I'm trying to picture what you are trying to accomplish and it's just not coming to me. For me the easiest thing would be to sew a casing and thread the elastic through. If you are trying to attach the elastic directly to the fabric, I would pin it (just like you do when machine sewing, marking the 4 quarters) and do a basting stitch, then come back and do a button hole stitch--maybe? I'm not sure since I'm not sure the effect you are working for.

My pioneer dress had no elastic--very "authentic" pattern--tied in the back instead of buttons or zippers. I don't remember how long it took--those 6 wks of being in bed lasted an eternity.

Probably the most important thing I learned was to take small stitches and use a thimble.