Olsen dress sew-along – Part 6

Your dress is now looking pretty finished, except it completely lacks shape! You’ll need to attach the elastic. It will be sewn directly on the seam allowance, which is the simplest way to do an elasticated waist.

STEP 12

First of all you will need to check your waist measurement. The waist on this pattern has been lowered 2 cm (3/4″) so measure below your thinnest point. Use the elastic for measuring, fit it snugly but comfortably around you. Since elastic tends to stretch when sewn, subtract 4-5 cm (2″) from what felt comfortable. Stitch the ends together with a zig zag stitch.

Divide the elastic into 4 equal parts and mark with pins. Find center front and center back on the waist seam and mark with pins. Pin the elastic onto the waist seam allowance, matching these pins. This helps to make sure that the gathers will be spread equally.

Stretching the elastic as you go, sew it onto the seam allowance. Don’t pull the fabric too much, try to keep an eye on the stitch to make sure it stays constant.

Now it’s time to have a fitting to make sure the elastic fits right and the hem length is as desired.

STEP 13

Finish the hem. I recommend popping over to our DIY hem gauge tutorial for easy hemming.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the sew-along! Please leave any feedback or questions below.