Gripper elastic

I have a pair of knee warmers that will not stay up. Well duh, they have gripper elastic at the bottom, but not at the top. If I didn't really like them I'd just forget about it. So I need to buy some gripper elastic and sew it in. There are no sewing/fabric shops here for probably 60 miles, and I don't even know if it's readily available there. Anyone got a source for a couple yards of this stuff? And more importantly, any tips on sewing it in? I do have a stretch stitch on my machine.

I looked online and fouond a place that sold it ina a 50 yard roll, but clearly that is overkill. What about the new silicone based elastic? That would be good too.

Martha

What happens if you put them on under your shorts instead of over?

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

What happens if you put them on under your shorts instead of over?

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They fall down. That is why I want to sew on gripper elastic. The gripper on my shorts (all 6 pr) is just not enough to hold the knee warmers up and I spend most of my ride tugging at them and tucking them under the shorts again. Not a good move for a moving bike.

Check here

Seattle Fabrics has either the 50 yard roll, or if you scroll down, you can get it by the yard. I don't think there's going to be anything special to sewing it -- look at the stitching used on your shorts!

Karen in Boise

i gave up on leg warmers. they just don't fit right and they have elastics. and they always fall down...

I got some good ones from Sheila Moon. She has them in actual sizes. Normally I don't like her stuff, but they work! I still get a bit of the sausage effect, but some days they make more sense than tights or knickers (and I only have one pair of knickers), especially if it's early in the day and it will be warming up later, or vice versa.

I tried this on a jersey that kept riding up: very cheap quick fix!

Find a tube of clear silicone sealant (I used RTV silicone sealant) and spread a thin strip along the top edge. Let it dry for 2-3 days, it will leave a rubbery film that will grip perfectly.

Should be able to buy it at your local hardware store

RTV - whoda thunk? I'll try it. Worst that can happen is that it doesn't work and I'm no worse off than I am now. Thanks for the brainstorm!

I imagine it will get cool enough to need the knee warmers again someday.

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Originally Posted by withm

I imagine it will get cool enough to need the knee warmers again someday.

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Hey now, let's not rush things.

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Originally Posted by withm

I imagine it will get cool enough to need the knee warmers again someday.

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Originally Posted by Zen

Hey now, let's not rush things.

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Awww, Zen, pleeease, just a 10 degree drop? :cool:

And back to the original question - another source of sewing supplies is Nancy's Notions, http://www.nancysnotions.com/. Her stuff is pretty practical. I used to watch her sewing shows on PBS, not sure if she still has the show or not. But I did learn a lot from her.

Another option is a package of the soft, stretch elastic used for bra straps. The elastic actually feels good against the skin, and is sold in pkgs/lengths just long enough for a bra, so it's just about perfect for around the legs. I'll search and see if I can find a link.

Edna

What about the liquid goo for use on the bottom of children's slippers?

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Originally Posted by Zen

Hey now, let's not rush things.

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I wore mine yesterday..... :( But this is the West Coast.

wow-who would have thought that my awesome sewing skills would come in useful here! Do you have a Joanne fabric close by? Any online sewing store will have this: "stretchrite" lightweight clear elastic. 3/8 inch by 5 yards. A couple of bucks. It is resistant to oils, perspiration, and solvents. You need to look in the NOTIONS section of the website. If you are really wanting them to stay up, you could sew TWO rows.

How to use. measure the opening you are going to sew. cut a piece of the elastic 1/2 the size you need. Use your machine sew a stitch to keep it in place. As you sew, pull the elastic as you are stitching. The elastic is supposed to stretch and it will help hold up your garment.

Hey, if the silicone caulking thing doesn't work out....

Another option is to roll the top seam down once, and then supposedly the gripper on your shorts will "catch" it better.

I say "supposedly" because my husband (former bike racer) told me this after I was complaining about the same thing, but I haven't tried it yet. :)