Repairing, Altering and Replacing Waistbands Video Class

There are numerous aspects of waistband alterations and repair. For clothing with elastic waistbands, it is common for the elastic to disintegrate before the fabric, because elastic does not age well. I’ve had clients bring me perfectly good pants or skirts that were upwards of 30 years old. The fabric was still in great shape, but the elastic waist literally crackled from age. Elastic waistbands are not all constructed the same way but once you learn a few of the methods you will be able to replace your elastic in no time.

There are other challenges to be addressed with waistbands. Let’s face it – we aren’t all the same shape.

That means that when you buy an article of clothing it may not fit perfectly. The waistband is one of those areas, especially if you have a narrow waist. Or from weight gain or weight loss you may need to alter the seam of slacks.

This course covers multiple styles of elastic waistbands, how to remove the old and insert new. Additionally it covers how to extend the length of elastic within a waistband in some articles of clothing. The original construction of the garment does matter, which means that not all methods are useful for all items of clothing. Part of sewing alterations and repair is the detective work of recognizing how an item was constructed and how it should be taken apart to fix it.

A sewing machine is required for this class.

Additionally you will need basic sewing supplies, thread, a seam ripper and replacement elastic.