Abstract: A warp knit elastic band that includes at least one and preferably two filler yarns knitted into the band on an outside surface thereof adjacent either the back weft yarn or the front weft yarn to provide a softer feel and a thicker construction. A method for manufacturing the elastic band is also disclosed in which at least one and preferably two filler yarns are laid into the band adjacent either the back weft yarn or the front weft yarn on a side thereof opposite the elastomer threads. An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic band is also disclosed in which four and preferably five weft insertion bars are used in the following sequence to form a warp knitted elastic band: a first weft yarn bar, an elastomer thread bar, a second weft yarn bar, a first filler yarn bar and a second filler yarn bar.

Abstract: A method of knitting an elastic drawcord product and an elastic band and drawcord composite product are described. The method involves knitting a pair of elastic webs in a laterally spaced relationship to each other, and securing a drawcord within the space between the elastic webs by way of first and second tying yarns. The first tying yarn reciprocates across the space between the first and second elastic webs and is alternatively secured to the side edges thereof along the front face of the elastic webs. The second tying yarn reciprocates across the space between the first and second elastic webs and is alternatively secured to the side edges thereof along the rear face of the webs, and the drawcord is secured between the two elastic webs and the first and second tying yarns.