Hi Everyone! Let's talk about - Sewing With Elastics! Using elastic is a great way to create a flexible fit for a variety of design elements. Whether you choose to use a casing on a waistline, shirring on a bodice, or a stitched elastic on a sleeve hem - knowing and understanding the proper way to sew them in is a must!
My hope is that after this course, you will have the confidence to sew with any type of elastic you choose!
Are you ready? Let's go...
In the videos posted below, I share with you an overview of the month-long topic and then take a deep dive into our first tutorial - shirring with elastic thread. This a fun technique and once you work through any machine set up issues, you should be able to use it confidently in future projects!
Special note - If you are using a top loading bobbin, you may need to work with your bobbin tension settings to get this technique to work effectively. You might want to wind your bobbin a bit tighter as well.
Pattern Overview (designs with elastic shirring):
Shirring WIth Elastic Thread Summary:
- This technique works best with lighter weight fabrics such as quilting cotton and knit. This won't work well on a heavier fabric like denim.
- Hand wind your bobbin. Keep the tension stable, not too tight, not too loose.
- Use all-purpose thread as your top thread.
- Insert the bobbin into your machine.
- Set your stitch length to 4-5 (or close tot he longest setting on your machine)
- Stitch even rows along your fabric. 1/8" apart for doll clothes, 3/8" to 1/2" for girls/women.
- Keep the fabric flat when sewing, don't sew over gathers or puckers.
- Mist or steam your finished stitching to shrink up the elastic fibers.
Resources:
Here are some online resources for this topic:
Week One task:
- Parctice, practice, practice!
Next Tuesday - Week 2: Casings for elastics
6 Comments
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Michele
March 15, 2018
I’ve never tried shirring before. Thank you for the instructions! I feel more confident about trying this technique!