It’s time for the next step in the Reef shorts sew, the shorts’ waistband! Let’s get started!
First place the waistband pieces right sides together. Sew the side seams 5/8” (1.5cm) from the raw edge and press the seams open.
Next, fold 5/8” (1.5cm) along one edge of the waistband and press.
Place the waistband over the shorts, right sides together. Match the raw edge of the waistband with the raw edge of the shorts and line up the notches. Sew 5/8” (1.5cm) from the raw edge.
Press the seam upwards.
Fold the remaining waistband edge down so that it lines up with the waist seam stitch lines and encloses the raw edge.
Sew 1/8” (3mm) from the waistline seam on the right side. Be sure to catch the folded edge on the inside. Leave a 1-2” (2.5-5cm) gap to insert your elastic.
Cut the elastic according to the suggested length or your personal preference. Thread the elastic through the waistband using a safety pin on one end.
Overlap the cut ends of the elastic by 1/2” (1.3cm) and sew.
Close the gap of the waistband casing by sewing 1/8” (3mm) from the waistline seam on the right side. Be sure to catch the folded fabric on the inside.
Stretch the waistband to its maximum and distribute the elastic and waistband fabric. Sew through the centre of the waistband using a long straight stitch. Stretch the waistband as you sew so that the waistband fabric and elastic lay flat. You will need to pull from both the back and the front when sewing to get the waistband flat when sewn.
We are just about done with the Reef Shorts! Next time we will finish with the hem!
Happy Sewing!
Nastasia
LOOKING FOR MORE REEF POSTS?
Here’s the full list of the upcoming Reef posts and tutorials:
- How to choose between Reef & Reef Curve
- Reef Maker Roundup
- Reef Inspiration & Ideas
- Reef Tester Round-Up & Reef Curve Tester Roundup
- How to Block fuse facings
- How to Sew a Perfect V Neck on Woven Fabrics
- Sewalong | Camisole Yoke
- Sewalong | Curve Darts
- Sewalong | Camisole Facing & Seams
- Sewalong | Camisole Hem
- Sewalong | Shorts Pockets
- Sewalong | Shorts Seams
- Sewalong | Shorts Waistband (this post!)
- Sewalong | Shorts Hem
We’d love to see what you’re creating from the new Reef camisole & shorts set pattern or the new Reef Curve camisole & shorts pattern! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNreef and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
