If you have an item of clothing that doesn't seem to fit because the elastic is too tight, you can make some quick adjustments to make it fit better. You don't necessarily need a sewing machine, you can choose to stretch it enough to fix the problem or to remove the elastic completely.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stretch the Elastic
Step 1. Turn on the iron and wet a cloth
The iron must be switched on at the highest possible temperature. Soak a face cloth or towel in the water until it is moist, but don't soak it too much.
Step 2. Prepare the pants
You can pin the two ends of the pants to the ironing board by pulling the elastic to the desired length, or you can simply tuck the pants around the ironing board to spread them out to suit your needs.
Step 3. Place the damp cloth on the elastic you are trying to stretch and make sure it covers it completely
If necessary, use two cloths.
Step 4. Iron the elastic
Start ironing with the damp cloth on top of the elastic band. Iron for 10 seconds and then let it rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this for 5-10 minutes. Heating the elastic increases the breaking point and this is useful so that they can fit better. It means they will be able to stretch further before it reaches its limit.
Step 5. Repeat if necessary
If the degree of elasticity still does not satisfy you, try turning the elastic band over and repeat the process. Keep doing this until you get the desired result.
Method 2 of 3: Pull the Rubber Band
Step 1. Find a chair
If you have a chair that is the right size to stretch the elastic, this method will work perfectly. If you don't have such a chair, you can try using the side of a small table, an empty drawer, or a poster frame.
Step 2. Pull the rubber bands over the chair
If possible, align the sides with the side of the chair. This will help you stretch the elastic evenly.
Step 3. Leave the elastic under tension for 24 hours
If you still don't get the desired result, place it back on the chair and leave it under tension for a few days. Leaving it in a warm place like this can help stretch the elastic.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the Rubber Band
Step 1. Turn the garment around
This will make the job a lot easier. Also, being able to see what you do will allow you to take less risk of making mistakes with scissors.
Step 2. Find the inside seam
Sometimes the elastics are sewn inside the pants. If this is your case, you will not be able to remove the elastic except by cutting the seams themselves. Hold the elastic on one side and pull on the other. If you feel the elastic slip inside, you can cut anywhere. If, on the other hand, you feel some resistance as if it is being held by the seam, be sure to cut it there.
Step 3. Open a small slit in the fabric of the garment
To remove the elastic from your dress, open a gap of about 1.5 cm. If it is attached to the seam, you will need to make a cut the same size as the elastic.
Step 4. Cut the elastic
Use the scissors through the slit and cut the elastic. Cut it all off, being careful not to make any more holes.
Step 5. Pull out the elastic
Pull it out slowly making sure it does not get caught or accidentally pull any other thread, thus ruining the fabric. Once completely removed, your clothes will be ready to wear.