How to Insert Elastic Into Pant Legs

Co-authored by Korri Burton-Universe

Last Updated: April 14, 2021

Adding elastic to the hem of your pant legs is easier than it might seem. If you want to add an elastic band to the bottom of your pant legs, then the best option is to use a safety pin to work the elastic through. You can use this method to insert elastic into pants that you have made yourself or into an existing pair of pants.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Safety Pin to Insert Elastic

1
Fold over the bottom of the pants twice. To create a casing for your elastic, you will need to hem your pants so that the elastic will have somewhere to go through. Start by folding over the bottom of your pants twice.^{[1]
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- Make sure that the area you fold over is wide enough for your elastic to fit into. Hold your elastic up against it to be sure.
2
Sew along the edge of the hem. Next, sew along the edge of the hem to secure the casing. Make sure to leave a small gap in the opening that you can insert the elastic into when you are done.^{[2]
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- If you are inserting elastic into a pair of pants that has already been completed and has a wide enough hem to fit elastic into, then you will need to cut a small hole into the inside of the hem. Use a pair of scissors to snip a small slit across the inner layer of the hem and use this opening to insert your elastic into.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Korri Burton-Universe
  Professional Tailor
  Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
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3
Attach a safety pin to the elastic. When your casing is complete, attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic strip and secure it. Attaching a safety pin to the end of the elastic strip will provide an anchor for your elastic and make it easier to work it through your pant legs.^{[4]
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- Make sure that you attach the safety pin far enough away from the end of the elastic so that it will not slip out. You may even want to insert the pin through a couple of places in the elastic to be certain that it is secure.
4
Work the elastic into the hem. To work the elastic into the hem, insert the closed safety pin into the opening in your pant leg hem. Then, begin to work the elastic through the hem using the safety pin to move it along.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}^{[6]
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- You will have to work slowly and move the safety pin through the hem just a little at a time. This may be easier or harder depending on the size of your casing and the material of your pants.
5
Sew the elastic ends together and close the gap. When you get to the end, pull the safety pin out the other side and then remove it. Sew the two ends of your elastic band together by hand or using a sewing machine.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.} Then, use the sewing machine or a needle and thread to close up the opening that you inserted the elastic through.
- Repeat the same process for the other pant leg.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Ensuring a Successful Project

1
Measure the elastic around your ankle. To determine how much elastic to insert into your pant leg, try measuring the elastic around your ankle or around the ankle of the person who will wear the pants. This will help to ensure that your elastic pant leg hem will be a good fit. Wrap the elastic around the ankle without stretching it and then cut it about an inch past the area where the two ends meet.^{[8]
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- Keep in mind that you do not want to make your elastic bands too tight or too loose. Aim for a comfortable fit.
2
Make sure the elastic stays straight. As you work the elastic through the hem, make sure that the elastic does not get twisted. This could affect the look of your finished project.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
- If the elastic does get twisted, then try to untwist it. If you cannot get it untwisted, then you may need to start over and try again.
3
Use the right size safety pin. Using a larger safety pin may make your work go faster, but you cannot always use a large safety pin. The size of your casing will determine what size safety pin you can use. If you have wide casing, then you can go with a larger safety pin. If you have a small casing, then go with a small safety pin.
4
Keep the safety pin secured. Make sure that the safety pin does not open while you are working it through the casing. If it does, try to fasten it again without snagging the fabric. If you cannot get it fastened again, then pull the elastic out and start over.
5
Finished.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I insert elastic?

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Korri Burton-Universe is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Uncommon Closet, a custom clothing and tailor resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and those with body types often overlooked by major clothing chains and shops. Korri specializes in custom clothing, tailoring services, and wedding clothes for people of all identities, genders, races, and sizes. Uncommon Closet creates a safe space for people to find or make outfits that make them feel safe and powerful.

Korri Burton-Universe

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Cut a small hole in the inside hem of your pants so you can easily remove old elastic and slide the new piece in.
Question

How do I secure the elastic?

Community Answer

After you pull the elastic through the hem, you can hand stitch the two ends together; then you'll have to stitch the opening in the hem shut.