Shirring is a type of seam used in the garment industry. It’s most commonly seen on skirts and dresses as it makes it very easy to adjust the fit for any body shape. This article will give you an overview of what Shirring is and why it’s such a popular choice among designers today!
What is Shirring?
Shirring is a technique that uses multiple rows of stitches with elastic thread to create gathers. This decorative sewing technique can be used for functional purposes in projects like the creation of snug necklines or stretchy fabric which allows someone wearing it to pull off their clothing more easily.
Shirring is most commonly seen on skirts and dresses because it makes it very easy to adjust the fit for any body shape. It can also be seen on sleeve or necklines.
A sewing machine is generally used to do shirring, with elastic thread going on the back of a garment while regular thread goes in for top part. Sewers simply run through the fabric and pull tight into multiple rows of gathers using an iron or spritz from water.
When shirring, practice makes perfect. The stitches should be neither too big nor small to avoid a loose and wrinkled appearance respectively. If the machine has a setting for this job it will work much better than zigzag stitching but some machines don’t have that option.
Common Questions about Shirring
Where in a garment is shirring most commonly used?
Shirring is most commonly seen on skirts and dresses because it makes it very easy to adjust the fit for any body shape. It can also be seen on sleeve or necklines.
Is shirring easy to do?
If you’re not familiar with shirring, it’s a technique that produces gathers in the fabric of a garment. It looks similar to smocking but is different because elastic thread rather than yarn is used to produce these little loops which create volume and texture within the design.
It’s a quick and easy technique that’s really popular in women’s wear right now – Shirring- or gathering small sections on its surface through stitching – can be done without sewing by using elastics as your “thread” instead!
Is there any way I can learn how to shirr without a sewing machine?
Yes! Shirring doesn’t need a special kind of needle – many needles will work just fine even if they aren’t designed specifically for elastic threads (which you don’t actually use anyway). However, if you’re having trouble keeping things smooth and tight along the shirring lines you might just need to try a different needle.
How do I prevent my shirred fabric from puckering?
Shirts are most often made with the right side on the outside of the garment, which means that any seams or folds will pucker when being ironed – but this is not typically visible on finished garments.
What are some things to avoid when shirring?
There is no way around it – you’re going to have to spend time prepping your fabric for shirring, even if you were able to find a ready-made elastic thread that matches perfectly with the color of your garment! So make sure you don’t mind doing the extra work before you start your project.
Is shirring a permanent technique?
Yes, once those rows of stitches are there they’re going to stay! If at any point in time that seam needs some serious readjusting or even removal then you’ll need some heavy duty equipment like an overlock machine.
