I just had a load of fun yesterday making a pirate shirt using elastic thread wound in my bobbin to create a gathered look. I was so impressed! I had never done it before.....and since I was using a sheer chiffon fabric the directions on the package of elastic thread said to wind tightly on the bobbin....but that didn't seem to do the trick at all (no gathering), so I opened up the bobbin case and while sewing I applied resistance to the bobbin with my finger and "whallah!" Beautiful rouching. Mind you it wasn't easy to sew one-handed....since my other hand was busy on the bobbin...but, it worked. Joy in Michigan
Thread Elastic - fun!
Jan 10, 2006
1 Replies
If your machine uses a bobbin case, you might consider buying a second one. I marked my second one with an indelible pen. I use it for anything for which I want to modify the bobbin tension such as elastic or decorative bobbin thread. This way I can quickly change back to a case with the correct tension set.
I frequently use elastic bobbin to create gathers in things like dust ruffles. Multiple rows make gathers tighter. I remove gathering after sewing as I would with regular gather basting.
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