Hi Everyone! I’ve noticed something recently that I really wanted to set the record straight on. It’s regarding the difference between shirring and smocking. Many people seem to confuse the two techniques, so I’m here to show you the differences and similarities. Shirring is a term used for sewing multiple lines of elastic thread to create a gathered texture that stretches. It essentially turns a woven fabric into one with stretch. Smocking is a term for sewing multiple lines of even gathers to create small pleats which traditionally have a hand sewn pattern or design added on top of the texture. This technique is commonly used in heirloom child’s clothing to create decorative patterns on garments. Smocking with different patterns instead of straight lines was also used in decorative pillows for home deco starting back in the 1950’s. It was done using textured fabrics such as velvet to create lovely basket weaving or twisted cables looks to create drama and additional texture. Both of these techniques add texture, shirring having stretch and smocking being stable.
Thank you for taking the time to view my latest video on Machine Shirring Made Easy. I hope you’ll find this information helpful especially if you wondered how machine shirring was made. As you saw in my video demo, it’s not difficult at all and can really be a nice way to add stretch to a sleeve cuff, bodice of a top or back of a strapless dress. Thank you all so much for your support!!
