Shirring

What is Shirring?

Shirring is a sewing technique where you use elastic thread in the bobbin of the machine. This elastic bunches up the material as you sew and it creates a beautiful gathered effect that can stretch.

Why do we love shirring?

Shirring is such a versatile technique and we love it because it can be used in so many different ways. Whether it is the main bodice of a dress, the waist of a skirt or to bring in the cuff of a sleeve.

We also love shirring because it is so comfy to wear! The elastic means that it stretches with you as you move, creating the ultimate comfort. Really there is nothing more important than that!

How do you sew shirring?

Shirring is such a great technique to know. It can be a bit of a process to figure it out but once you know the basics there are so many possibilities.

At Thread Room we are well practised with shirring and we know all the tips and tricks needed to master this technique.

If you’d like to learn how to sew shirring we have a workshop running on Sunday the 12th of March to sew a shirred dress or top.

In the workshop we will go through the entire process. From how to work out a shirring pattern, how to set up your machine for shirring, how to test the technique and how to make the garment. You will get to go home with a completed garment and all of the knowledge to sew many more variations.

Shirring Workshop:

Sunday 12th of March
Thread Room Belmont