If you have a skinny mini like I do, you probably love adjustable elastic waistbands in children's clothing. While I like that sewing allows me to customize and put elastic in Gracie's clothes, sometimes I know I'd like the outfit to grow with her. When I found a supplier of button-hole elastic (at Mary Jo's in Gastonia, NC), I bought a bunch. Here's how to use it:
Construct your garment including attaching waistband facings:
Sew a button hole on each side of the waistband facing. I lined mine up with the belt loops on the front so that the waist front would lay flat. Sew flat buttons on the inside of the waistband about an inch from the buttonhole openings.
Cut elastic to desired length and roll one end over and stitch it down. Feed elastic through the waistband and then roll and stitch down the second end. Try it on the child and adjust!
I made both of these skirts from McCall's
6689. I would definitely recommend this pattern if you have a little girl to sew for!
Construct your garment including attaching waistband facings:
Sew a button hole on each side of the waistband facing. I lined mine up with the belt loops on the front so that the waist front would lay flat. Sew flat buttons on the inside of the waistband about an inch from the buttonhole openings.
Cut elastic to desired length and roll one end over and stitch it down. Feed elastic through the waistband and then roll and stitch down the second end. Try it on the child and adjust!
Thank you for this post. I was thinking about this just the other day - how I wish I could make adjustable waist pants for my son without them being drawstring. I haven't been able to fins buttonhole elastic but now I will have to go in search of some online.
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