I wonder if anyone can help me with some sewing information.................................. .....

[lilacben]

I am altering my grandsons suit trousers and have had to alter them on the legs and back seam. The waistband at the back in elastic. It had two rows of stiching sewn into the elastic. I have had to undo the wiastband to take it in but now I am having trouble putting the two rows of stiching back and making it gather in at the same time.? I have sewn it by pulling it straight but do not get the gathering when I let go.? What am I doing wrong.?

[Maydup]

You could try tacking it, (running a row or hand stitches along) then pull the cotton to gather it. Even ithe gathers out and then machine sew it n the gathered state.
There are a few tips on this site including ahnd and machine gathering.

http://www.clothmagaz...iques/thread.php?id=9

[lilacben]

Maidup. many thanks I am so silly I had completely forgotten about that. Yes I will do it now. Your a star.!!

[boxtops]

Either that or you can just leave the elastic loose in the waistband channel and fasten it with some vertical stitching every couple of inches.

[mrs.chappie]

Sorry I can't add anything to help, but can I just say how fab I think you are for tackling such a job.

I wish I was handy like that.

[Maydup]

Pleased to be of help Lilacben, I'm not often ahead of such talented people as you!

It took me back to the days when we learned to sew at school and made an apron gathered to the waitband, ahhh, those were the days eh?

[lilacben]

Many thanks everyone. Not so sure about Talented though LOL. Maidup that reminded me of school days I also made an apron and a little needle case, which I still use for my needles.! I dont say I like needle work but for some reason I always get the needlework jobs.! Just wish my daughters would learn to do their own alterations, But as 37 and 35 don;t think they will now.!