SEWING: how do I use drawstring elastic? (making shorts) casing? stretch-sew it in? fat or skinny side up?

Question

I am making a bunch of shorts for girls aged 12 to 17 (for Church camp). A friend gave me yards and yards of drawstring elastic (it's like regular elastic - about 1 1/4 inches wide - except it has a drawstring cord running through it, which can be pulled out through the threads). I tried making a regular casing, threading it through, sewing the ends together, then popping a stitch at the front waistband seam and pulling the drawstring through that, and that seemed to work OK. But I was hoping there is someone out there who really knows how it's supposed to be used. The drawstring is not centered on the elastic. I put the fatter side up (toward the belly button) and the skinnier side down (toward the crotch), but I don't know if that's right. I have lots more shorts to go, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

You can also sew the elastic right to the inside of the garment before you turn down the waistband. Just have the elastic closest to the skin with the drawstring to the outside. You can sretch the elastic all the way out and attach it to the fabric with a zigzag stitch. When you release the elastic, it will shrink, taking the waistband with it. Then you could also pop the ends of the drawstring out through a buttonhole (or 2) for a more finished look and less likely to unravel the seam.

Answer 2

I would sew in a little sunshine for a cloudy day then add some hope and dreams. For the final touch, I would capture the sweet laughter of babies. All of these items make life joyful.