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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:07 AM (1 of 15)
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Hi everyone! I am new to the forums and I have a question that I was hoping someone could help me with. I am trying to make a shirred (i think that is what it's called) dress. I honestly don't know how to do it, so what I have been doing is making casings on the bodice and pulling elastic through. It is giving me the same results that I want, but it's a lot of work and my wrists are killing me. LOL I know there is an easier way to do this, just not sure how. Can someone out there in sewing land help? Thanks in advance! |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:33 AM (2 of 15)
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Hi hersilentscream Welcome to Sew Whats New. You can always zig zag over the elastic to give it a casing. Just mark where the elastic would be in 1/4-1/2-3/4 marks, secure it and then pull as you sew. I know there is a way to do it with having sewing elastic in your bobbon, but I have not done that yet. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:35 AM (3 of 15)
| thank you! I will def try that. I've been sewing doll clothes for about 5 years. I had 2 sons and couldnt really get fancy with sewing for them. But I recently had twin girls, so now I'm trying to learn everything I can! lol |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:55 AM (4 of 15)
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There is "elastic thread". I have tried to use it several times but I have not had a successful operation. It is usually found on a small cardboard spool in the notions aisle of a fabric store. I now understand that it is hand wound on a bobbin and fed from the bottom of the machine when you sew. It's one of those cases where you can't find the information when you need it. When it is properly done, it looks like the shirred tops you find in stores or that you sometimes find by the yard in fabric stores. (I can't believe all those shirred tops are back in style again...I don't know if I feel young or old.) You should find a good source of information on this on the web or perhaps someone who has had a successful install of this can help. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 09:06 AM (5 of 15)
| lollol, thank you!I know what you mean. I'm 26, but I remember and also have pictures of myself wearing them when I was a baby, soon those terrycloth one piece outfits will be back too. lol |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-13-2005, 09:10 AM (6 of 15)
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I LOVED that stretch terry...I'm actually anxious to have some of that come back!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 05-13-2005, 10:39 AM (7 of 15)
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How old are your girls? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
|
From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 10:43 AM (8 of 15)
| Hi! They are 8 months |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 05-13-2005, 02:28 PM (9 of 15)
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Here's a cheaters way to shir. (http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?cat222.htm) I know it is for drapery but it might work for clothing too.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 05-13-2005, 02:33 PM (10 of 15)
|
cool, I just had twin boys two months ago, so I have to admit to a bit of curiousity. I agree about boys though, there's not much in the way of fun cute clothes you can sew for them (with the exception of costumes, but that's not a frequent need). I do have lots of fun sewing things for my 5 year old niece, she gets lots of dress up and doll clothes from me. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
|
From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 03:05 PM (11 of 15)
| Thank you Pudge!!!!!! I'll have to try that out. Congrats pucktricks. Twins are so much fun........my girls were born at 33 weeks, how bout yours? I have also made some of the boys costumes as welkl. The very first thing I made was a skunk costume for my 6 year old. |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-13-2005, 05:55 PM (12 of 15)
|
OK Girls .. Here are the instructions for shirring .. quick and easy and works every time... Wind a bobbin by hand with elastic thread.. (99 Cents on a 3 or 4 inch cardboard spool on the notions wall..) Put bobbin in your machine.. Get your rectangle of fabric ready.. (hem either end, if necessary) Now, stitch with a straight stitch on your fabric. Make as many rows as you need.. I usually stitch them 3/8 or 1/2 inch apart.. Do all your stitching, before you stop.. Next step; turn iron on and turn it to steam.. Holding about 1 inch above the ws of fabric steam very well.. As you steam the shirring will 'happen' as if by magic...That is all there is to it.. To make an infant sundress , make a tiny rolled hem in top, and mark how many inches you want shirred and do the shirring. Sew a center back seam, hem skirt bottom and add a neck strap to tie or add shoulder straps.. I made them for my Gd when she was a baby.. I could always find a remnant of Daisy Kingdom or other beautiful fabric large enough to make her a little sundress.. Maybe takes an hour, if you work slow..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: hersilentscream
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:13 PM (13 of 15)
| wow! Thank you! I just ran out and bought the thread. Wish me luck, lol |
User: hersilentscream
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: klschmeis
Date: 05-13-2005, 09:35 PM (14 of 15)
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When you hand wind the elastic on the bobbin, do you stretch it? if so, how tightly? Thanks. |
User: klschmeis
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-14-2005, 11:47 AM (15 of 15)
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No, do not stretch it.. Just keep it snug.. As you stitch, the tension stretches it and then the steaming makes it contract again causing the shirring..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
|
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