to its softness is not too rough on baby skin.
2. Braided Elastic
I use braided elastic when creating casings and channels. This type of elastic narrows our when stretched, and can be weakened when sewn over, which is why it works best when used inside fabric casings rather than sewn directly onto fabric.
I used this narrow braided elastic which does become narrower when stretched out, but still works well. My mum calls this ‘knicker elastic’.
3. Buttonhole Elastic
This elastic is again corded, which means that it does narrow when stretched out, but it has evenly spaced holes used for buttons!
You’ll find that this elastic is used on the waistbands of children’s clothing, helping to ‘take in’ the waist if the child is narrower than the waistband.
It is also used on maternity clothing as a way to ‘let out’ items as the belly expands.
4. Clear Elastic
Elastic that is clear works well to gather knit fabrics and to use as a stabiliser on certain seams. It is a narrow and clear elastic, with a minimal amount of stretch.
This clear elastic is one I have used, and comes in several widths.
5. Corded Elastic
This is the most widely recognised elastic used in sewing, with cords running the length of the elastic. It is braided which makes it strong and hardwearing, and is available in a variety of widths and colors.
6. Draw Cord Elastic
This is a special type of elastic used for casual clothing with drawstring waistbands, and sportswear too.
Draw cord elastic has a narrow channel along the middle which is where the drawstring sits and is pulled through from
You can see more clearly what I mean here.
7. Elastic Thread
Elastic thread is a fine stretchy thread used to create shirring but is also a good thread to use when sewing seams on super stretchy 4 way stretch fabric with a straight stitch sewing machine.
This is because the elastic will stretch with the fabric, which lessens the chances of the thread snapping.
8. Fold Over Elastic
Fold over elastic is also referred to as FOE, and is available to buy by the yard or meter. It comes in many different colours, and several widths too.
This type of elastic folds in half widthways – similar to how bias tape is folded! – and it used to finish and decorate panties, knickers, leotards and other types of clothes made from stretchy knitted fabrics.
This elastic type is also used to make colorful hair ties for children.
9. Hat Elastic
Also called elastic cord, hat elastic is round, like a wide piece of thread, and is used to thread through channels or stitched into place with a narrow zigzag stitch.
As well as being used for hats, this type of elastic is also used for various beading projects too.
10. Knitted Elastic
Knitted elastic is a soft elastic which doesn’t narrow when stretched. Due to its softness, it can be sewn directly onto fabric so that it lays against the skin or used in garment areas in need of a less stiff elastic.
Use knitted elastics when sewing light to medium weight fabrics.
This is a great example of knitted elastic, which I myself have used.
11. Lace Elastic
While not technically elastic, some types of lace have elastic in them, which makes them very flexible and stretchy. These lace elastic types are perfect when making lingerie – specifically bras and panties – as the lace stretches nicely.
12. Lingerie Elastic
Lingerie elastic is used specifically on lingerie garments. You’ll find that one side of the elastic is soft so that it is comfortable when worn against the skin, while the other may have a sheen or even branded elements added.
Some lingerie elastic has a decorative loop detail added to the edge of the elastic – this is commonly called picot – while the opposite edge stays plain.
13. Ruched Elastic
Another type of elastic used for lingerie, ruched elastic is both decorative and practical, though not seen as often with all the newer types of elastic available.
The decoration on ruched elastic covers all of one side, so that when stitched into place on fabric, it adds a nice decorative finish.
14. Swimwear Elastic
The elastic used in swimwear needs to be able to withstand both chlorine and salt water. If you were to use regular elastic, you’ll find that it perishes quite quickly.
Swimwear as well as leotards and dance wear can benefit from using a specific elastic for swimwear, as the salt in perspiration will also accelerate the perishing of regular elastic.
There are three types of elastic used for swimwear:
- Braided cotton elastic
- ⅜” wide rubber elastic – this is not an elastic for sewing, but works well for threading through.
- Clear elastic
15. Woven Elastic
Woven elastic is a more structured elastic type. Because of its firmness, it does not narrow when stretched out, nor does it roll or twist, making it a great elastic for garment areas like waistbands.
As well as using it within casings and channels, because of its non-roll or non-twist properties, woven elastic will work well used directly as a waistband as is. It also works well with medium to heavy weight fabrics because of its strength.
Two great performing woven elastics, at 1″ / 2.5cm wide are:
Let’s have a look at some commonly asked questions about elastic!
What Is Elastic Made Of?
Most elastic is made from polyester with the stretch factor being either spandex or rubber. The elastic can be woven or knitted like fabric, or braided.
For some uses, elastic is made with cotton rather than polyester.
What Is Non Roll Elastic?
Non roll elastic is elastic that has a ribbed structure to it which helps prevent rolling and twisting.It can be a knitted or a woven elastic, and is most commonly used in waistbands, leg cuffs and sleeves.
Dritz makes two non-roll elastics which work well:
What Is The Difference Between Knitted And Braided Elastic?
Knitted elastic will allow you to sew through it with minimal damage to the elastic while braided elastic is easily damaged when sewn, making the elastic nature of it less stretchy and affecting its ability to return to it’s non-stretched out state.
How Can I Sew Elastic?
Sewing with elastic is simple. You first need to decide which type of elastic you need for the sewing project. As discussed above, some elastics work best when placed in channels or casings while others work very well when sewn to fabric.
I have this tutorial on how to sew elastic directly to fabric if interested and in this post about a pair of mens drawstring shorts I sewed, you’ll see how I added elastic to a drawstring waistband.
Because of the stretchy nature of elastic, I always recommend that you use a ballpoint needle to sew your elastic, as this will cause less damage than other sewing machine needle types!
Finally, remember that if you are sewing on top of the elastic rather than feeding it through a casing or channel, then stretch the elastic as you’re sewing so that it gathers your fabric up. If you sew it without stretching it, there’s no elasticity at work, and nothing will stretch as planned!
What Is The Strongest Elastic?
The strongest elastic would be woven elastic – it is used for heavy weight fabrics and provides great support and strength. Clear elastics are also quite strong, but have more limited functionality.
Of you’re looking for a strong elastic, avoid braided or knitted.
Can You Wash Elastic?
Absolutely! Elastic can be washed by hand or on a low temperature setting in your washing machine. I have washed polyester woven elastic at 40ºC with no issues.
Does Bleach Destroy Elastic?
You may find that some items of clothing need the occasional submersion in a bleach solution to clean them up – I’m thinking specifically of white underwear that gets stained or becomes a slightly off white colour from accidental washing with colored items.
While bleaching clothing is not recommended due to the damage it can cause fibres, it can also destroy any elastic used.
A solution, which I learned from my Mum, was to soak such items of clothing in a sterilizing fluid. One used for sterilizing baby’s clothing or bottles works well (in the UK, my Mum uses Milton) and helps to freshen up those white fabrics while minimizing damage to elastics.
Can I Tumble Dry Elastic?
You can tumble dry elastic, but note that over time it will damage your elastic until one day you go to stretch the waistband to put the time of clothing on and you hear the elastic stretch and crunch. That is the sound of rotted elastic, after too many cycles in the dryer, too many submersions in bleach or too much time spent swimming in the sea.
There you have it. A complete guide to the different types of elastic but also various questions you may have about using elastic in your sewing projects. Let me know in the comments if you have a favourite type of elastic, and how you prefer to sew it too!