Braided Elastic
Braided elastic is a stretchable elastic material finished in a narrow width by covering elastic thread with fiber, and is used for garment cuffs, waists, and gathered sections of small items.
Definition and Overview
Braided elastic is a type of elastic material finished in a narrow width. It combines fiber thread with the elastic core thread and uses the property of stretching when pulled and contracting when released. It is used to adjust the fit of garments and to gather fabric.
“Koru” is sometimes used to refer to narrow elastic. However, the name alone does not identify the width, construction, fiber used, or stretch strength. When ordering, it is important to check the specifications for each product number.
Materials and Structure
In general, elastic thread such as polyurethane is used for the core, and the outside is covered with thread such as polyester, nylon, or cotton. The thread covering the surface affects skin feel, abrasion resistance, appearance, and ease of handling during sewing.
Braided elastic is often made as braided elastic, which interlaces thread to hold the elastic thread in place. On the other hand, narrow woven elastic and knitted elastic are also available, so the construction cannot be determined from the name braided elastic alone.
- Woven elastic: made with a woven structure, and some types have a relatively firm texture.
- Knitted elastic: made with a knitted structure, and some types are soft and easy to stretch.
- Braided elastic: made with a braided structure, and used for narrow-width items and cord-like shapes.
How to Check Width and Stretch
Width is usually indicated by the finished width in the unstretched state. Even at the same width, firmness and the feeling of digging in will differ depending on thickness, surface thread, and construction, so the actual item should be checked under conditions close to the intended use.
Stretch is expressed by the stretch ratio, or how far a certain length can be extended. However, the value at maximum stretch alone cannot determine the tightening feel during use. It is important to test the stretch ratio and recovery according to the required finished size and the load when worn.
Main Applications and Selection
It is used for cuffs, hems, waists, underwear, children’s clothing, masks, pouches, and other gathered sections. For uses that touch the skin directly, consider surface smoothness, firmness, and the position where seams come into contact with the skin.
When selecting, check the required width, stretch strength, recovery, thickness, color, and sewing method. If the textile is thin, the thickness and tension of the elastic may show through the surface, while in thick fabrics or high-load areas, durability and sewing strength are important.
- For the amount of gathering, specify the stretch ratio during sewing in the specification sheet.
- When attaching to stretch fabric, check the stretch direction and stretch amount of both the fabric and the elastic.
- In prototypes, check the tightening feel after wearing and the recovery after repeated stretching.
Handling and Differences from Similar Terms
Elastic containing polyurethane may be affected by heat, ultraviolet light, moisture, sweat, skin oils, detergent components, and other factors, and over time its recovery may decrease, or hardening and stickiness may occur. Check it with the product’s washing and storage conditions in mind.
Flat elastic is a shape-based term for any flat, wide elastic, and includes types wider than braided elastic. Round elastic is cord-like elastic with a round cross-section. Woven elastic, knitted elastic, and braided elastic are classifications based on manufacturing method, and the basis of classification differs from the shape or application terms used for braided elastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should braided elastic and flat elastic be used differently?
Braided elastic is narrow and is easy to use for cuffs and small gathers. Flat elastic broadly refers to wide, flat elastic and is also used in areas such as waists where support over a larger area is needed. Choose by comparing the width, tension, thickness, and skin feel required for the application.
What causes braided elastic to lose its recovery?
In addition to fatigue from repeated stretching, high temperatures, ultraviolet light, moisture, sweat and skin oils, and washing and drying conditions may have an effect. Durability varies depending on the material and manufacturing method, so perform product washing tests and repeated stretch checks before mass production.
