Machine Shirring with Elastic Thread? Help!

Answering my own post........just to say I figured it out 5 minutes after I posted my question. I ended up re-winding the thread and it worked just fine.

Any tips still wanted though!

Michelle Giordano

Only a couple of things to add. The first is the 'stretchiness' improves the more rows you sew, so don't judge the final effect on the appearance of two rows.

And - if you add one or more horizontal one inch tucks to the skirt of the dress, using your largest stitch length (and ordinary, non-shirring-elastic thread), as your daughter grows you can let out the tucks and, as children grow up more than out, the dress will grow with her.

Hope this helps

Jill

Doug&Michelle wrote:

When I made tops with shirring, I did stretch the elastic as I wound it on the bobbin. I tried handwinding it and it didn't gather when sewn. I doubt it's the right way, since everything I read said not to stretch it when you wind the bobbin, but it's what worked for me.