1What's best to use for tie, when converting dead-elastic-waist sweat pants to draw-string? 2 Where to get it?

Question

3 How to decide how long each tie needs to be?

4 What is the easiest way to convert them?

5. What is best to use for threading the tie/belt around the waist 'sleeve'?

They currently have 3 rows of stitches around the waistband/elastic, so I figure on removing the center row of stitches. Then making a hole in that 'sleeve', then applying fray-check or some such to keep fabric whole, then threading the tie through. Any better way?

Answer 1

A cord, new elastic or even shoe laces (long ones) can work. You can pick up what you need in any fabric store or the fabric/craft section of any big box store.

To thread the cord through the "sleeve" just put a large safety pin on the end - then it will be easy to feel it as you move it through the pants. Remember to put a couple of knots in the ends of the cord when you're done - otherwise it can slip back inside too easily. As far as the length, it's better to have too much than too little. You can always cut some off if you find it's too long. Have fun.

Answer 2

you should be able to find some sort of cord in the fabric department at walmart...and it sounds like you have the right idea for taking out that middle row of stitching...put the cord around your waist and cut it to the length you want the tie to be...allow extra for tying...then put a safety pin on one end and use that to feed it thru the hole. that gives you something to hold onto while pulling it thru the sweats!

Answer 3

I found parachute cord in a old hardware years ago that I use for this all the time.

A safety pin works very well to work it through the casing. I found some slender pins that are very long in JOANNS I think

Answer 4

The only better way is to buy a new one or get somebody to do the work for you. But your plan is correct