The Elastic Foot

[@asinheaven]

Best serger elastic foot demonstration! I've watched many of your videos trying to learn how to use my new serger and finally decided I need your "Serger Essentials" book! Thank you for your your excellent instructional videos and book.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Kathleen Franco Simmons thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips and for your purchase. It will ship today!

[@bex_south]

do you start with a long piece of elastic and use as much as the garment needs or do you need to find a certain measurement and pre cut the length of the elastic before you use the elastic foot?

[@mmills5951]

My grandmother taught me how to insert elastic in a dress without a casing. By the time the adjustments are made, your elastic is in. Before side seams are sewn, cut your elastic waist measurement minus 2 inches and cut elastic in half finding the mid point of each piece and mark with a pin. Find the center back and center fronts of the garment and mark with a pin. Depending on how much or how little blouse you want determines the actual placement of the elastic around the waist. Start at the side seam sew the elastic to the fabric a couple of stitches to secure and then stretch the elastic matching the pin on the elastic to the pin at the center of garment and sew. When you get to the center stretch and sew to the side seam...and repeat. She taught me this when I was about 10 years old, I’m 60 now. I only make casings for children’s wear.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

m mills that’s the great thing about sewing. There are numerous “right” ways to arrive at a wonderful result. Thanks!

[@GailPatriceDesign]

I do a little of both! first I test a length of elastic on scrap fabric to adjust the knob for the correct amount of tension on the elastic for gathering. Then I cut a longer than necessary length of elastic to pull through the foot and begin stitching to the fabric. I cut off the excess elastic after it's attached and then finish the garment construction. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@robynwilson4590]

Can you make a video using the elastic foot sewing elastic in the round into legs, armholes, waistbands or necks?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

I don't use the elastic foot when stitching in the round. I use the quartering method. The elastic foot is best for long straight lengths of fabric. Thanks!

[@Plookiss]

@@GailPatriceDesign Thanks, I will try this next time, I know about the quartering method. :)

[@judyboram4267]

Would love to see a video on using the elastic foot to serge elastic on garment.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Judy, there is an upcoming Serger Tip Clip on the elasticator foot. I use it for other types of projects more often than garments and it's the same method of testing the tension knob setting for the desired gathering. Is there a specific technique you're wondering about? Thanks!

[@KarenQuilts4Fun]

Can you use a cover stitch in place of the stretch zig-zag on sewing machine with knits

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Karen, If you are referring to applying elastic to knits with a zigzag v. a coverstitch, the zigzag will allow more stretch. Thanks for watching!

[@KarenQuilts4Fun]

@@GailPatriceDesign I just signed up for your decorative stitching class this Saturday-if my health holds out I’ll attend live-I ‘m really excited-I’ve been using my serger a lot recently and love the way you teach!

[@GailPatriceDesign]

@@KarenQuilts4Fun If you feel well enough, attand live. But if you don't, you can ask any questions at any time. I'll be happy to help you! Thanks for registering.

[@maggiem4734]

Very good information....thank you sew much!!

[@laurenaguayo]

Hi, I own an industrial JUKI MO-6814S - I make swimwear. Do you recommend adding an elastic foot to my industrial serger or using a non industrial machine to make swimwear straps using a Zigzag stitch? I need something to make this easier because the lycra slides out under the foot while sewing and trying to add elastic is a mess.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Laurenn, I haven't stitched on a Juki MO-6814S. For the best results on swimsuit straps, cut the strap fabric several inches longer (4" is a good amount) than the desired finished length. Manually stretch the elastic to the desired amount and clip it in place in the strap. Serge it in place and cut off the excess length. (I like the extra length when serging because the finished ends seems to look better and it's easier to keep the clips from getting in the way when starting and finishing stitching. (This is the same principle as using a longer zipper than the edge to which it's stitched. Your stitching will stay straighter from end to end.) But my rule of thumb is use whichever method gives you the best results. Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for watching!

[@SandraRomero-hg3rk]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge ... where can I get this attachment? 😎✌🏼

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Sandra Romero you can purchase or order the foot from your local Baby Lock dealer. Thanks for watching!

[@sewingmachineartistry]

Great video Gail!

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching! Happy holidays!

[@annmaines4964]

Gail, do you measure the fabric to be sure what of your exact gather before your gathering? Otherwise, how would you know?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Ann, testing on samples is the only way to determine how tight to make the tension knob on the top of the elastic foot. Every fabric gathers differently (also different elastics perform differently too). It takes a little extra time, but your gathering will be beautiful and uniform from end to end. Unfortunately there isn’t a formula to follow which would make it much easier😫. On samples, cut strip lengths in multiples of 10’s to make the math simpler. I usually will cut a 20” strip to get a true read on the gathering. If your machine has tension adjustments, increasing both needle tensions will tighten gathers along with increasing the differential feed setting. Hope that helps. If you have more questions, let me know. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@juliomorales126]

Hi!! Gail where can I buy this foot ? Thank you. I hope you can answer my question

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Your sewing machine dealer will either have it in stock or can special order . Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@monicanicholls]

Does this foot also fit on Janome D2000 overlocker?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Monica, Brand name specialty feet are made for that particular brand machine.Here's the link to tell you about the elastic foot for the 2000D model: www.janome.com/accessories/serger-foot/elastic-gathering-attachment--serger/. Thanks for watching Serger tip Clips!

[@amrithMilW]

​@@GailPatriceDesign I'm looking for juki 8700 . where can I buy one. I'm using 13mm elastic.will it fit ?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

@@amrithMilW Hi Amrithraj, I am not familiar with the Juki 8700. Check their website or call local dealers who carry Juki machines and they can guide you. Of ten a website will allow you to enter your zip code to find a dealer in your area. Thanks and hope that helps.

[@honeywell891]

Hello Gail, this is a great video. I haven't tried this yet, first I need to get the foot! You mentioned in your video that we should iron the elastic as the last step. This might be a silly question: but, do we iron while stretching the elastic again or do we iron with it gathered as is? Somehow, I'm thinking that we should stretch but not sure! Always love your videos. One of the absolute best part for me is your voice and confidence you display.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Fran Perks Hi Fran, there are no silly questions when you’re learning something new. The last step is steaming the elastic. Hold your iron about 1/2” - 1” above the elastic and blast it with steam, but don’t stretch it. You’ll be amazed when you see it shrink back to its original length-so cool. Let me know if you have more questions-I’m right here! Thanks for watching.

[@russellm4294]

can you use the elastic foot to sew in the round, or is it better to sew in the elastic flat and then join seams to finish the circle/opening?

[@MeSeeVeeTee]

I searched for this video because I'm wondering the same thing. Is there a tried true method for figuring out the amount of stretch to be sure the finished product is neither too tight nor too loose? (Such as a certain length of test fabric with elastic at different tensions and using a formula to be sure the elastic cut to the circumference of the garment's waist, leg band, etc. with finish up properly at the end of stitching? Otherwise, I'm having trouble understanding the use of the foot. I did a trial and error project and still am not getting it right. I'm sure someone has come up with a method. There is a method for creating a sample of all thread tensions on a serger to identify the perfect tension settings. There must be some sort of clever method for determining proper elastic foot tension as well. Would love to know how experts do this.

[@Plookiss]

I just tried this for leggings, sew in the round. I was unsure how to finish off though, a video for that would be great!

[@GailPatriceDesign]

I don't think I'd use a flatlock stitch with the elastic foot. However, you could run an elastic under the flatlocking (or reverse flatlocking after it is stitched and pulled flat. It would be a cool way to use both the elastic and a decorative stitch. Great idea! Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@papagayobeauty7949]

Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful for understanding how the elastic foot actually works. May I ask, which serger do you use? I have a Siruba HSO 747D and lifting the foot is not that easy as it seamed with yours

[@GailPatriceDesign]

When I created the Elastic Foot Tip Clip, I used a Baby Lock Ovation serger. I traded up to the newest top-of-the-line Baby Lock Triumph and love it. Am not familiar with the Siruba HSO 747D-do you like the stitch it creates? Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@f.m3680]

Is this foot just for Baby lock serger machine ,because my is Janome?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Frances Perez The foot shown in the video is for Babylock sergers, however, check on the Janome website for compatible feet and accessories for your Janome model.i know Janome has an “elasticator” attachment that screws onto the bed of the machine. It looks different from my presser foot but works on the same principle. It has a knob to increase tension on the elastic as it feeds through. You didn’t mention your model so their website (or a Janome dealer) can help you. Thanks and stay safe!

[@naidacruz742]

where can i order this kind of foot?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

You should contact your local sewing machine dealer to purchase the correct one for your brand and model serger. You can also go to your serger brand's website and find your model to search compatible feet. thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@bonniejean-kk8gf]

Gail, would it work to use a flatlock stitch with the elastic foot?

[@sarahkern22]

what if we are using 1 1/4" elastic? is that possible?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Hi Sarah, Sorry it took a couple of days to get back to you. If you have the babylock elastic foot, you can loosen the screw that holds the guide and swing the guide off to the left side of the foot and tighten the screw. It won't hold the elastic in place but you can guide it with your left index finger. If you send me your email address, I can send a pic of how to do the set up for wider elastic. Just remember that you'll have to guide the elastic . My email is: [e-mail]. Thanks for watching.

[@steffiward6224]

Wow lovely sewing

[@GailPatriceDesign]

Happy to help and thanks for watching, Steffi!

[@lolatheng]

Where can i buy this? I live in Australia and dont see this locally.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

I'm not sure what you're referring to-the foot or the elastic? If you're referring to the elastic foot, check with your sewing machine dealer or the manufacturer's website for availability for your model serger. If you're asking about cut-through/sew-through elastic, you may have to do some investigating and call Australian suppliers. Ask whether they have knit elastic. Hope that helps-thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@parkashtiwana1060]

You can use any size electric

[@GailPatriceDesign]

It works best with up to 1 1/2" elastic. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!

[@renderuthis]

Bla bla a brand name or a link would be so wounderful. I have been search for an hour, Im here searching but can not find the same type/with a roller adjustable tension and size.

[@GailPatriceDesign]

These Serger Tip Clips are for all brands and models of machines. Each brand has different specialty feet availability. Go to your brand's website (I.e. BERNINA.com, Janome.com, etc.), enter or search for your model and check which feet are available for it. Each company's elastic foot might look a bit different in design, but the principles of use are the same. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@dcwatashi]

Might be a silly question, but what type of needle were you using? Ball Point or Regular?

[@GailPatriceDesign]

No such thing as a silly question for sergers. I used a stretch needle. But as always, test different needle types to determine the correct choice for your fabric. Thanks!

[@BADRUBULDURA]

🙂🙂😉

[@الزهرانيالزهراني-ح1ت]

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