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The Best Fold-Over Elastic

Last updated on August 6, 2023
spools of elastic

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Fold over elastic, also known as FOE, is lightweight elastic that is creased down the middle so you can fold it in half. It usually has a matte side and a shiny side, and it comes in different colors and patterns. Some have more stretch, and others are thicker. FOE comes in long pieces and you can cut it as desired.

The most common size for fold over elastic is 5/8 inch, but you can find others ranging from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. These numbers refer to the elastic’s full width, and when you sew it onto fabric, you can leave the edge out.

FOE is commonly used to edge shirts, as spaghetti straps and for headbands. This product is especially popular for making baby and toddler headbands, which can then be decorated however you like.

To sew FOE onto clothing, position the elastic so its center is aligned with the fabric’s raw edge. One side should be below the fabric, and the other will be folded over the top. This can then be secured with a zigzag stitch.

To make a headband, cut the fold over elastic to the desired length, seal the ends with a few stitches and attach with fabric glue. You can decorate it by attaching more of the FOE or other embellishments (like flowers or ribbons) with more of the glue or by stitching them on.

Our Picks For The Top

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Runner Up

PAMIR TONG Skin-Friendly Fold-Over Elastic, 25-Yards

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

PAMIR TONG

Skin-Friendly Fold-Over Elastic, 25-Yards

Available in 16 different colors, this fold-over elastic is perfect for a variety of projects. Use it to create a headband for your baby, bracelet for your teen or a mask for your mom. Each roll contains 25 yards of elastic that is soft to the touch and designed not to fade in the wash.

Overall Take

Economical OptionYou won't have any trouble sticking to a budget when you opt for this affordable fold-over elastic.

 We Also Like

Tianying Spandex 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 10-Yards

Tianying

Spandex 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 10-Yards

This comfortable fold-over elastic stretch ribbon is made from spandex. It measures 5/8 inches wide and comes in 10-yard strips, so there will be no shortage of the product.

Overall Take

So Soft and FlexibleThis item is made from high-quality materials and is inexpensive enough to buy in a rainbow of colors for whatever project strikes your fancy.

 Strong Contender

YYCRAFT Braided Rubber 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 20-Yards

YYCRAFT

Braided Rubber 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 20-Yards

At a 5/8-inch width, this stretchy fold-over elastic measures 20 yards per piece and is offered in a wide array of colors and cool patterns, perfect for crafts and accessories.

Overall Take

Crafty and DecorativeThese versatile elastics feel soft to the touch and are easy to work with.

 Also Great

JISEP Multiple Colors Stretch 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 100-Yards

JISEP

Multiple Colors Stretch 5/8-Inch Fold-Over Elastic, 100-Yards

These shiny elastics measure 5/8 inches wide and 4 yards long, and each pack comes with approximately 25 different colors to use. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to this material.

Overall Take

So Many Vibrant HuesYou will enjoy using these fold-over elastics to make adorable child hair accessories and other crafts.

What to Look For

  • Fold over elastic is great for use in making face masks. You will probably need about 50 inches of FOE per mask. You can look for specific sewing directions online.
  • You can also use FOE to make hair bows, bracelets, other accessories and even wedding garters.
  • Most FOE material is soft and stretchy, but metallic colors may be somewhat scratchier to the touch.

More to Explore

“Elastic” is such a common word, but not everyone knows what it actually refers to. Elastic is made from natural or synthetic rubber and is prized for its stretchiness. In contrast, spandex has become a general term that includes elastic materials, but this is technically not the term for all elastics.

More to explore