Steps to attach a straight waistband

1. Cut out the waistband pattern piece according to the measurements provided in your sewing pattern. Make sure to cut the waistband on the straight grain of the fabric.

2. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise with right sides together and press the fold to create a crease.

3. Pin the raw edges of the waistband to the top edge of the garment, matching the side seams and center front and back. The right side of the waistband should be facing the wrong side of the garment.

4. Stitch the waistband to the garment using a 5/8 inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.

5. Press the seam allowance towards the waistband.

6. Fold the waistband over to the right side of the garment, encasing the raw edge of the seam allowance. Press the waistband flat.

7. Topstitch along the folded edge of the waistband to secure it in place. You can also stitch in the ditch, which means stitching in the seam line between the waistband and the garment.

8. Finish the ends of the waistband by folding them under and stitching them in place. You can also add a hook and eye closure or a button and buttonhole to secure the waistband.

9. Give the waistband a final press to ensure a clean and professional finish. Your straight waistband is now attached to the garment and ready to wear.

Materials:

- Fabric for waistband
- Interfacing (optional)
- Straight edge ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Topstitching thread (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the waistband:

- Cut a strip of fabric for the waistband, with the length being twice the waist measurement plus 2 inches for seam allowances.
- If desired, fuse interfacing to the waistband fabric for stability.

2. Fold and press the waistband:

- Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, right sides together.
- Press the crease to create a center fold.

3. Mark seam allowances:

- Measure and mark 1 inch from the raw edges along the center fold.
- These markings will indicate the seam allowances for attaching the waistband to the garment.

4. Attach the waistband to the garment:

- Pin the waistband to the top edge of the garment, right sides together, aligning the seam allowances.
- Sew along the seam allowances, using a straight stitch.

5. Finish the raw edges:

- Fold the waistband fabric up over the seam allowances and press.
- Top stitch the waistband to secure the folded edge (optional).

6. Create the waist casing:

- Fold the top edge of the garment down by 1 inch and press.
- Fold the edge over by another 1 inch and topstitch to create a waist casing.

7. Insert elastic into the waist casing:

- Cut a piece of elastic to the waist measurement minus 3 inches.
- Insert the elastic into the waist casing, distributing it evenly.
- Sew the ends of the elastic together.

8. Trim and press:

- Trim any excess fabric or elastics.
- Press the waistband to finish the garment.