I bought elastic thread at Joanns. Wound the bobbin with it by hand and also tried it with the bobbin winder.

Zig zag over elastic thread, or you can put the elastic thread in the bobbin and bypass the tension..you need to hand wind the thread onto the bobbin, then sew on the fabric upside down using a bit larger straight stitch. I like this method for baby clothes or smaller items but you cannot get enough elastic thread on the bobbin for larger items. Hope this helps.

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

I don't know if I could sew that detailed to zig zag over the elastic thread. Not sure how to bypass the bobbin tension. I as fearful of messing up my machine it I tinker around too much

I don't know if it is still available, but when my daughter was small I bought some elastic that was connected by a mesh. (Came in several widths - the wider the more strands of shirring elastic.) To use it, you stitched firmly across one end, the machine stitched along the mesh (in the gaps) whilst pulling the elastic to give the desired amount of shirr. It worked very well but I don't think I've described it adequately!

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

I will have to look online to see if there is such a thing I can get.

I made many baby doll pj bottoms for my young daughter using the elastic thread. All I did was to use the elastic thread in the bobbin (hand wound) and a lighter tension with the longest stitch sew several rows very close together. Leave about 3" at the end of each row and after sewing the seams, tie the elastic together as one. Hope this works!

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

for some reason I can't get my machine to stitch it out properly. I do not have a bobbin tension that I can adjust I think that maybe the problem

I have used the same method as bevgrift

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

thank you

pssst Your new serger manual should have directions in it telling you how to shirr. Or I have directions in Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book. It directs to use serger, pearl cotton & the narrow elastic cord. Pearl cotton in upper looper for 3 thread or Lower looper for 2 thread. You flat lock several rows then run the elastic cord through. Adjust the shirring then knot the elastic. Instructions: Plase garment section under presser foot, positioning the fold slightly to the left of the blade so that the fabric fills only half of the stitch. serge, being careful not to cut the fabric. repeat, flatlocking as many rows as desired. Looks best if folds are spaced about 3/4" apart.. Use loop turner or blunt needle to pull elastic through stitches, working on back of fabric. Hope this can help. try on scrap piece of fabric first. *

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

OH boy I didn't even think to do it with the serger. I am still too intimidated by the serger to even attempt that, I was using the sewing machine like on the videos I found online.

This how I do my shirring.
1.Thread the machine as for normal sewing.
2.Select the narrowest Zig-Zag that will stitch over the elastic. Set a comfortable length stitch.
3. Wrong side of fabric facing up. Lay the elastic on top under the centre of the foot.
4. Stitch Zig-Zag over the elastic, while holding a very slight tension on the elastic with one hand, don't get the elastic caught in the stitching.
5. Leave some tail ends of elastic at begining and ends.
6.Continue to make as many rows as you want. Stretch the fabric out flat as you sew the next rows.
7.Now the Fun part, pull up the ends of the elastic.(just like we do gathers).
8.Sew with a straight stitch at the end seams to secure across the elastic.
If you like a firm stronger shirring the elastic for hats is a good type to use.
Happy Stitching!
From Bev

2 comments

by psssst 09 Aug 2010

If I understand correctly you are using regular elastic NOT elastic thread, and thread on top and the bobbin to shirr? Making sure the zig zag stitch doesn't stitch through the elastic so that the elastic can slide through the stitches to gather it up?

by bevgrift 12 Aug 2010

No, its the same elactic used for shirring.

I haven't done this since my kids were little (there now 38 and 40).....I remember shirring gingham checked fabric (light weight) and making sundresses.....the main thing I remember is after the sewing you went to the ironing board and placed the iron close but not touching and steamed it, that's when the fabric would draw up and gather....I wished I remebered more but I don't....I hope someone can help more than this.

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

thank you for trying to help me

I tried this once years ago, and it seams like You are to pull the elastic and knot the end after that seam has been stitched. I'm not completely sure. Be sure you lock your thread in the beginning. I know she makes it look easy. Actually what I do now, is use regular thread and 1/8" elastic, then with a zig zag stitch, I secure the beginning and as I sew the fabric, I gently pull the elastic and this gathers (shirr) the fabric. You might be able to do this with your elastic thread if your zig zag is very narrow. Sorry that is the best I can give you. :)I say if you really want to learn, then take the time to play around until you get it right. :) Have patience with it though. LOL

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by psssst 09 Aug 2010

Oh I have spent so much time and wasted so much elastic thread I feel horrible wasting that thread, it's like I took $2 and threw it out the window :(
I may try the 1/8" elastic next.

I haven't tried it yet but this should work http://scientificseamstress.blogs... halfway there is a tutorial about shirring. Good luck

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by honeychyle 08 Aug 2010

Good info on this site.

by psssst 09 Aug 2010

ty for the link I tried doing it the way she showed but the elastic thread will not pull through. Back to the drawing board.