Sewing Help: Shirring?

Question

after i have finished a line of shirring, the fabric is not stretchy. how do i make it stretchy???

Answer 1

If you're shirring using elastic thread, when you're done sewing, take it over to the ironing board and give it a good shot of steam and watch the fabric draw up.

Shirring using standard sewing thread is not elastic at all -- you need to use elastic thread or elastic for the shirring to be stretchy.

Always try a scrap first -- some methods of shirring work better with one fabric than another.

Answer 2

Use elastic thread in the bobbin (or underside) of your garment, and stretch it as you sew.

Answer 3

Another way, if you can't put elastic thread on your bobbin, is to use a narrow elastic (don't cut it until you have finished the zig zag) and zig zag over it. Make sure the stitch is wide enough to sew over it, not on it, and then give it a gentle tug until you have the desired gathers. You can catch the edge in the seam joining two pieces or use a straight stitch to catch the elastic ends so they won't slip.