Make a Skirt in One Night
Here are my tips and tools for sewing a skirt with an elastic waistband, in one evening. Adding a waistband to a skirt couldn’t be easier with the proper tools. I’m pleased to share with you the Flex ‘n Glide Bodkin, the Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin, and the Elastic Lock Set! These three useful sewing notions work well independently or together.
Flex ‘n Glide Bodkin
The Flex ‘n Glide Bodkin is a long flexible bodkin featuring an elongated “eye” with grippers. The elongated eye accommodates ribbons and trims up to 1-1/2″ wide. The “grippers” hold trims and elastic in place while pulling through the casing. The handy length and flexibility allow for a smooth passage—even along curves.
Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin
The Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin is my new go-to bodkin for casings that are 3/4″ and larger. The clip provides a firm hold on elastic, ribbon, trims, and cording, for pulling through casings with ease. The exceptional flexibility ensures a smooth passage along straight and curvy areas.
Elastic Lock Set
The Elastic Lock Set includes the Elastic Lock and Flexible Bodkin. The Elastic Lock firmly holds elastic or trim ends and prevents the end from slipping into the casing. The Elastic Lock is also ideal for securing multiple rows of elastic. The Flexible Bodkin features a 1″ eye with grippers.
Super-Quick Circle Skirt
Here’s a super-quick circle skirt project to showcase just one of the many uses of Clover’s new Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin and Elastic Lock Set.
For this project, we’ve selected McCall’s pattern M6994 and a textured knit fabric.
- Stitch front and back at side seams, right sides together. Use your serger or your conventional sewing machine set for a wobble stitch. A wobble stitch is a narrow zigzag (.5 width and 2.5 length) stitch. This ever-so-slight zigzag provides a little stretch in the seam while looking like a straight seam from the right side.
- Pin waistband sections, right sides together.
- Stitch sides with a wobble stitch, leaving a 1-1/2″ opening at one side.
- Press seams open.
- Fold waistband, wrong sides together, and pin or baste.
- Pin waistband to skirt, right sides together, and stitch.
- Insert one end of the elastic into Clover’s Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin. Clip the Elastic Lock Set to the opposite end of the elastic.
- Pull elastic through the casing using the pointed end of the bodkin.
Note from Nancy: Create a bulk-free elastic seam by zigzagging elastic ends to a swatch of firmly woven fabric. Cut away extra fabric.
- Hem skirt using your favorite method. Or for a more casual look, no hem is needed if the fabric is a knit. If you’ve serged the seams, be sure to pull the serger tails into the seam and add a drop of seam sealant.
Now is your chance to win a Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin from Clover. Simply leave a comment below.
Bye for now,
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Maureen Duffin
Looks fantastic! The sewing tool I don’t have and didn’t know I cant live without!
Annette Rady
I love this tool… other bodkins can slip.
This looks great!
Becky Kendrick
Fantastic tools to use in teaching my fashion and design classes! With quick and effective aids, I am getting more kids interested in sewing! thanks
Arlene Murphy
Thanks for providing so much great information!
Clovis
Pushing the elastic can be hard at times. That other end gets in too. These tools would be great to have for elastic put ins. Thanks for the chance to win.
Glenda Marsh
Quick & easy. Love it! You always give such great tips. Thank you
Sue Haver
Looks like a very handy tool.
Janet Frantz
Awesome tool. Would be so helpful when sewing clothes for grandkids.
Margaret Davis
That looks so-o-o-o-o cool! Looks easier than than what I do with XL safety pins.
Karen Patterson
Love those tools for putting in elastic! I love your directions too….Thank you Nancy! I sure would love to win them….I teach sewing to some of our teenage girls at church….that would be a great way to make it easy for them!
Margaret Davis
That looks so-o-o-o-o cool! Better than using 2 XL safety pins!
Marianne Shymanik
I never thought of putting a piece of fabric behind the elastic to reduce bulk, thanks for the wonderful tip. See even at 62 yrs old I’m always leaning something new from these experts. Love it.
Susan Spiers
What a wonderful tool! I need this in my sewing life! Thank you, Susan
C. Sewn
What clever tools! This sure beats using a safety pin to pull elastic through and then have it open up in the casing.
Susan McCarthy
I love it when the tools you need are so uncomplicated. These seem straight forward. I am looking forward to trying this method. Looks like it works perfectly every time.
Midge
Great tools. Elastic can be difficult inserting sometimes.
Sylvia Erspamer
Love it…need set for each granddaughter!
diane c
Looks like it would be so much easier than safety pins and much easier on the fingers.
Gloria Hemmen
Simple, practical, and easy to use tools – my favorite kind!
Carol Netzler
This is so awesome! I’ve been doing elastic waist lounge pants with my granddaughter. We’re going to try a skirt this summer. Those tools are definitely on my list! Thanks, Nancy!
Shawna Eddy Kissell
Thanks for the tutorial. I need to make a new skirt this weekend.
Suzanne R
Now there are some really useful products!
Karen
I’d also love to win this! Always using a safety pin, not so easy!
Pamela Beeth
I bought my original bodkins from Nancy’s Notions and I use them all the time. I won’t loan them out! NOW you have come up with the tools that solve the remaining causes of Ooops. I will be shopping for them as soon as my new catalog comes.
Thanks a lot.
Cheryl K.
Who couldn’t use another sewing tool? I’d love to add this bodkin to my collection!
Jennifer Farris
Looks super easy and very cute!
Judith Lesiak
Great tips. Thanks
Diane Langham
Oh my! how easy! and of course it took Nancy Z. to come up with this. Now, no more struggling with safety pins and cords, etc.! I can now attempt more repairs and new clothing projects with renewed interest. THANKS NANCY!
Thunder
I just bought fabrics to make some skirts, it sure would be great to win these tools !!
Thanks for the chance.
Paula Zidel
I’m happy beyond belief! I’ve been unable to find bodkins, as of late, and I’ve started serging more since I purchased a new Baby Lock Evolution. Without a bodkin I was finding it difficult to pull the serger tails into the seam. My old bodkin is metal and we all know it doesn’t bend. This is truly a breakthrough, and I’d love to win this set. Thanks for another FABulous tool, Nancy!
Marsha Chibitty
I like easy. I am going to try this.
Becky Potts Baker
This look like very handy tools! I’ve purchased other Clover tools shown on this blog and Nancy’s website and I love them. I’m sure these will be just as helpful!
Jolan Dallatore
As I am a gadget gal, this looks like the perfect addition to my overflow! And it sure looks easier than a safety pin. 🙂
Annette Deardurff
Nancy, you never fail to amaze!! This set is awesome! Thank you for the chance to win ! I hope you’re enjoying good health these days!!
Becky Ellis
Nothing is as frustrating as pulling your elastic through a casing and finding that the opposite end is pulled in and you have to start over. I make a lot of draw string gift bags from my fabric stash instead of using wrapping paper. This would definitely be a useful tool for elastic and ribbon. It looks much easier that the safety pin method.
Heidi Kolden
I’ve been using a very large safety pin. This looks to help keep the elastic from twisting as well.
Clover makes awesome tools!
Sandra Cantrell
No more frustration using a large safety pin or the elastic getting lost in the band. Makes you want to sew more when you have the right tools.
Cindy Goldammer
Love,Love the Clover Tools. Where have these been all my life?
ALICIA SNYDER
This looks like the sewing notion I need! I sew for myself and my six year old granddaughter and you know how important elastic waistbands are to children so easy to pull up!
Tee
Thanks for a chance to win. Looks like it would make sewing quick and easy.
Kathleen Sergas
Love this new item…I would love to win it and it will be used alot…
Debbie Peterson
Wow, that looks so much easier on the fingers than a safety pin?
Debbie Peterson
Wow, that looks so much easier on the fingers than a safety pin.
Vicky
Haven’t made garments since high school! This post has sparked my interest! I’m definitely going to get the pattern and give it a try – I’ll be using the safety pin method but these nifty tools would be awesome!
Linda Pierson
I need to add these tools to my notions box! Such clever ways to tackle potentially frustrating tasks.
Maria Jene
cool!! looks like it would make life sooo much easier!!
Mary Tholemeier
Will make threading elastic & cording so much easier! Love this invention!
Linda M.
Oh Nancy, where were these wonderful notions when I was making all those clothes for my daughters and myself a “few” years ago? ha!
Beverly
The flexible bodkin looks so much better for ease of use than the old ones I’ve used for years. Always count on Nancy to come up with a better idea!
Edna Marks
Love to win this. So much easier than safety pin and loosing end of elastic in casing.
Chris
Looks like the best bodkin ever. Looks like one I could recommend to my students.
Jan C
These notions are so much better than a safety pin! And won’t accidentally unpin and poke you.
Jeanet Wilson
I would love to have this. It looks like it would be great for arthritic hands.
Eliza Mancini
The bodkin set is a great addition to my sewing tools. I can put them to great use sewing for my grandchildren
Gloria
Just bought this bodkin at the NN Sewing Weekend. Have not had a chance to try it yet.
Jan Sedivy
These new bodkin tools look like they should be very helpful for inserting elastic, trims or any item in a casing. Thank you for always being aware of new items to share to help make sewing easier resulting in a wearable yet not homemade looking garment.
Linda M
I love these! I’m going to have to get them.
Marsha Dimond
Looks like a handy little gadget for easy elastic insertion.
Jan Kanoy
I would love to try the new tools for inserting elastic. It sure looks easier than safety pins! Love all your tips and your TV shows.
Vicky
Wow, I would love a chance to try these out. Thanks for a chance to win them.
Joyce Ann
These look like winners!!!!!
Melanie Eddy
Time to replace my safety pin with these neat bodkins!
Carol Campbell
Gadget genius! These look super easy to use, and they beat safety pins for efficiency!
PamB
Cute skirt! And the tools make the elastic insertion so much easier. No pokes from safety pins! Thanks for the chance to win.
Noreen
I’ve always used safety pins. This looks nicer and easier!
Judy Brehmer
Amazing tools to solve many problems. This is one of the best new products. Hope to win.
Cynthia Willis
I just made this skirt! Loved the lines and flow. Thanks for keeping us updated with new products that make sewing fun again!
Pat
What a wonderful way to insert elastic into a casing. So easy and certainly an improvement from the old safety pin method. Thanks for the chance to win this slick tool.
Connie
Amazing. There was a time I made all my clothes, but haven’t lately. Looks like this could jump-start the ol’ gal!
Hollins Wender
I love new sewing gadgets, they make life so much easier and these sound like real winners. Speaking of winners..I hope I am one.
Shirley Trew
That would be so handy when doing the waist on grandsons pj’s.
Terri
I love the elastic lock set – I can other uses for it than just for elastic
Peggy Malecki
This looks like it would save a WHOLE lot of time and effort for me in my sewing . I struggle with waistbands and apron ties . I can finally see a light at the end of a very long tunnel !
Sue Cullifer
Looks like a great tool. Can’t wait to try it!
Idonna
What a wonderful way to put elastic in a skirt . No more fighting with it.
Jerilynn Saint-Onge
Thank you for another wonderful sewing tool to make our sewing projects even more enjoyable. Oh yes, I would love to be the recipient of these sewing tools, thanks!
Patricia Foht
I have been wanting to start wearing more skirts and this makes me very inspired to sew several for the summer.
Thanks for the idea Nancy!
CAROLYN
This seems so far beyond a safety pin and a crochet hook. I have some PJs that keep losing their string.
This tool will make working with elastic fun without the frustration,
Linda Shumway
Wow, these look like nifty tools that I might need! I’m a quilter but have an empty closet and really need to make some skirts for Church. Since I have to have elastic waists to compliment my aging body and really don’t like to sew clothes any more, anything to ease in threading elastic is a huge bonus. Thanks for the ideas.
Lori M.
What great tools for finishing your sewing work with…Thank you for the giveaway…
suzanne guthrie
looks like a great tool, will look forward to trying one, next little project includes a casing and ties!
Sandra D, Joliet
I love the flexibility of the clip and glide bodkin! I have a doll outfit I have to make and will be looking into that before I start. I also love the Elastic Lockset. I just don’t care for securing elastic with a big safety pin because it leaves holes in your fabric and sometimes I stick myself. Wonderful inventions.
Traci Y
What great tools! I can’t remember how many times I’ve lost safety pins and the elastic in my garments over the years.
Patti
Thanks so much for your giving spirit, sharing your knowledge and expertise with all of us. There are several “classes” and things I would love to get because of the information they impart, but unfortunately cannot afford to do that at this time. I really appreciate that your tips, teachings, helps, etc. are free for anyone. My prayer is that you will stay healthy and continue to help those of us who love to sew and that the love for sewing will spread to the next generation as well.
Mary Tague
Looks like a handy tool!
Peggy S
Retired recently and looking forward to doing more sewing for myself — not just mending.
Therese Bocchino
They look like useful tools that would make the task of sewing a skirt so much easier!
Lauren S.
Wow! These tools are genius!! I would love to have them the next time I make skirts! Thank you!!
Ruth Purvis
Thank you Nancy for the great directions for a lovely skirt. Your directions are always easy to follow and I haven’t made anything for myself in to many years (to busy quilting). I must pick up this pattern and give this a try. Your new sewing tool will be a big help as I have always used a large safety pin.
Jodie C
Wow… I could get rid of my safety pin for pulling elastic. What a great idea… I could really use one of these tools. Thanks
Maureen Grillo
I am looking forward to trying these new products. Any invention that makes my sewing tasks a bit easier is worth a try.
Rita
Awesome little tools that will make things so much easier. Hope to win these fine gadgets. If not may have to pick them up to add to my sewing “tools” I believe I even have this pattern. Been wanting to make some circle skirts, so they would make it that much easier. Thanks
nancy lewis
Awesome giveaway!1 I love sewing and having the right tool is so helpful.
Linda Janovitz
This is a GREAT tool, saves time and frustration !
Jacquelyn Williams
I want one! This appears to be a great new tool.
jane
What a great tool! Where was this when I was in jr. high or making shorts for my boys when they were young!? Could use this now as I have 5 grand-daughters who love gathered skits!
Thanks, Nancy!
PLJ
Love the look and usefulness of this item. I’m an old Nursery/NICU nurse and have to say the clip reminds me of an umbilical cord clamp placed on babies after birth. 🙂
Teresa Gaddes
I teach sewing to kids-adults. We are always doing projects where these tools would be handy. I would love to have them in my teaching bag!
Ann Hudson
These tools would definitely help in the sewing room! I have a two elastic waist pants, and one skirt in the planning stage – would love to try the bodkin and clip. Thanks for the introduction and chance to win a set!
Laura
That tool would have saved my sanity on several projects!!
MonicaAD
FIESTA 🙂
NanaX3
Loving the look of these tools and would love to win them. They are so much better than the ones I have since learning to sew so many years ago. Thanks Nancy for demo with these tools.
Oma GL
Great tip for sewing the ends of the elastic.
Cindy S.
I would love to win this bodkin. I currently use a safety pin. It would be a welcome upgrage.
lois willingham
wow I’ve used all things to get my elastic threaded. this would be so helpful as I sew for my grandkids often.
Diane Pigman
Finally the tools to handle elastic waist bands without dread. I have sewn with Nancy’s help from the time my 4 children were tiny and still at it for friends and 8 grandkids. Fresh ideas and tools like these keep me enjoying sewing of all sorts.
Jeanette Hammons
You learn something new every day! Awesome tools to make a project speedier.
LoAnn Trowbridge
I haven’t made any clothes for ages. May give this a try!
Carol Maas
Some of my seven granddaughters want to learn to sew. How good to be able to speed up the process for girls in a hurry.
This is one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” inventions.
Ann McGee
Would love these sewing tools. I too have been using a safety pin. Thank you Nancy & Clover.
Barbara
Oh my goodness! It looks great. Nancy, make an old lady stitcher very happy by giving it to me!
Janine G Allen
Looks like a great tool!
Vanda Kelly
Time saver. Stress reliever.
Mary Green
This looks like a great upgrade from the large diaper pin I’ve been using for the past 40 years! Ha
Peggy S
Wow great looking tools and would be useful in my sewing room. I will be looking for these in my next Nancy’s Notions
Catalog. Keep up the good work, Nancy.
Martha long
Great tool. Love to have it.
mary
Looks like handy tools. Thank you Nancy for coming up with so many shortcuts that help us crowd sewing projects into our busy lives. I am a sewing room junkie so like all these extra devices.
Starla
What a handy tool!
ell
I’ve wanted a bodkin for a long time. This is the one.
Karen
I am in the process of making crib sheets for my daughters first child and I could really use this nifty tool. This is one notion that I don’t think I can live without! Great idea!
Lillian Brownell
Wow, This Sunday is Mother’s Day and my 4 girls always ask me what do I want, well it’s plain, I’ll tell them Flex n Glide Bodkin, Clip n Glide Bodkin and Elastic Lock Set. I am already on my 3rd generation of Circle skirts, cheer leader skirts and now 50s circle skirt for the Great Grand daughter in Kindergarten. This looks grand and even though I will soon be 79 I believe I’ll do one for myself. It will bring back a lot of fond memories of Be Bop shoes(saddle oxfords) circle skirts and crinolines that we wore in the 50s.
Bonnye
This tool looks like it will do the job of putting in elastic. Other tools and a safety pin do not cut it. The elastic usually gets lost in the casing and has to be redone.
Kris Valle
Hi Nancy – I have been using your tip of butting the ends of elastic together and sewing over scrap fabric since the first time I saw you demonstrating it. I make a lot of wrestling trunks for my husband each year and that technique has been a lifesaver! Thanks!
Kris Valle
Hi Nancy – I have been using your tip of butting the ends of elastic together and sewing over scrap fabric since the first time I saw you demonstrate it. The technique is a real lifesaver for me as I sew a lot of wrestling trunks for my husband each year.
Bridget
That is so cool! That’s much easier than what I have been doing. Thanks Nancy!
Karen payton
Love it! Easy to use tools make sewing a pleasure.
Gail Beam
What an awesome tool to have for sewing! Thank you so much for the chance to win this special sewing notion.
Sandy E
Handy tools make finishing projects quicker with less frustration. Yeah!
Jeanette withrow
I have this tool. I bought it because I was having trouble with my bodkin coming open. This tool is great I have used it many times. It has different sizes to use for different projects. So if you don’t win this it would make a great addition to your sewing tools. Thanks
Paula Wiseman
This would have helped when I was making 25 skirts for a local theater group!
.
Brenda
I still use a safety pin. This tool would make putting in elastic so much easier.
Carol
What a clever little gadget. I’ve fought elastic for years.
Robin Cole
I too am still using a large safety pin, what a great tool, especially for my arthritic hands!
Michelle Wagner
This simple, but ingenious tool will stop the hand cramps of using a safety pin! Especially when making a formal type dress or skirt, which I sew quite often.
Barbara McDonald
I sew clothes for my three young great granddaughters under the age of six. I can sew how the tools would make sewing life easier than safety pins . Thank you
Anne
Looks like a great solution to an age old problem!
Judy A
What an awesome idea.
Pamela McCandless
Wow, finally a gadget for running elastic through that looks like it can genuinely makes the process easier for those of us with Rheumatoid arthritis!
beth
I would love to own that tool. I make elastic shorts all the time.
Diana G
What a wonderful idea !!! No more safety pin hand cramps..
Thanks for the chance to win !!
Angela Curtis
What a great idea! Thanks for the ideas and the chance to win.
Linda Edwards
That looks much easier than the safety pins I have been using. Thanks for the chance to win one!
Marjie
I do lots of elastic work, pulling thru different types of casings, big and small, this new product would be great.
Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
Linda Hazelwood
I’ve been following Nancy for years & using her great tips and tools.
Would love to add this tool to my sewing arsenal.
Jamie Todhunter
I have always hated trying to get the elastic in clothes when sewing. These tools look like they would be a great help to make the job easier.
Dottie Frazier
This looks like fun! I would love to have one.
Lea
So much better than the safety pin I have been using all these years
Joyce
They look like very efficient tools for threading elastic. I’m ready to retire the safety pins.
Carol
It’s always fun to try a new product and this is useful too!
Donna Fecteau
That bodkin looks amazing! I have always just used a safety pin it works, but sometimes its a LOT of work.
Kathryn E
this is a much better idea than the old standby large safety pin method.
LindaC in AZ
I would love to try this. My “go-to” for threading elastic has always been a safety pin, but it seems that safety pin, like most things, are not being made the way they used to be made. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Julie Kill
I too would love to win this tool! A safety pin has been my go to also. for small bands or straps for small purses, this tool would be wonderful to use!
Thanks Nancy!
Linda Coletta
Great instructions and illustrations. I just finished a project threading 90 inches of elastic through with a safety pin. Needless to say I would love winning this awesome product!
Linda Coletta
A sewing tool I would love to own, especially after I just threaded 90 inches of elastic using a safety pin!
Paulette Patterson
This is very frustrating when you are trying to thread elastic and it comes off the threader and gets stuck somewhere in the casing. I love the flexible nature of the implements you featured. Thanks for your helps and hints.
Karen Tucker
Love this idea! Lots better than hunting for a safety pin large enough to hold the elastic while threading it through the waistband.
Bonnie
What a handy tool! Quick and easy way to add elastic. This is a must-have addition to my sewing box. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Sandy Davis
Wow! You come up with the most useful & handy tools for our sewing tasks! I’d be so happy to win this set. I’ve tried so many options & this looks like a winner!