Arg! Mending Fail (warning, long rambling vent inside)

I bought these cute knit shorts at Target for my daughter to wear under her skirts. Turned out the waist was way too big. Of course the waist elastic is sewn into the seam like most store-bought. But I bit the bullet and undid the seam. I shortened the elastic. Basted the pieces back together. Now I can't get the waistband back on in a nice fashion. When I stretch to fit the waistband fabric is curling away from the needle. I've tried on the serger and I can't get it to be consistent. Some parts look great, other parts are a mess. I have now spent far more time on these shorts than it would have taken to make them. Soooo annoyed. Sorry about that, just had to vent before I try again.

Venting is good. Glad to hear others trying at something, but not giving up.
Keep on it. In the end, they'll probably be the best fitting shorts your daughter wears!

I got it done finally.

Was it you Irene who mentioned using the double needle on the regular machine to simulate a coverstitch? I did that, worked quite well. I'll have to add that to my sewing knits tricks.

Great to hear it!
I'm not sure if I mentioned the double needle trick or not on here, but I do use one for the same reason. Love those needles!

Me too! I use them a lot. Just never thought to use it as a faux coverstitch. And the fact that the back is zigzag makes it stretchy, awesome.