My Top 5 Tips for Shirring - Basics of How to Shirr - Loading Shirring Elastic in Different Machines
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- Shirring is such a beautiful detail on a handmade garment, but many people are intimidated by this simple technique. In this video, I will talk through the basics, including the top tips I've learned along the way. I hope that this video will help other sewists out there!
I am including chapters, so that you can refer back to this tutorial, if you are working with shirring elastic in the future and need a quick reminder:
0:00 intro
00:22 shirring inspiration
0:44 what is shirring?
1:05 winding your bobbin with shirring elastic
2:08 loading shirring elastic in a drop in bobbin sewing machine
2:56 loading shirring elastic in a front loading bobbin sewing machine
3:47 basics of how to shirr
5:23 top 5 tips for shirring
6:51 thanks for watching!
In this video, I'm wearing the La Brea Tee by Halfmoon Atelier in a Mind the Maker Stretch Viscose from The Village Haberdashery.
If you are enjoying my videos and want to support my channel, please consider donating to my Ko-fi account: ko-fi.com/lostmythread And consider telling a friend, which will help my channel to grow!
Thank you so much for watching! If you want to see more of my makes, you can follow me over on instagram: lostmythread . You can also send me a DM there or shoot me an email at theresa.lostmythread@gmail.com , if you want to have a more detailed chat! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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I tried shirring on my brother machine about 8 months ago, I found that I had to wrap the elastic in my bobbin quite tightly, it came out perfect, as wrapping it looser there wasn’t enough of a gather x
I get the impression that it really depends on the machine. I'm glad that you were able to make it work for yours!
@@LostMyThread to start with I wound it on as I’d read or seen on TH-cam how to do it, but the gathering wasn’t enough, so I wound it a bit tighter, but found I had to do it quite TIGHTLY in my bobbin. I hope this helps anyone who is struggling and thinking of changing their tension settings, I didn’t have to change my tension at all. I really do appreciate all the tips and help you give on all your videos, they give us less experienced sewists less headaches, lol x
@@cathtaylor2771 I'm sure that is really helpful to many! I've pinned your comment to the top of my comments so that anyone in a similar situation might see it. I've heard of people messing around with the tension on their bobbin for shirring, and it sends shivers down my spine... what if you can't get it back to how it was? 😰😆
Thank you for that tip Cath. I have a heavy duty Brother and my shirrring tendon was very loose. I used my bobbin to winding my elastic thread. Perfect
That’s good to know - I have a Brother too and just about to make some dresses for my granddaughters.
I love your tutorial. It is clear, not rushed but not overly wordy. You teach very well, helpfully informative, and to the point. Thank you so much for this wonderful video tutorial.
What great feedback, thank you so much! I try to create a tutorial that I'd want to see. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Just go for it!!! Thanks for those kind words 😊❤
Always happy to encourage creativity!
great clarity and no boring chit chat. thankyou
You're welcome! Glad to hear that it was helpful!
Thank you. Just about to shirr for the first time in years and I needed a refresher.
Oh great! I hope it all goes smoothly!
What kind of elastic do we need for an elastic channel? Thanks for sharing! This video was so helpful.
It's just called shirring elastic. You can buy it from a number of brands. Most recently, I've purchased hemline brand. So glad it was helpful!
Really clear and helpful. Thanks 🙏
I'm so happy to hear that! Good luck on your next shirring project!
Great tips for using shirring elastic.
Glad to hear, thanks for watching!
What a lovely tutorial… thank you for taking the time to share.
Thank you! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Another very helpful video - thank you so much Theresa.
Thank you, Dee! It is great to hear that it was helpful. 💞
I've been sat at my desk for the last few hours trying to find where I'm going wrong... I've been loading my bobbin wrong for years. Thank you so much, this was really helpful!
I love those lightbulb moments! I hope it changes your sewing game. 😁
Love your channel! Shirring intimidates me !!
It's really not all that different from sewing in straight lines. Definitely give it a try! I started shirring with just a year of sewing under my belt (back in 1999 without any online tutorials!), and I didn't find it too tricky. Just do lots of tests before you start on your garment and have fun!
Great instructions for shirring!!! Thank you.
That's great to hear, thank you!
Something I want to try. Thanks for the Tips.
Cool, I hope you enjoy it when you try! It's one of the more fun sewing tasks, in my opinion!
Really like your tips, they're so helpful! Thanks ☺️☺️☺️
That's great to hear, thanks!
Thanks for your tips 🥰
You're welcome! I hope they helped!
This is so helpful! Thank you.
That's always really nice to hear. Thank you!
Well done. Thank you.
I hope it helps you on your next shirring project!
Thanks for the tips, really helpful 👏👌
That's great to hear! Happy shirring!
Thank you very straight forward and helpful 😊
You're so welcome! I hope it works for you!
Thank you this is a very helpful vlog taking away some of the mystery of shearing 😊
That's so great to hear, thank you!
Very easy to follow what you were teaching Thankyou
That's great to hear. I'm really happy to know that it was helpful!
Thank you for the advice on shirring, it was VERY helpful.
Thank you, that's so nice to hear! I hope your next shirring project turns out beautifully!
Thanks for an amazing video 💞
Hope it helped, Renata! 😘
Thanks. That was so helpful 😊
Really happy to hear that! Happy shirring!
Great information. Thanks
So happy it was helpful!
Great tips. I haven’t shirred in years but am going to give it a go for spring and summer. Thanks so much!
It's a fun technique! I hope you enjoy trying it again!
Excellent clear and helpful video. Thankyou
That's great to hear, thank you!
Excellent video with some very useful tips!!!
That's so great to hear! Good luck on your shirring!
Thank you SO SO much for this, Teresa! I love watching your videos in general and you just helped me solve the shirring conundrum that has always plagued me. I really appreciate you including the closeup of the top loading bobbing so I could see exactly where I was going wrong. ❤
Ah, that is so nice to hear! I kept using my old machine for ages because I couldn't understand the top loading bobbin, either. It's great to know that I helped someone else out. And those close up shots were tricky to get and took multiple attempts. Glad it was worth the effort!
Thank you for this tutorial. You have given me courage to try shirring. I'll definitely look for your other videos. Well done.
That's so nice to hear, thank you! I'm really happy to hear that you want to give it a try now!
Thanks for the tips! I’ve never shirred before but I’ll give it a try
Good luck! It's very fun when it works.
Great tips video! Thanks! I tried it for the first time last year.. need to try it again!
I always enjoy a little shirring!
Thank you for the concise video!
So happy to help!
Thanks!! Very helpful
So glad to hear it!
Thank you soo much i was struggling with the bobin
I'm so happy to hear that. I've been there, too!
Great tips, thank you. The French seams are a good idea!
You're so welcome! I always like that extra security with shirring!
Great video. I haven't done this yet but I feel more confident now. Thanks sew much.
That's great to hear! I would love to hear how it goes for you. Good luck and have fun!
Excellent video Theresa, thank you. I tried shirring last year, but you made it sound much simpler.
I feel like a lot of videos/tutorials over complicate it, but I really do think it is pretty straightforward!
U explained perfectly I would love more of your tutorial thank you
That's so nice to hear! I've been meaning to make more!
Thank you for the tutorial on shirring! I purchased a pair of rayon “harem” style pants with 9 or so rows of shirring at the top. I want to copy them but wasn’t sure how to do the shirring…thanks to you, now I do! PS. I loved watching your vlogmas videos. The walks through your neighborhood and downtown were lovely. I especially liked the yarn bombed post boxes and the advent calendars.
Yes, you can definitely add a little shirring and get that look! I hope it works out just how you hope. And thank you! Vlogmas was a lot of fun. I'm happy to not be doing a daily vlog right now 😉, but I'm so glad that I did it in December!
very helpful comments, Thanks
So glad to hear it!
Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks! I’ve always been scared to try shirring even though I love the look… gonna try it now!
Awesome! I hope it goes really well. I don't think it's too difficult, but it takes patience. Good luck!
Thank you for the very helpful video. Your instructions were easy and your descriptions were great much appreciated.
That's so nice to hear. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Very useful video with good up-close pix and concise narrative. Excellent tips, too, all of them. Kudos and thanks a bunch!
So happy to hear that. Thank you for your lovely comment!
WOW, amazing tutorial. Thanks a million from new subscriber:)
You're very welcome! Glad to have you onboard!
Thank you for this tutorial. My first try with shirring was a disastre.... I will give it another try following your advice.
Definitely hoping that next time is much more successful!! 🤞
Thanks for these tips. I didn’t know you used the elastic thread in the bobbin I thought it was the used in top thread. Great tips. ❤️👍
So glad it was helpful. Good luck on your shirring!
Thank you. I bought the thread elastic, now have to give it a go🤓. I found this video very helpful.
So glad to hear it! I hope you try and love it. I always enjoy a bit of shirring!
Best tutorial & tips on shirring, thank you Theresa. Really enjoying your channel as a new subscriber & L & D nurse in Chicago 😉
Thank you, that is so nice to hear! And we definitely seem to have a thing or two in common. Funny how things work out like that. It's a smaller world! 😉
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I had a favourite summer dress which is very old and thought I would have to throw it away. Hopefully it will have a new lease off life now.
I really hope that it works out for you! It's great to be able to bring those much loved garments back to life!
You are wonderful! Such a good teacher! I made paper bag shorts with shirred waistband ( 9 rows,) never shirred before… they turned out so cute, I get compliments every time I wear them.
That is awesome to hear! Thank you so much for the great feedback. It's the best feeling to make things that are comfortable and look great. Wishing you lots of fun shirred projects in the future!
Thanks for the tips . . . I'm excited to try it for my 4-H kiddo's
It's a pretty fun skill. I hope it works well for all of you!
Brilliant thank’ you Xx
So glad it was helpful. Happy shirring!
Thank you, it doesn't seem so daunting anymore!
That's so nice to hear! Good luck with your shirring project!
I have been really worried about trying this but your instructions are so clear I am now going to trying
Thank so much for making sound so sime
That is so nice to hear! Good luck with your first shirring project. ❤️
Great tips. & in particular hearing how many bobbins full of elastic thread it took to sew. & also reaffirmed my thought about doing continuous lines rather than stopping at the end & restarting. I still need more practice but will give it a go!
I'm so happy to hear that! Shirring is pretty forgiving. Have fun in the process!
Oh my gosh!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!! This is gonna save absolute HOURS!!! I'd send you flowers and chocolate if I could.. Thanks a million💫💫💫
That's so nice to hear! I hope it goes well for you!
Thank you, I’ve wanted to have a go but was put off by different people - I think you took the mystique out of it! I’ll let you know how it goes x
Oh, please do! I really don't think it's as complicated as it can seem. I hope it works out well for you!
Blessed good morning dear 😊. Thank you very much for a very informative video n tips definitely will try them 🙏🥰. Do have a very blessed day n be safe 🥰
I'm so happy to hear that it was helpful!
Never tried this but I am going to now!!!
Good luck!!
Great tips!! I've done shirring before..but it still intimidates me lol I'm going to make my boho spirit dress from ellie and mac this summer! It's in my make 9!
That will be beautiful on you, April! I always enjoy a bit of shirring, even if I forget about it for years at a time. I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. Just don't let your machine sense your fear. 😉😂
@@LostMyThread hahaha great tip!!!
Thank you for the tips! I'm going to give it a try. I just subscribed to your channel. Look forward to more videos.
So glad to hear that. Good luck with your shirring!
@@LostMyThread Thank you!
Haya. Great video, I adore shirring as I am sure you know. Also good to remember which is equally important is using a regular needle in the machine. Happy shirring, thanku 'sew' much for sharing. x
Very true and good point! Shirring is one of those things that you can really overthink and try to change everything up, including the needle. It's such a great detail to add, isn't it?
@@LostMyThread Sure is a great detail. x
Just used your thread chain tutorial this morning to secure pockets in my Eden dress by Style Arc. Will definitely be trying shirring this summer.
Oh cool! Did your thread chains work out? I really enjoy shirring, and I hope it works out well for you, too!
@@LostMyThread turned out super. The pockets were distorting the silhouette due to the drape of the jersey I used. Problem solved, thanks to you 😁
@@nancyhilborn885 whoop, whoop! That's really great to hear! 💕
I’ve always been afraid to try shirring. Now that I have watched your excellent tutorial I am inspired to give it a go. Do you have a tutorial on how to calculate how much fabric is required for an adult sundress? 😊
I'm so happy to hear that! I've made a tutorial for a shirred bodice jumpsuit, and the instructions are very much the same. I always go for 1 1/2 x the width of the bust. I'd also recommend adding an elastic channel at the top (for 1/2" or 3/4" elastic) if you are making a skirt or strapless dress for extra security. If you've got straps or sleeves, you don't need that. Good luck with your sundress!
I've been thinking about doing this to some tank tops I have that I don't love! I'm growing out of cropping things, but I'm still not loving the length of them or how loose it is - feels like a sack haha. I think I'm gonna try a shirred bottom hem to give it a little more shape 😊
That sounds like a really clever way to give some old garments new life! I hope it works well for you. Sewing can be such a superpower!
Thanks for the tutorial. Do i sew from the right side or the wrong side of the fabric?
From the right side. Your elastic will be on the inside of the garment. Good luck!
🇨🇦😃 wonderful
Thanks, Anessa! 😁
hi. good tips. When you are sewing the second row and on, the fabric bunches up from the other rows. Do you try to strech it out flat or let the new run sew over the gathers made by the shirring from before? thanks
Hi there, yes you want to flatten the fabric out as it's going through the machine. It isn't too critical that it's completely flat, but just gently flatten it out on either side of the presser foot as you sew. Such a good question. I wish I'd thought to mention it in the video!
Hey hey, may I ask if you prefer the Janome or Singer for shirring? Thank you!
You know, I've done a lot more shirring on the Singer, but that's just because I've had it longer. Once I figured out how to correctly insert the bobbin for the Janome, I found them both really easy to use. I tend to use my Janome more these days as an everyday machine, so if I was going to shirr today, I'd use that machine. I really wouldn't say that I have a preference between the two, though!
So the thread above in the needle is a normal thread abd only below on the spool is the elastic one?
Yes, exactly! You don't want the shirring elastic to be seen on the outside of the garment.
Good video. What thickness of elastic thread would you recommend?
You typically want something listed as "shirring elastic". Mine is 0.5mm
can you adjust stitch length and/or width on mechnical machines? I dont have a sewing machine yet but i noticed the computerized ones allow you to do that, but not the mechanical ones as far as ive seen! I assume this would work on a mechanical too
Yes, the mechanical ones have a knob, like an old TV dial to change the stitch length. It's not as precise but works fine!
Could I ask what are your settings on your Janome machine?
I go for a stitch length of 3.5 or 4 (always test!). My presser foot pressure is at 3, and my tension is at 4. Good luck with your shirring experiments!
Super helpful and clear! Thank you!
So happy to hear it, thank you!
How do you work out fabric requirement?
Great question! I would start with the fabric requirements of the elastic waste trousers that you're working with and then consider how long you want the bodice piece to be. Because you want additional width around you to add the shirring, I would make sure you have at least twice that length (plus seam allowance). For me, I'd go for an extra meter or yard. That should work for most, but if you have an extra narrow fabric or if your hips are more than 60", I'd add another half meter or yard to that.
Thanks for sharing..
I really love shirring and I've tried but my problem is the shirring thread get loosen up...
Do you mean that it loosens up on the bobbin? If so, you're probably winding it too tightly on the bobbin. Try stretching it less as you wind it.
If it's loosening on your garment, make sure you're backstitching at the beginning and end of the rows. Better yet, sew down into the seam allowance and pivot into the next row to avoid having as many 'beginnings' and 'ends'. I also often do french seams with my shirring for added security.
I hope that was helpful and that you have better luck next time!
If I cut the shorted part will the whole thing fall apart?
You backstitch a few stitches when you start and stop to secure the elastic. If you cut into the shirred fabric, it will all unravel. You can always sew a line of stitches (or two) next to where you want to cut before you cut it, to keep it secure. I hope that answers your question!
OK, so the one thing nobody ever seems to say is what kind of thread or what you’re using on the top like are you just using regular thread that matches the color of your elastic or are you also using elastic on the top? I don’t think you could could you so it just Hass to be like a regular thread is it supposed to be polyester?
You just use normal thread - whatever you normally use for garments. I tend to use gutermann polyester thread but any all purpose thread will do. Match the color to the right side of your fabric, as it will be visible.
She did say - regular polyester thread
Great tutorial.I need some help.Why does the elastic thread break?I tried my hand at this but the elastic thread breaks after 1 stitch line of say 9 inches.Appreciate your advice.
I would try lowering the tension on the top thread first. Otherwise, maybe try threading the bobbin with less tension? It might also be worth trying a different elastic thread. Old elastic thread is prone to breaking, but poor quality thread could be the same. I hope that helps!
@@LostMyThread Thanks for the advice.Will try this.
At what point would we put in the elastic channel mentioned as “backup” to hold up the garment? Before shirring? And then just skip that area when putting in the rows of shirring?
Definitely before shirring. It would be really difficult to do that neatly once it's gathered. And you're exactly right-you just shirr up to that point.
Looking at the shirring elastic there are different sizes like 0.5 or 0.8 do you have any suggestions the best size to get ?
I usually go with hemline brand, which is 0.75, but I honestly think any would work!
@@LostMyThread Thank you so much for your advice. Off to buy fabric tomorrow for the project . Love your channel. God Bless
@@rubyred6167 good luck with your jumpsuit. I'd love to hear how it turns out!
When adding shirring to your basic knit bodice and cotton bodice, how much to you usually add to allow for shirring?
I cut it 1.5x the fullest width it needs to wrap around (bust in my case). I'll have a tutorial coming out soon for a shirred bodice jumpsuit with full measurements that can easily be adapted for a dress, if preferred.
Awesome! That’s what I thought, but just couldn’t remember what I have done a long time ago. Thank you 🤗🙏🏻
After Shirring and backstitching at both ends, the elastic seam to be pretty movable. Will we need to adjust the shirring elastic every time we put the garment on or do we need to tack it some how?
It should stretch into the right place, especially if you give it a steamy press to shrink it up. I've never adjusted my shirring before putting it on.
Question. After shirring my bobbin casing would not tighten for regular thread to finish top. Did I stretch it out with elastic thread and need to get another one ?
Hmm, that sounds very strange. I've never had this problem before. I'd check with a sewing machine repair shop. Sorry!
@@LostMyThread for anyone else out there having this problem the elastic stretched out the bobbin casing at the tension plate on my front loading singer. I replaced the casing put regular thread in it and it worked fine so I’ll be keeping the stretched one out just for shirring.
my question is do you pull the fabric flat as you do the next rows? probably seems obvious but wondering if there is a tip for doing that?
Yes, I just use one hand on either side of the machine foot and flatten it out as it goes through. You really don't need to be super precise with it, though.
is there presser foot to use for that
How do you do a French seam with shirting?
I'd do the shirring on rectangles of fabric before joining them at the side seams. Then just sew the edges together wrong sides together at 1/4", flip to right sides together and sew at 3/8". I showed how to do this on a tutorial for a shirred bodice jumpsuit: th-cam.com/video/vekmx42erU8/w-d-xo.html
@@LostMyThread thanks!
I'm watching all videos of shirring and I ended up here. Very clear thank you. But my problem is that the elastic thread can be seen in the top of fabric... And I'm going crazy 🥲🥲 What I'm doing wrong? I'm new sewing 😭 Thanks 🥰
Hmm, I'm certainly not an expert but that sounds like a tension problem. Generally when the bobbin thread is coming through the top, you need to lower the tension of the top thread or increase the tension on the bobbin. It's generally quite risky to adjust bobbin tension because you may never get it back exactly where it was. I'd say try lowering your sewing machine tension (top thread) or try a longer stitch length.
Let me know what you try and if it works. Hoping you get there!! 🤞🤞
how can I stop the elastic threan the bobbin from getting stuck in the bobbin case??? the tension is great on top but the feeder in the bobbin locks up the elasric thread...
Have you definitely loaded the bobbin correctly? If so, my only thought is to try putting your shirring elastic on the bobbin with more or less tension, to see if that helps. I'm not an expert, so I probably can't help more than that. I hope you can work it out!
@@LostMyThread I will try that I was careful not to put tension filling bobbin. thx!
@@lpc61 mine was better when I loaded it with a little tension. Not a lot. Good luck!
@@LostMyThread thx!
I have bought the piece responsible for shirring foot ,and tried it but didnt see the shiriing on the piece of clothes ,wat is the wrong i have done?
I am waiting for your answer and thank you very much
Hmm, I'm not quite sure I understand your question. You don't need a different sewing foot for shirring. You just wind shirring elastic around your bobbin and put it into the machine as usual.
If that is what you did, and you're saying that you didn't get the effect of the elastic pulling the fabric, you might want to pull the elastic thread a bit tighter when you wind it around your bobbin.
I hope I answered your question!
Ive just had a play around with shirring on some cotton and it all seemed to be done correctly but it hardly gathered. I had it on my highest stitch length which is 4. I tried it at a lower one and it was a bit better. Some bits were a bit more shirred than others 🤯🙉 any ideas anyone?
The only thing I think I can suggest is trying to pull the shirring elastic a bit more as you're putting it onto the bobbin. I'm definitely not an expert. I'm sorry that I can't suggest anything more!
@@LostMyThread thank you x
Green video
Thanks for watching!
My shirring wont gather at all, its as if im doing a regular straight stitch. The bobbin is loaded correctly, the stitch length is as long as possible. Ive loosly wound the bobbin, then tried with tighter. No difference. Im backstiching... really dont know what im doing wrong.
You do have to sew a few rows before the effect is obvious. I've felt that way after a single row, but when I kept going it got much better. I would definitely recommend sewing at least three rows before making any judgement. Then try giving it a good steamy press with the iron - that really shrinks the elastic back up. You only need to steam it when you sew it, not for future washing and wearing.
If all that fails, you may need to adjust the tension on your bobbin, but that comes with its own risks if you can't get it back. It may need to be tighter. Take careful note of how many twists (1/4 twist at a time) to reset later. Is it definitely shirring elastic? You can get different elastic threads these days. Maybe try a different brand?
Those are all the troubleshooting ideas that I can think of. I really hope something helps!
@@LostMyThread it was the tension in the bobbin. Thank you!
@@rcmpoffdayintah4738 so happy to hear that it worked!! 🙌 Happy shirring!
No matter what I do my fabric isn't bunching up its all straight and no stretch
I'm so sorry! I'm not an expert, but my only guess is to try pulling more on the shirring elastic, as you wind it on the bobbin. 😕
i hate shirring sooo much. mess up the stitch once you have to do it all over again
Maybe I'm just not as picky with mine. I feel like the gathering is very forgiving, so I'm not much of a perfectionist about it. I have only ever had to unpick once, when it wasn't working at all. If you test on a scrap first, hopefully you won't have too many mishaps.
Do you happen to know how many yards of elastic thread are in the spool you got? I thought there were standard but I've seen 11yd ones and 50yd ones that looks similar. They seem to be different weights but the patterns I've seen it indicated don't mention weight 🤦
Oh, good question! I've just checked and mine is hemline brand and has 20 meters on it, which is around 22 yards. I hadn't realized that there was such a variation! I've always gotten very similar sized spools.
@@LostMyThread thank you!