Learn How to Sew With Elastic Thread
You must hand-wind the bobbin to sew with elastic thread; the weight of the fabric and the stitch length both affect the amount of bunching the elastic thread will create. Follow Step-by-Step Instructions to Sew a Sundress or Nightgown with Elastic Thread.
Can you use elastic thread in a sewing machine?
Elastic thread is thicker and stretchier than regular thread, making it useful when working with stretchy fabrics. You usually use elastic thread in conjunction with regular thread in your sewing machine to create clothing that gives a little, such as a top with shirring.
What Stitch do you use to sew elastic?
Sew with a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch to allow the elastic to stretch.
- Pin the elastic to the wrong side of the garment, matching the three pins on the elastic and on the fabric.
- Switch the elastic to the fabric, stretching the elastic between the pins.
How do you sew elastic strings?
To sew with elastic thread, wind the bobbin by hand, being careful not to stretch the elastic thread. Wind the elastic thread on the bobbin until it is full, then thread the top of the sewing machine with regular sewing thread.
How do you hand sew with elastic thread?
When all of your elastic is in the casing, hand-stitch the two marked ends of the elastic together, then pull the ends of the elastic into the hem and make sure they fit properly. Stitch down the opening on the casing to finish your fabric or cloth.
What thread do I use for stretchy fabric?
Textured polyester or textured nylon threads, such as A, are the most common threads used to sew stretch knit fabrics.
What is the tension for shirring elastic?
Use a 3-4mm straight stitch with increased tension; you may want to test this out on fabric scraps to see what works best with your machine. I left one inch at the top for finishing on this project.
How do you sew elastic on a dress?
Fold your dress in half and mark two ends, then match those marks up and add two more marks to divide your waist into equal quarters. Pin your elastic to the waist of your dress, matching the quartering marks on your elastic with the quartering marks on your waist.
Can you cut elastic down the middle?
As a result, many people are asking if they can cut elastic lengthwise u2013 for example, u201cCan I cut 1/2u2032u2032 elastic in half to make 1/4u2032u2032 elastic?u201d I do not recommend cutting elastic lengthwise because it almost always causes it to fray and/or lose its integrity.
What is the difference between smocking and shirring?
Smocking is a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks. Shirring is defined as two or more rows of gathers used to decorate parts of garments, usually the sleeves, bodice, and yoke.
Why is my fabric not shirring?
If your smocking isn’t working, make sure your bobbin isn’t overflowing with elastic thread, and re-thread your entire machine. Make sure your elastic thread isn’t too tight or too loose on the bobbin.
Why won’t my sewing machine sew elastic?
You could be stretching the elastic correctly as you sew, but you could be using the wrong kind of elastic (all elastics are not created equal), or you could be using too short a stitch, stretching the elastic too much, or not having the right kind of elastic for the fabric you’re using, and so on.