In my last post I described why bra band elastic testing matters, but today, I have prepared for you a downloadable bra band elastic testing worksheet.
It is handy piece of kit to keep in your sewing room. Perhaps put a sample of the elastic you are testing on the right hand side, as you put each piece of elastic through its paces and record the results.
Lets’ have a look at the areas of this bra band elastic testing worksheet. There is room at the top for where you bought the elastic, and what brand it is, and also the date you tested it.
Next there is a space for a swatch of the elastic. That’s really important so you can identify it quickly. You may want to test darker colours of the same elastic separately.
In the left box, you will find the results of your stretch test, the instructions for which can be found in my first elastic post on different band elastics
The recovery test results is next and that test is found in the same post above.
The hand assessment is next, that’s an industry term for the Feel of the fabric. You cannot always tell what bra band elastic feels like until you actually feel it with your hands. Trust your hands. Your hands learn faster than your calculator.
In the right hand box, there is a space for the change in length according to its planned use. This is where you can use the chart at the bottom to determine the exact amount by which you will lengthen or shorten the bra band.
Finally, the Verdict – will you use this elastic again? This is also a good space to fill in after you make a fitting band or an actual bra from this elastic. You can record how the bra felt on the body, and not trust your memory down the road.
If you haven’t watched the little video I did explaining the various type of bra elastics, you can watch it here.
