How to sew an elastic waist casing
Feed elastic through the waistband with a safety pin, overlap and stitch the ends, then let it pull back in and slipstitch the gap closed. Single source: The Sewing Directory (separate waistband method).
Pinny's tip
Choose good-quality elastic that stretches to about twice its length and snaps back quickly.
Choose good-quality elastic that stretches to about twice its length and snaps back quickly.
What you'll need
- Elastic: the wider the better; at least 3cm (1in) wide for comfort.
- Safety pin: to feed the elastic.
Step by step
- Make and attach the waistband following your project instructions, leaving a gap to feed the elastic through.
- Cut the elastic long enough to fit your waist comfortably, plus an extra 3cm (1¼in) to join the ends.
- Attach a safety pin to one end and feed the elastic through the gap and round the waistband.
- When you reach the beginning, pull both ends fully out, overlap them by 3cm (1¼in) and pin them together.
- Sew the ends together with a regular straight stitch. A square with a cross in the middle works well.
- Let the elastic pull back into the waistband and close the gap with a hand slipstitch.
Watch
How to Sew an Elasticated Waist Channel (5:01)
By Tilly and the Buttons · Open on YouTube
The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 5-minute one from Tilly and the Buttons. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
Common mistakes
- Elastic too narrow. Narrow elastic tends to dig in and can twist inside the waistband.
- Forgetting the join allowance. Add 3cm (1¼in) for the overlap.
Watch it done
- How to Sew an Elasticated Waist Channel by Tilly and the Buttons on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
- Learn How To Sew An ELASTIC WAISTBAND For Shorts, Skirts & Pants In 3 Minutes! | @sewquaint by SEW QUAINT. on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
- How to Sew an Elastic Waistband. Easy Ways of Making Waistband Casings by Sewway on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
- The Sewing Directory: Elastic Waistbands
- YouTube: How to Sew an Elasticated Waist Channel (Tilly and the Buttons)
- YouTube: Learn How To Sew An ELASTIC WAISTBAND For Shorts, Skirts & Pants In 3 Minutes! | @sewquaint (SEW QUAINT.)
- YouTube: How to Sew an Elastic Waistband. Easy Ways of Making Waistband Casings (Sewway)