Question on a skirt waistband...

[Tammy]

Ok, I've got an idea in my head for a skirt. I've not found any patterns that match my idea. I'm still new to sewing, so I'm not sure about something.....

I'm gonna have an inch wide waistband, and I don't want it to just fold up, or roll up (my tummy folds in a little bit on itself at my natural waist  )...so I need something to stiffen it. Is that what interfacing does?? Is there different types of interfacing?? How would I know what to get???

Help please 

[Lorraine]

You can buy commercial belting at the fabric store, its a thick woven band that comes in different widths that you can insert in the fabric band to stiffen it up. When I don't need that heavy duty of a waistband I use a waistband interfacing product that's sold in the notions section, basically just a long rolled up strip of fusible interfacing.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

What I have done at times for underlining a smaller widthed waistband is with Cotton Canvas Duck. Sturdy enough and will provide support for the weight of the skirt and comfort about the waist.

I would not recommend Iron On Pellon Interfacing. Iron On interfacings have a tendency to buckle and come apart after numerous washings.

Cotton Canvas Duck is found at most fabric stores. So ask for someone to help you in finding it. I use Canvas Duck for Bodices, waistbands, in pleating, Corset Making, etc instead of Iron On Interfacing.

[I. Stewart]

I second the use of cotton duck.  It is stiff, lightweight, and natural.  You can get a yard for about $5, and it's sold just about everywhere.  You can't go wrong with having a yard of it just standing by.  You can use it for many things, it's really pretty useful.

[Tammy]

Thank you ladies!! Y'all are great!!!!!

[Randal]

You can also buy "No Roll" elastic in 1" widths. I have found that it works well in pajama pants, but have no personal knowledge of how it would work in a skirt.

Randal

[gem]

I'm also wondering if you don't actually want a *wider* waistband, more on the order of 2-3", which will *sit* on your waist like it's supposed to and be less likely to collapse in on itself.

[Tammy]

I can't stand elastic anything. But thanks for the input.

I thought about a bigger waistband, but my waist is 36 inches at the smallest point, then it quickly gets thicker. I want something comfortable, not squishing me in...but not too loose either. I may try a 2 inch waistband, though.

Again...thanks SO much for all the input!!!

[Margaret]

The 2" waistband is not a bad solution.  It also helps with hiding that gap that you may get inbetween your skirt and your bodice.