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Want to replace hand-stitched smocking with machine shirring What do I need to consider, if anything?
Christina Sonja   Intermediate WA USA Member since 7/2/06 Posts: 342	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 5/30/11 0:44 AM I am interested in making Burda Magazine 05-2011-114. It's designed for ''lightweight dress fabrics'' and the magazine shows it in a batiste. Included are detailed instructions on how to hand-smock the neckline. I love the silhouette of this dress but I just don't have the time or the motivation to learn hand smocking (one day, yes! just not now...). I think I could successfully replace the smocking with machine shirring with elastic thread in the bobbin (like in this tutorial). I've done this type of shirring with elastic thread before - I'm just wondering if there's anything else I need to take into consideration? Does the elastic thread shirring gather the fabric more than smocking would? Would I need to make any adjustments to the pattern pieces? I am anxious to forge ahead and not do a muslin, of course :) ------ Christina www.assortednotions.com
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7121	Login to reply to this post In reply to Christina Sonja 1 member likes this. Date: 5/30/11 8:20 AM Some sewing machines have a honeycomb stitch, used for just this technique. As to whether or not the elastic thread shirring would gather more than the hand smocking depends on the stitch length and tension settings of your machine. I would suggest you try this out on scrap fabric, a piece that is as long as the neckline on the top, and figure this out. I think this would look gorgeous in batiste! ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
Debbie Cook USA Member since 4/11/02 Posts: 9587	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 5/30/11 9:35 AM I think hand smocking is a 2:1 ratio, or close. You may want to ZZ over elastic thread from the back side instead of using it in the bobbin so you can pull the elastic as tight as you want. I did this for a Burda WOF tee (made a few times and how I did it is shown in the linked review) and it worked great. Be sure to secure one end of the elastic thread before you pull it. ------ -- "I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
Christina Sonja   Intermediate WA USA Member since 7/2/06 Posts: 342	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 5/30/11 4:43 PM Thanks for your replies. I do have that honeycomb stitch on my machine, I never knew what it was for! I will give it a try. And yes, good idea to zig zag over the elastic thread (instead of using in the bobbin) to have more control. I'll try these on some scrap fabric. That 7 hole cording foot is something, Debbie! ------ Christina www.assortednotions.com

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