Elastic band tunnels can be a great way to add a little extra interest and personality to a garment. They are easy to create and can be used in a variety of styles and fabrics.

The basic process is to fold the fabric in half and stitch right along the edge of the elastic. This technique can be a bit tricky, but it is a great way to get a clean-looking definition between the waistband and the rest of the skirt or pants.

Sew a piece of matching sewing thread into the ditch at the side seams and the back seam. This can make a noticeable difference in how well your elastic gathers up. It’s not the only technique that can be done to keep your elastic from twisting, but it is a simple and effective one that you can try in an unfinished garment.

To prevent the edges of the yoke tunnel from being too neat, you can sew in small zig-zag stitches to hold it in place. This is especially useful if the tunnel is shaped to have a ruched area.

Alternatively, you can stitch around the bottom edge of the yoke tunnel and then push it away from the edges of the yoke tunnel in stages to avoid having the ruched area show. This method is ideal for a dress with a ruched front, and it’s a good way to give a finished look to a skirt or pant that has a gathered waistband.

You can also use the tunnel to attach a drawstring or a buttonhole to your garment. This can be a great way to make your garment more versatile, and it’s an inexpensive and easy way to add some flair to your wardrobe.

This method is the easiest and most popular, but can cause some problems if you don’t press it well or sew multiple lines of stitching to help keep the elastic from twisting. It is also a good idea to make sure that your stitches aren’t too close together because it can be difficult to feed the elastic through the tunnel and back out again without catching the elastic in the stitching.

Another method is to fold the fabric over a bit more than the width of the elastic and then press it again. This will create a sturdier, more secure tunnel and will prevent the elastic from twisting in the future. This can be a good option for a heavier fabric that is less likely to stretch out as it goes through the yoke tunnel.

For a more casual look, you can also fold the elastic over twice and stitch it into place. This can be a great choice for knit fabrics or other fabrics that aren’t as thick and will allow the elastic to expand and contract a little more easily.

You can also add a row of topstitching after the tunnel is folded down to keep the elastic from twisting. This is particularly helpful for a tiered elastic waistband, and is a great technique for achieving a casual but chic look.