Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How to Wednesday: How to Sew Elastic--Both Polybraid and Lastin

Today I'm focusing on elastic. The two best choices for making diapers are polybraid and lastin. 

Polybraid
Is rubber with a polyester braid encasing it. Many diaper makers use it. I recommend the 3/8 inch for thicker fabrics but some people use 1/4 inch as well. I think 3/8 inch is a little stretchier and lasts longer. 

Lastin 
Is the industry standard in clear elastic. Proven against seawater, oil, urine, light acids, perspiration, cosmetics, and general solvents. Lastin® is ideal for diapers, sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, infant wear and bed sheets. Excellent fabric memory, over 300% stretch. Lastin® retains its ability to perform under extreme hot and cold temperatures. Will Not Tear, Can be stitched without tearing. Lastin® will not wear out, and will last for the life of the garment. Lastin® has 4 to 5 times the stretch of rubber elastic

Biggest Tips:  
Prewash and dry your polybraid--it will tighten up.

Prestretch your Lastin before use. This will also tighten up after being washed and dried.

Buy name brand Lastin.

Do not tack one end of Lastin down then stretch and tack the other end--you can do this with polybraid but NOT Lastin

Enjoy the tutorial!




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