BROWSE SCHOOLHOUSE

How to Use the Shirring Foot Attachment

Ever wonder what you can do with this little attachment? Using this foot has made a drastic difference in the ease of shirring, so I thought I would tell you about this obscure Singer Attachment. It's called a Shirring Foot or sometimes referred to as the gathering attachment. By loosely hand-winding your bobbin with an elastic thread you can instantly create a shirred fabric with which to use for dress bodices, elasticized cuffs and more.

I suggest that when you pull your bobbin elastic thread up through the stitch plate that you also allow the upper needle thread to be pulled down through the attachment. Then, as you start out your rows be sure to hold both threads taut to secure the stitching row.

This particular attachment will fit all low, vertical shank machines including the Singer 15, 66, 99, 127, 128, 185, 192, 201, 206, 221 & 222 Featherweight, 306, 319, 328, etc.. as well as all non-Singer machines with a low, vertical shank - new and old alike.

How to use the Singer Shirring / Gathering Attachment

After you shirr the fabric, steam the stitched rows with the iron on heavy-steam. I just barely hold the iron over the fabric and the shirring shrinks up quickly creating elasticity. I love it!

Or forgo the elastic thread, use regular sewing thread in the bobbin and make a tactile quilt square for baby.

Shop All Featherweight Attachments Here!