How to: Make our own Flahes?

[Barb T]

A variant for tartan flashes, rather than grosgrain ribbon flashes:

To make the elastics, I cut two pieces of 3/4" elastic, each 18" long. I sew 4" of Velcro hooks and pile to the ends ands zigzag the raw ends. This is a long enough elastic for just about anyone.

To make the flashes themselves, cut 4 pieces of tartan 3" wide x 7-7.5" long. Fold one long edge over half way and press. Fold the other long edge to meet the first and press. Cut a 7" piece of Stitch Witchery (great stuff that has heat bond on both sides and is kind of gauzy and not too stiff - I buy the 1" width). Slide the Stitch Witchery inside the flash and press. You can leave it at that, if you want, but I usually cover the join with a 1/2" bias strip of thin black cotton broadcloth ironed on with Wunder Under (again, sticky on both sides. Fold over one end about 1", and stitch to carry the elastic. Cut out a little triangle from the other end to make the points.

Makes great flashes that are easy to make and not too stiff. I like flashes a bit flexible and not as stiff as cardboard.

B

[O'Neille]

If you are tall or wear hose with large foldovers make your flashes a little long and then when you cut the notch you can make them just right. If not, you may need to pay big bucks and buy a flash stretcher. O'Neille

[James MacMillan]

If you are tall or wear hose with large foldovers make your flashes a little long and then when you cut the notch you can make them just right. If not, you may need to pay big bucks and buy a flash stretcher. O'Neille

I thought that you sold flash stretchers? Were you really asking "big bucks"...?