Shirring
Many rows of gathered stitching that shrink the fabric and add texture.
What it is
Rows of stitching with elastic in the bobbin.
Who it suits
Anyone with a sewing machine.
What you need
Shirring elastic, all-purpose thread and light fabric.
A first project
A test swatch of five rows.
The shirring guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to wind a shirring bobbin
By hand, without stretching.
How to sew rows of shirring
Long stitch, secure ends.
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
