Panties

Step 4 Leg elastic

Take your elastic and wrap an end around your leg where you want the leg holes to sit. Mark the end with a pin but don't cut it - sewing the elastic is easier if you have a tail. Make one more pin mark at twice the distance as the first, for the other leg.

If you are using lingerie elastic with a clear right and wrong side, check that the decorative edge is on the right (not left) when the elastic is facing up, as this is the position it will run through the sewing machine in. If the edging is on the left, transfer the pin marks to the other end of the elastic.

Pin the end of the elastic to one end of a leg hole, and the pin you used to make the mark to the other end. The elastic should be quite a bit shorter than the panty leg; if this isn't the case try remeasuring the elastic. You want to sew the seam with the elastic stretched out the length of the panty leg, but it's hard to start that way so sew a half inch or so without stretching just to get it started. You may need to pull on the thread tails to get the elastic and fabric to start running through the machine.

Stitch with a multi-step zigzag stitch if you have it, or a regular zigzag otherwise. Once you get going, sew in segments with the elastic stretched appropriately. Pull the whole piece out to the length of the leg hole with your left hand, then grab a point 6 or 7 inches out from the needle with your right. Now you can use your left hand to guide the fabric.

At the end of the leg hole, cut the thread and the elastic. Now sew the next piece of elastic the same for the other side.

Comments

[Fylke]

Sweet trick of pulling the thread tails, I'll have to remember that!