This was a life-saver! I was almost in tears over how badly shirring the bodice for my daughter's Halloween dress was going, and I had NO idea about the groove in my bobbin case. My machine is a drop-in bobbin machine and I've never taken the time to look at the case itself. Making sure the elastic was in that groove solved my problem!!!!
Thank you for your thorough explanation!!! No one else went into the detail you did!!!! Especially with the width and the length of the thread! Appreciate it!!!
This is a great video, very informative and straightforward for anyone trying shirring for the first time. Watch this before you even start to minimize headaches. 😁
Hey Karissa! Thanks for the positive review, I appreciate it! 2 questions for you: 1. are there any other sewing challenges that you're currently facing? 2. are you on instragram? xoxo, Shania
Thanks a lot for this video! I'm a beginner in shirring and while stitching my mom's dress I was about to mess it up completely....thanks a lot again...This saved me.very informative😊😊😊💕
Thank you for all the info! More info than other shirring videos. I’ve noticed that everyone, and I mean everyone, has a different opinion on tension settings for shirring, from 0 tension to the highest number tension. That tells me, that you have to figure that out for yourself, because every machine is different. If all else fails there are videos on his to adjust the bobbin tension on the case, that can be scary for some because if you can’t get your bobbin tension back to where it was, that’s a headache.
I watched this some time ago when I was having issues. I had the wavy elastic thread on the bottom and it wasn’t gathering. I tried everything. Interesting to discover that my Brother machine does it perfectly, easy, no issues. But my Janome fights with me and won’t do it. I had to fiddle with the screw on the bobbin case on my Janomeb( half a turn right). I had to wind the elastic tighter on the bobbin too and then it finally worker. But to save all the hassle, I’ll use my Brother machine when I need to use it. (Also, when I used a different elastic it did not work again- it was a bit thicker I think? And I had to fiddle with the settings again) Now I’m excited and want to shirr everything! 😂 Great video. Most say, wind bobbin, turn stitch length. Walla, done. And that’s it. Very informative.
This was very helpful! I am trying my first attempt at shirring and most of the videos I've seen don't use a front load bobbin case and don't explain the stitch length and tension as much. Thank you!
Nice video. for so many beginners like me.What to do if the gathers are too tight?I don’t wish to unstitch and redo.Please please help.Never thought too many gathers could be a problem.
I've followed so many tutorials but can't seem to get it work! The elastic at the bobbin doesn't stretch so it doesn't have that shirring effect. It just lays flat. Wondering if you have any tips for that. Thanks!
I had the same problem, and then discovered my bobbin had a little 'groove' in the metal on the side that the thread/elastic needed to go through before being pulled up. I've been sewing without using it properly for years - doh! Anyway once I'd put the elastic through it shirred perfectly! Hope this helps someone :)
Thank you so much! I was thinking about returning by sewing machine because the tension was just not right 😅 apparently my machine doesn't put the thread in that groove automatically. Once I did this all my issues were gone. Thank you again 🙏😌
Shania, I want to thank you for your shirring advices. They are super helpful to know how to do it and how your machine will work because not everyone have the save device. 🤷🏻♀️😂 I look forward making one for my daughter. She loves dresses!! I will give shirring a try. I think I might want to get rayon material for this project, but maybe not for summer. Any other advices/options on other materials to use that will be cooler to use? Super helpful to look for fabrics from home through the app for a drive up and pick up from the store. 😉💞
Hey Anjanette! I’m so happy that you found my tips helpful! I hope your daughter loves the dress that you make for her. I think you should consider linen fabric as cool lightweight fabric for shirring. Hope this helps!! 💕💥💕
Yes, I see plenty of linen fabrics available. Thank you, thank you! I’ll start hunting for my daughter taste of novelty, designs, and/or simple solid color. 💞💝
Hi Shania, I have a same brand of sewing machine as yours but different model. I see that we have same function, i would like to asked if you also adjust the width of the thread? I used different techniques like increase the tension and length, I also do the steaming the fabric, still didn't work for me. As I stitching the fabric it looks like flat and didn't gather the fabric same as yours. Hope you can help me with this concern. Thank you so muh for your time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have a clothing item too tight at the shirring part on the waist. Can my tailor make me a loose one? (Still fitted but more roomy) What should I ask him to do?
Hi! I have a problem, my machine needs a high tension like 5 to shirr, but the problem is that with the tension this high, my top thread breaks and I can’t even sew a line. But if I lover the tension, the bottom thread, the elastic one, Wont shirr and will be so loose.
Haven't actually attempted it yet...scared.....lol. l have some other projects working on at the moment (children's shorts) but this is for sure my next challenge....l tried in the past and failed miserably :/
i still cant get my machine to shirr, the only way ive found is to pull the elastic thread like a gathering stitch and doing that ended up breaking the thread so im really stuck ive tried every stitch length, all the upper thread tensions and even adjusted the bobbin tension but i cant get it to work
Hi! When I shirr, the shirring thread keeps breaking. It goes smoothly by when I check the back of my fabric the elastic thread is somewhat stretched out and then breaks??
Marie Cu hey Marie! It sounds like the issue may either be 1. the elastic that you’re using (it may be old), 2. you might’ve incorrectly wound the bobbin, or 3. You may need to adjust your tension settings
Hi Shania, thank you so much for this! I’m using a Singer 1409 machine, and I’m trying to follow your advice which does make a lot of sense. But I’m still struggling a lot with my machine settings, my shirring is bunching up A LOT (I actually want it to be looser and not tighter...), could you please help me out with this? I’m just feeling slightly lost 😓
Hey Malika, I'd have to be in front of the issue to exactly what it is, but from what you've described it sounds like you need to lower your tension. A low tension number means looser stitches, and vice versa: higher tension numbers mean tighter stitches/more gathering. Hope this helps!
Shirring advice needed - I started shirring a dress a few weeks ago and my machine worked straight away and shirred really well. I have since sewn a different project which I used regular thread in the bobbin. I have tried to carry on with shirring the dress but my machine won’t shirred now! I have tried so many different thing e.g change tension/ winding the bobbin with different amount of tension/ making sure I’m winding bobbin in the right direction / different stitch lengths / even changing needle. The fabric I sew isn’t becoming stretchy. If anyone has any advice I would be so grateful - Thank you 😊
If you’re using regular thread in the bobbin it won’t sheer your fabric. Only elastic can give the stretchy gathered effect on a garment. Hope this helps!
@@ShaniaShania Thank you for your reply - yes I did use elastic thread I mentioned about sewing with regular thread because I changed my tension back - Sorry for that confusion! 😊
Everytime i shirr fabric it looks good but then when it comes to cutting the thread and wearing it, the elastic thread comes undone at the end. Do you know what to do to fix this? I’m doing back stitches at the start and end of sewing.
Question, what do you do when the elastic thread won’t go through the needles? It seems to be thicker than the needle. I can’t find a thinner thread. Are there any needles that support this thread or should I keep looking until I find it? I’m using 90/14 needle by the way!
Umi Love hey there! The stretchy thread doesn’t go through the needle since the stretchy thread needs to be used for the bobbin. You should use regular thread as your top thread/the thread that goes through the needle. Hope this helps! xoxo, Shanía
Oh noooo :( Sorry to hear that. I'd say maybe try checking your tension setting, maybe that's why the needle is picking up the elastic, try using a ball point needle if you aren't already. Hope this helps! xoxo, Shania
hi shania!! thanks so much for the video! i had a question that I'm hoping you can answer- i bought a dress which i really like but there's some smocking that's just a slight bit too tight- would it be possible to loosen it without completely removing the shirring? thanks in advance 🖤
Hey there! Thanks for reaching out! I’m really unsure if it can be loosened without completely removing the shirring, but from a distance I’d say start undoing the stitches from each side seam, so that it will be evenly untightened. Give it a try and see how it goes. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 💞
Is it super complicated to remove shirring? I have a top that I want to change to a different style, but the top half is shirred. I'm worried about ruining the fabric if I remove the shirring incorrectly, but can't find any info anywhere about removing it. Any advice?? 😊
My first shirring project looked amazing on the test fabric but now I'm at the 8th row or so and I can't get it right at all! The stitches keep coming out wrong. I pulled up more stitches than I put down and I don't think that's even logical! I put it down finally yesterday and will begin again in a few hours, just trying to get my game plan. I'm trying to shir the top part of a dress that is two layers, a thin cotton jersey with a cotton lace over top. Now it keeps having too many top stitches all spaced out on the elastic. I'm wondering if my bobbins are not getting wound evenly maybe? It'll be fine then mess up! Grrrrr.
Hey there! Yeah, the issue might've been your bobbin. Did you try rewinding it? Did you check the tension level on your machine as well? Hope this helps, xoxo, Shania
@@ShaniaShania Thank you so much! And you're absolutely right. I have a Brother so I found out there's a little screw to turn in the bobbin housing. And my book doesn't even have anything about that in there! It'll be fine for a while then skip stitches and I keep messing with stuff to get the right combination and I think I have it done now. But the way I see it is if it is perfect for a while then messes up then the settings are right, I just need to get more steady with the bobbin winding. 🤔❤️ I'm going to try it on and see if it needs more, I sure hope not! I shirred 31 rows × 66" each row (around)= something like just under 57 yards of shirring. It's so worth it though, it's turning out to be a beautiful dress!
Hey there! Thank a for this video. When I try to shirr anything, it seems like the elastic thread doesn’t get caught into the fabric? Like i will keep sewing and eventually the elastic thread just turns into a long piece of the elastic thread just hanging out of the back in a tense manner, but it isn’t attached to the fabric. I have purchased new elastic and tried rewinding my bobbin a half dozen times.. I’ve tried different tensions and different stitch lengths... all of it, and it keeps happening. any ideas for what I’m doing wrong? Thank you in advance 💛
Hey Alexa! Hmm that sounds like that is probably a frustrating problem. I'd say maybe try changing your needle, but to be honest I'm really not sure what the solution is since it appears to be none that I've mentioned in my video. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful
I have a commercially shirred shirt that is quite old but it has lost all of it "shir" will the iron trick work? it isn't shirred at all now... maybe threads broke off i am not sure. i was thinking maybe putting some elastic on the inside to try to get a fake shirr effect? or will i just have to say goodbye to it?
fadingstarlight79 heyyy! If the shirt is quite old, it might be that the elastic has lost its elasticity but, you could try the iron to see if the steam will help to give it some more life and more elasticity. If that doesn’t work, I think adding elastic wouldn’t hurt to try, let me know how it goes. Hope this helps! XOXO, Shania
Hey Angeline! Sorry to hear that :( The only thing I can think of right now would be to take out the shirring and re-shir it so that it more accurately fits your measurements.
Can i ask please? Why does my shirring end up snapping when i sew my seams together? I don't know what to do to stop the rows unthreading at each end? X
hmm, that's interesting 🤔 i would try doing two rows of stitches for extra reinforcement. It sounds like maybe the seam stitches aren't catching/locking in the shirring stitches. Hope this helps!!
Hey Tsubaki, I'd have to see exactly how your elastic thread looks, but from the description it sound like maybe the tension needs to be adjusted so that the elastic isn't loose and lays flat. Setting your tension to a higher number will make the stitching of the elastic/thread tighter. Another possibility is that the elastic might not have been wound tightly enough, so maybe try re-winding the thread. I hope these tips are helpful. If you're on instagram, feel free to tag me in a picture of your elastic problem, so that I can give more tailored advice. Happy Sewing! xoxo, Shania
Heyyy, I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I'd have to physically to see the issue to have a better sense of how to direct you in terms of getting your fabric shirred. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful :(
Hi! I am having a problem with my shirring. When i shirr the upper thread keeps on cutting. It happened so many times. My settings is 4 and the shortest stitch for the upper thread. My machine is very new also. :( I hope you can help.
@@RegineMorales ohhh noo, i'm sorry to that. the next steps I'd suggest would be to check/try switching your upper thread, and maybe also try readjusting your tension (maybe make it a little looser, it could be that the tension is too high and that's why the thread is snapping). Hope at least one of these tips help.
My elastic thread won't come through the bobbin case. The elastic is too thick to go through the bobbin case guides. What am I doing wrong? I have even tried to loosen the tension of the bobbin case - even different machines. Still it wont pull through
Hey Helena, I can imagine how frustrated it must be to not get your elastic fabric to go through the bobbin case. I think you should try using a different bobbin case, or see if you can revisit your fabric store to buy a thinner elastic. Try using thread like this: amzn.to/2MgvhjO . Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions. xoxo, Shania
I love these straight forward tutorials with no unnecessary talking and giggling. Thanks
You're welcome!!💕
Very informative thank you for "shirring ".
hahaha you're very welcome!
You did not just do that💀😂😂
@@ericaboakye1678 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I couldn't help myself 🙈
This was a life-saver! I was almost in tears over how badly shirring the bodice for my daughter's Halloween dress was going, and I had NO idea about the groove in my bobbin case. My machine is a drop-in bobbin machine and I've never taken the time to look at the case itself. Making sure the elastic was in that groove solved my problem!!!!
Yyyayyy! I’m so happy you were able to find a solution!! ❣️
The way I watched the entire video but reading this comment literally made the information sink in. Thank you, my problem was completely solved!
SAAAAAAME! This video was mighty helpful; thank you Shania! ❤
Thank you for your thorough explanation!!! No one else went into the detail you did!!!! Especially with the width and the length of the thread! Appreciate it!!!
You are so welcome! Details are everything to me! xoxo, Shania
This is a great video, very informative and straightforward for anyone trying shirring for the first time. Watch this before you even start to minimize headaches.
😁
Hey Karissa! Thanks for the positive review, I appreciate it! 2 questions for you: 1. are there any other sewing challenges that you're currently facing? 2. are you on instragram? xoxo, Shania
This was very helpful! Thanks!
This video was so SO helpful. Thank you!!
You’re very welcome 💕
This is one of the best video on shirting I have seen yet. 😁
Awwwh, thank you so much! xoxo, Shania
Thank you so much! I needed this to get through my project!!
Yayyyy! You're welcome! xoxo, Shania
You did a great job with your information on this video. Thanks for sharing🤗
Hey Katrina! I'm so happy that you found this video helpful. Is there any particular sewing problem(s) that you need help with? xoxo, Shania
Awesome, excellent instruction. I'm hooked!
Leah Allen awhhh, thank you so much!! 💞
This is THE BEST shirring video I have seen so far. Very thorough. Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome!! 🥰
Thanks a lot for this video! I'm a beginner in shirring and while stitching my mom's dress I was about to mess it up completely....thanks a lot again...This saved me.very informative😊😊😊💕
You're fantastic. This is exactly what I was looking for and so clearly presented. ty!
yayy!! so happy you found the help you were looking for!! cheers!
You covered so much and thank you. You are a good instructor. Lovely lady! Loved all the tips.
thank you soooo much 💕
I just want to say THANK YOU! 😸
Beatrix Miszlai you’re welcome 💞
Excellent, this was a really helpful video. Thank you Shania
You’re very welcome!!!💕
This was very helpful, thanks for sharing 🌸🐨🌸
Glad it was helpful! ☺☺☺💞💞
You saved me. Thank you!!!
Excellent and easy to follow instructions👍Thank you.
thaaank you ❣️
super helpful video. thanks!
Rachel S you’re welcome!
Such a well done video! Thank you! I just subbed!
Thanks for subbing!
Your tips are really useful!❤️
Awwwh, thank youuuu! xoxo, Shania
Great 👍 tips. Thank you.
You are so welcome ❣️
Thank you for all the info! More info than other shirring videos. I’ve noticed that everyone, and I mean everyone, has a different opinion on tension settings for shirring, from 0 tension to the highest number tension. That tells me, that you have to figure that out for yourself, because every machine is different. If all else fails there are videos on his to adjust the bobbin tension on the case, that can be scary for some because if you can’t get your bobbin tension back to where it was, that’s a headache.
you're very welcome!! ♥
thank you SO much! this video helped me so much! my top started to look so much better after watching this. again thank you this was a huge help!!
Im so happy to hear that!! You’re very welcome 💕
I've been looking for this tips. And i found your video. Thank you so much. Now i can shirr my fabric
Yayyy!! I’m so happy that you found the help you were looking for❣️
this was the only shirring tutorial that fixed my issue! tysm!!
that's a huge statement! thank you so much✨
Thanks so much you are a great teacher nice and slow now to try
You are so welcome!
So informative! I can't ways to get a sewing machine that can take elastic thread so I can begin this immediately. Thanks❤️
This is a fabulous video. Wish I’d seen it instead of struggling like crazy. Thank you 😘
Thank youuu! Better late than never, right?!💞
IKR!?
Thank you ❤️
Thank you so much I been looking for long time this kind of video
Yayy!! So happy that you found what you were looking for ❣️
Thank you, super helpful:)
You’re welcome 🤗🥰
Thank you
Thank you!
You’re welcome !
thanks, i learnt something new.
yaayyyy! you're welcome ❤︎
Thank you so much!!! You’re amazing!
Maritza Rodriguez awwhhh! Thank you so much 💕 you’re absolutely welcome!
Thank you Shania this is really helpful x
Lynne Armstrong you’re very welcome 💞
I watched this some time ago when I was having issues. I had the wavy elastic thread on the bottom and it wasn’t gathering. I tried everything. Interesting to discover that my Brother machine does it perfectly, easy, no issues. But my Janome fights with me and won’t do it. I had to fiddle with the screw on the bobbin case on my Janomeb( half a turn right). I had to wind the elastic tighter on the bobbin too and then it finally worker. But to save all the hassle, I’ll use my Brother machine when I need to use it. (Also, when I used a different elastic it did not work again- it was a bit thicker I think? And I had to fiddle with the settings again) Now I’m excited and want to shirr everything! 😂 Great video. Most say, wind bobbin, turn stitch length. Walla, done. And that’s it. Very informative.
Yayyy!!! I’m happy you were able to find a solution ❣️
A fantastic 👏 video and helpful. Cape
so happy you enjoyed it!! ❣️
Thank you so much.. I had problem with shirring in general.. I stopped trying.. But no.. I'm going to use your instructions and try again 🌹🌹
Mashael Fawzan yayyy! I’m happy to hear that your going to give it another try. Happy sewing! xoxo, Shanía
Very useful
Thank you so much
You're very welcome! xoxo, Shania
Thank you
Thank you 😊
You're welcome!! ❣
thank you
Hey there! You're very welcome! Is there another sewing problem that I can help you with? xoxo, Shania
This was very helpful! I am trying my first attempt at shirring and most of the videos I've seen don't use a front load bobbin case and don't explain the stitch length and tension as much. Thank you!
a year has passed since you commented 🤗 have you tried shirring? how did it go?
Thank you so much, this helped me a lot! My tension was all wrong and my bobbin wasn’t right! You saved me hours of stress!
Yayyy!! So happy that you were able to get back on the right track! Happy Sewing ✨💕
Nice video. for so many beginners like me.What to do if the gathers are too tight?I don’t wish to unstitch and redo.Please please help.Never thought too many gathers could be a problem.
great video♥️i have trouble in shirring because i dont know what tension and length shouild i use.thamk u for the knowledge♥️
✨💕you're welcome!!
I've followed so many tutorials but can't seem to get it work! The elastic at the bobbin doesn't stretch so it doesn't have that shirring effect. It just lays flat. Wondering if you have any tips for that. Thanks!
Jo Hazelle Tadlas same question 😞
@@sallyflores6584 I hope we get a reply! 😣
the elastic lays flat when you stretch the garment? or does the elastic lay flat when you're Not stretching the garment?
I had the same problem, and then discovered my bobbin had a little 'groove' in the metal on the side that the thread/elastic needed to go through before being pulled up. I've been sewing without using it properly for years - doh! Anyway once I'd put the elastic through it shirred perfectly! Hope this helps someone :)
Thank you so much! I was thinking about returning by sewing machine because the tension was just not right 😅 apparently my machine doesn't put the thread in that groove automatically. Once I did this all my issues were gone. Thank you again 🙏😌
Hi!!! I just wanted to say that you're sooo pretty 🥰😍
Hey Roya! Thank you so much
This is such a nice video! But we are LITERALLY using the exact same fabric which really spooked me haha 😂 Thank you!
Hahahah that’s insane! And thanks for watching 💞
you're so pretty!!
imanobody thank you so much 💕
Hello I tried shirring using my brother Jx2517. I used light satin, it is because of my sewing machine or the fabric? Thanks.
nicely explained. Woudl you suggest any particulat ealstic thread as the one I have does not show that much elasticity on the fabric.
thank you! this elastic is really great : amzn.to/3GacVsZ. If not not this one, then the Dritz brand elastic is also really good. Hope this helps!
I loved this video, straight to the point and direct. Nobody’s got time for that. 😂 IKR!? Shirring, shearing, how do you pronounce it? 😂❤
Hahah 😹😅 I still, to this day, am not sure how to pronounce it lol. Anyhow, I’m happy you found my video helpful! Cheers, and Happy Sewing! 💥💕
Shania, I want to thank you for your shirring advices. They are super helpful to know how to do it and how your machine will work because not everyone have the save device. 🤷🏻♀️😂 I look forward making one for my daughter. She loves dresses!! I will give shirring a try. I think I might want to get rayon material for this project, but maybe not for summer. Any other advices/options on other materials to use that will be cooler to use? Super helpful to look for fabrics from home through the app for a drive up and pick up from the store. 😉💞
Hey Anjanette! I’m so happy that you found my tips helpful! I hope your daughter loves the dress that you make for her. I think you should consider linen fabric as cool lightweight fabric for shirring. Hope this helps!! 💕💥💕
Yes, I see plenty of linen fabrics available. Thank you, thank you! I’ll start hunting for my daughter taste of novelty, designs, and/or simple solid color. 💞💝
@@anjanetteboyd1509 all the best to you 💕💥💕
Hi Shania, I have a same brand of sewing machine as yours but different model. I see that we have same function, i would like to asked if you also adjust the width of the thread? I used different techniques like increase the tension and length, I also do the steaming the fabric, still didn't work for me. As I stitching the fabric it looks like flat and didn't gather the fabric same as yours.
Hope you can help me with this concern. Thank you so muh for your time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is a brilliant video.. I'm going to try a higher number 9n my tension as it just doesn't gather at all lol.. wish me luck xxxx
Gooood luck!!
I have a clothing item too tight at the shirring part on the waist. Can my tailor make me a loose one? (Still fitted but more roomy) What should I ask him to do?
Hi! I have a problem, my machine needs a high tension like 5 to shirr, but the problem is that with the tension this high, my top thread breaks and I can’t even sew a line. But if I lover the tension, the bottom thread, the elastic one, Wont shirr and will be so loose.
Going to try this again...... *fingers crossed*
Best wishes! How’d it turn out?
Haven't actually attempted it yet...scared.....lol. l have some other projects working on at the moment (children's shorts) but this is for sure my next challenge....l tried in the past and failed miserably :/
How can we calculate the length of the fabric of the final product after shirring . Will it shrink to 1/2 of the Orginal length
i still cant get my machine to shirr, the only way ive found is to pull the elastic thread like a gathering stitch and doing that ended up breaking the thread so im really stuck ive tried every stitch length, all the upper thread tensions and even adjusted the bobbin tension but i cant get it to work
Hi! When I shirr, the shirring thread keeps breaking. It goes smoothly by when I check the back of my fabric the elastic thread is somewhat stretched out and then breaks??
Marie Cu hey Marie! It sounds like the issue may either be 1. the elastic that you’re using (it may be old), 2. you might’ve incorrectly wound the bobbin, or 3. You may need to adjust your tension settings
This happens to me..my threads literally snaps..I tried changing the tension..but it still breaks..do u have found the solution M
Pro trick: watch series on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.
@Saint Wesson yea, been watching on flixzone for months myself :)
Hi Shania, thank you so much for this! I’m using a Singer 1409 machine, and I’m trying to follow your advice which does make a lot of sense. But I’m still struggling a lot with my machine settings, my shirring is bunching up A LOT (I actually want it to be looser and not tighter...), could you please help me out with this? I’m just feeling slightly lost 😓
Hey Malika, I'd have to be in front of the issue to exactly what it is, but from what you've described it sounds like you need to lower your tension. A low tension number means looser stitches, and vice versa: higher tension numbers mean tighter stitches/more gathering. Hope this helps!
@@ShaniaShania thank you for replying! 💕 I’ll definitely try this out. ✨
@@mallikamohta1655 you’re welcome! One other thing I forgot to mention is you should also try making the stitch length longer (if you haven’t already)
Shirring advice needed - I started shirring a dress a few weeks ago and my machine worked straight away and shirred really well. I have since sewn a different project which I used regular thread in the bobbin. I have tried to carry on with shirring the dress but my machine won’t shirred now! I have tried so many different thing e.g change tension/ winding the bobbin with different amount of tension/ making sure I’m winding bobbin in the right direction / different stitch lengths / even changing needle. The fabric I sew isn’t becoming stretchy. If anyone has any advice I would be so grateful - Thank you 😊
If you’re using regular thread in the bobbin it won’t sheer your fabric. Only elastic can give the stretchy gathered effect on a garment. Hope this helps!
@@ShaniaShania Thank you for your reply - yes I did use elastic thread I mentioned about sewing with regular thread because I changed my tension back - Sorry for that confusion! 😊
Everytime i shirr fabric it looks good but then when it comes to cutting the thread and wearing it, the elastic thread comes undone at the end. Do you know what to do to fix this? I’m doing back stitches at the start and end of sewing.
Question, what do you do when the elastic thread won’t go through the needles? It seems to be thicker than the needle. I can’t find a thinner thread. Are there any needles that support this thread or should I keep looking until I find it? I’m using 90/14 needle by the way!
Umi Love hey there! The stretchy thread doesn’t go through the needle since the stretchy thread needs to be used for the bobbin. You should use regular thread as your top thread/the thread that goes through the needle. Hope this helps! xoxo, Shanía
i don't know which kind of elastic thread is good for it...i think i got one that's too thick...
my elastic is going where the top thread should be and i’m really confused, i think the needle is catching the elastic. have you got any tips? ❤️
Oh noooo :( Sorry to hear that. I'd say maybe try checking your tension setting, maybe that's why the needle is picking up the elastic, try using a ball point needle if you aren't already. Hope this helps! xoxo, Shania
hi shania!! thanks so much for the video! i had a question that I'm hoping you can answer- i bought a dress which i really like but there's some smocking that's just a slight bit too tight- would it be possible to loosen it without completely removing the shirring? thanks in advance 🖤
Hey there! Thanks for reaching out! I’m really unsure if it can be loosened without completely removing the shirring, but from a distance I’d say start undoing the stitches from each side seam, so that it will be evenly untightened. Give it a try and see how it goes. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 💞
@@ShaniaShania thanks so much Shania that's super helpful!! I'll try it out :)
@@EatSingRepeat you’re welcome, best wishes!!
Is it super complicated to remove shirring? I have a top that I want to change to a different style, but the top half is shirred. I'm worried about ruining the fabric if I remove the shirring incorrectly, but can't find any info anywhere about removing it. Any advice?? 😊
Super easy to remove, just snip the elastic on the back
Love you an your video ! I Need help ...i tried ti shirr linen But It didn't work..could you help me?
What happened?
@@ShaniaShania i don't know... But i don't get the shirred effect...I actually can't understand ...could you help me? Please
My first shirring project looked amazing on the test fabric but now I'm at the 8th row or so and I can't get it right at all! The stitches keep coming out wrong. I pulled up more stitches than I put down and I don't think that's even logical! I put it down finally yesterday and will begin again in a few hours, just trying to get my game plan. I'm trying to shir the top part of a dress that is two layers, a thin cotton jersey with a cotton lace over top. Now it keeps having too many top stitches all spaced out on the elastic. I'm wondering if my bobbins are not getting wound evenly maybe? It'll be fine then mess up! Grrrrr.
Hey there! Yeah, the issue might've been your bobbin. Did you try rewinding it? Did you check the tension level on your machine as well? Hope this helps, xoxo, Shania
@@ShaniaShania Thank you so much! And you're absolutely right. I have a Brother so I found out there's a little screw to turn in the bobbin housing. And my book doesn't even have anything about that in there! It'll be fine for a while then skip stitches and I keep messing with stuff to get the right combination and I think I have it done now. But the way I see it is if it is perfect for a while then messes up then the settings are right, I just need to get more steady with the bobbin winding. 🤔❤️
I'm going to try it on and see if it needs more, I sure hope not! I shirred 31 rows × 66" each row (around)= something like just under 57 yards of shirring. It's so worth it though, it's turning out to be a beautiful dress!
@Allen, Mackenzie try hand winding your bobbin over again. That might work!
Hey there! Thank a for this video. When I try to shirr anything, it seems like the elastic thread doesn’t get caught into the fabric? Like i will keep sewing and eventually the elastic thread just turns into a long piece of the elastic thread just hanging out of the back in a tense manner, but it isn’t attached to the fabric. I have purchased new elastic and tried rewinding my bobbin a half dozen times.. I’ve tried different tensions and different stitch lengths... all of it, and it keeps happening. any ideas for what I’m doing wrong? Thank you in advance 💛
Hey Alexa! Hmm that sounds like that is probably a frustrating problem. I'd say maybe try changing your needle, but to be honest I'm really not sure what the solution is since it appears to be none that I've mentioned in my video. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful
Alexa I’m having the exact same problem... did you find a solution ?
I have a commercially shirred shirt that is quite old but it has lost all of it "shir" will the iron trick work? it isn't shirred at all now... maybe threads broke off i am not sure. i was thinking maybe putting some elastic on the inside to try to get a fake shirr effect? or will i just have to say goodbye to it?
fadingstarlight79 heyyy! If the shirt is quite old, it might be that the elastic has lost its elasticity but, you could try the iron to see if the steam will help to give it some more life and more elasticity. If that doesn’t work, I think adding elastic wouldn’t hurt to try, let me know how it goes. Hope this helps! XOXO, Shania
@@ShaniaShania thank you! I'll try the iron tomorrow and hope magic happens haha
fadingstarlight79 I’m rooting for you 💕
Did it work? I’m interested:)
I bought a shirred dress that's wayyyyy too tight :( do you have any suggestions on how to loosen them?
Hey Angeline! Sorry to hear that :( The only thing I can think of right now would be to take out the shirring and re-shir it so that it more accurately fits your measurements.
my elastic thread on the back is loose and is bunching up, how do i fix it?
it sounds like you might have wound it too loosely around the bobbin...try re-winding it and see if that works. good luck!
Can i ask please? Why does my shirring end up snapping when i sew my seams together? I don't know what to do to stop the rows unthreading at each end? X
hmm, that's interesting 🤔 i would try doing two rows of stitches for extra reinforcement. It sounds like maybe the seam stitches aren't catching/locking in the shirring stitches. Hope this helps!!
I just wanted to ask is garter thread is ok for shirring? Im just new
I'm not familiar with garter thread, sorry
What if the elastic isn't laying flat in the back of the fabric?
Hey Tsubaki, I'd have to see exactly how your elastic thread looks, but from the description it sound like maybe the tension needs to be adjusted so that the elastic isn't loose and lays flat. Setting your tension to a higher number will make the stitching of the elastic/thread tighter. Another possibility is that the elastic might not have been wound tightly enough, so maybe try re-winding the thread. I hope these tips are helpful. If you're on instagram, feel free to tag me in a picture of your elastic problem, so that I can give more tailored advice. Happy Sewing! xoxo, Shania
Hi my fabric doesn't shirr at all. I have tried everything and still. Do you know what I am doing wrong?
Heyyy, I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I'd have to physically to see the issue to have a better sense of how to direct you in terms of getting your fabric shirred. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful :(
I tried everything and my fabric still isn;t gathering. I'm so hopeless
Hi! I am having a problem with my shirring. When i shirr the upper thread keeps on cutting. It happened so many times. My settings is 4 and the shortest stitch for the upper thread. My machine is very new also. :( I hope you can help.
Hey there! It sounds like problem might be your needle, try using a different needle and if that helps at all.
@@ShaniaShania I have changed my needle too. But it still happens. ☹️
@@RegineMorales ohhh noo, i'm sorry to that. the next steps I'd suggest would be to check/try switching your upper thread, and maybe also try readjusting your tension (maybe make it a little looser, it could be that the tension is too high and that's why the thread is snapping). Hope at least one of these tips help.
FYI re: hand washing. .. also the dryer slowly destroys elastic.
Good to know, thanks for sharing!!
Hey...i did shirring and my fabric has come so much gathered... so much
.. what's d solution...plz plz reply
Hey! try a loose tension for less gathering
ok but i’m having the problem thats in your video Picture 😭 like i’m stitching STRAIGHT but my elastic thread is all curvy!! help!!!
My fabric will not bunch at all
I try it..but the result is like a normal sewing.
My elastic thread won't come through the bobbin case. The elastic is too thick to go through the bobbin case guides. What am I doing wrong? I have even tried to loosen the tension of the bobbin case - even different machines. Still it wont pull through
Hey Helena, I can imagine how frustrated it must be to not get your elastic fabric to go through the bobbin case. I think you should try using a different bobbin case, or see if you can revisit your fabric store to buy a thinner elastic. Try using thread like this: amzn.to/2MgvhjO . Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions. xoxo, Shania
“Shirring” rhymes with “purring.”
Ohhh! That’s helpful! Thank you 😊
Thank you darling you did great I'm going to give Sharon a try I love your video thank you sharing not Sharon sharing s h i r r i n g thank you
Heyy! Did u give it a try? 👀 how did it go?
Thank you
You're welcome! xoxo, Shania
Thank you
You're welcome :)