Sparrow Refashion: A Blog for Sewing Lovers and DIY Enthusiasts

In this post, you will learn faux shirring hack to create dresses without the need of a zipper.

Have you ever admired those shirred dresses that look so chic and comfortable, but thought they were too complicated or expensive to make? Well, you’re in luck, because in this faux shirring tutorial, I will show you how to create your own shirred dresses with just an elastic band and some fabric!

Faux shirring is a technique that mimics the look of shirring, which is a method of gathering fabric with elastic thread. However, faux shirring is much easier and cheaper, as you don’t need any special thread or machine settings. All you need is a regular sewing machine, an elastic band, and some fabric of your choice.

In this faux shirring tutorial, you will learn how to do faux shirring with elastic band only, and how to cover or expose the shirred elastic band for different effects. You will also see some examples of faux shirred dresses that I made with this technique, and get some tips and tricks on how to make them fit and flatter your body.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to do faux shirring and create stunning shirred dresses with just an elastic band, keep reading!

What is Faux Shirring

Faux shirring is a sewing technique that creates a gathered effect on fabric with elastic thread. It is a great way to add some shape and detail to your garments, such as dresses, tops, or blouses. Faux shirring is also easy and fun to do, and you don’t need any special equipment or skills.

Faux shirring is different from shirring, which is a method of gathering fabric with elastic thread. Shirring requires a special thread and machine settings, and it can be tricky to achieve the right tension and spacing. Faux shirring, on the other hand, uses a regular sewing machine, an elastic band, and some fabric of your choice. You simply sew the elastic band to the fabric with a straight stitch, and the fabric will automatically gather along the elastic. You can adjust the stitch length, the elastic length, and the number of rows to create different levels of gathering and texture.

Faux shirring is a versatile technique that can be used for various projects and styles. You can use it to create shirred dresses, tops, skirts, sleeves, yokes, or waistbands. You can also use it to create different effects by covering or exposing the elastic band with a tunnel or other methods. 

A List of Materials and Tools you Will Need for your Faux Shirring Project

To do faux shirring, you will need the following things:

• A sewing machine with a straight stitch and the ability to adjust the stitch length
• A bobbin for your sewing machine
• Elastic band
• Regular thread that matches your fabric
• Fabric of your choice, preferably light to medium weight, such as voile, rayon, cotton, or gauze
• A chalk or another marking tool to draw guidelines on your fabric
• A quilting ruler or a measuring tape to measure and mark your fabric
• An iron and a steam setting to set your shirring
• Scissors, pins, and other basic sewing tools

What are Best Fabrics for Faux Shirring

Not all fabrics are suitable for faux shirring. The best fabrics for faux shirring are lightweight ones, such as voile, double gauze, lawn, and rayon challis. These fabrics are soft, breathable, and drape well, making them ideal for creating shirred dresses and other garments. They also have enough stretch and elasticity to allow the elastic thread to gather the fabric evenly and smoothly.

Avoid heavier fabrics such as flannel, canvas, and wool suiting, as they are too thick and stiff for faux shirring. The elastic thread will not be able to gather the fabric properly, and the result will look bulky and unflattering. Heavier fabrics may also damage your sewing machine or needle, as they are harder to sew through.

When choosing the best fabrics for faux shirring, you should also consider the color and pattern of the fabric. You can use any color or pattern you like, but keep in mind that the elastic thread will be visible on the backside of the fabric. Therefore, you may want to choose a fabric that matches or contrasts well with the elastic thread color. You can also use fabrics with stripes or plaids, as they create a cool effect when shirred.

How to Create a Faux Shirred Panel for your Dress Step by Step

Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric

Using your template or pattern, cut two pieces of fabric for the back panel of your dress. Make sure they are the same size and shape.

Step 2: Pin and sew the fabric pieces together

With right sides together, pin the two fabric pieces together along the top edge. Sew them together using a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance. Leave the sides and bottom edges open.

Step 3: Turn and iron the fabric

Turn the fabric right side out and press it with an iron. You should have a neat and flat panel with a seam at the top.

Step 4: Draw lines for the elastic channels

Using a fabric marker or a chalk, draw parallel lines across the width of the panel. These lines will mark where you will sew the elastic channels.

The width and spacing of the lines will depend on the size of your elastic bands and how much shirring effect you want. I used 1.5 cm wide elastic bands and drew lines at 4 cm intervals. You can adjust these measurements according to your preference.

Make sure to leave some space at the top and bottom edges of the panel for the seam allowance.

Step 5: Sew along the lines

Using a straight stitch and a regular thread, sew along the lines you drew, leaving a small gap at the end of each line. These gaps will allow you to insert the elastic bands later.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each line to secure the stitches.

Step 6: Cut the elastic bands

Cut as many elastic bands as you have sewn lines. The length of the elastic bands should be equal to the width of the back center panel of your dress.

You can measure this by placing the panel on top of the dress and marking where it meets the side seams. Alternatively, you can use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the side seams at the back of the dress.

Step 7: Feed the elastic through the channels

Using a safety pin or a bodkin, feed the elastic bands through the gaps you left at the end of each line. Pull the elastic until it reaches the other end of the channel.

Make sure the elastic is not twisted inside the channel and that both ends are sticking out of the gaps.

Step 8: Attach the elastic bands to the sides

Pin the elastic bands to the sides of the panel, making sure they are aligned with the lines. Sew them in place using a zigzag stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance.

Trim the excess fabric and elastic.

Step 9: Sew the sides of the panel

With right sides together, pin the sides of the panel to the sides of the dress. Sew them together using a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance.

Step 10: Enjoy your faux shirred panel

Video Tutorial How to Create Faux Shirring

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to sewfaux shirring, you can find it on my YouTube channel. I will show how to make it step by step.

Super easy video tutorial on how to sew faux shirring.

Dresses with Faux Shirring

Check out what you have learned and sew amazing dresses with faux shirring.

Step by step video tutorial for bustier dress with faux shirring.

In this video tutorial you can learn how to use shirring and make more fitted waist in coats, dresses, jacket and so on.

Faux shirring is a fun and easy technique that allows you to create beautiful shirred dresses with just an elastic band and some fabric. In this faux shirring tutorial, you learned how to do faux shirring with elastic band only, and how to cover or expose the shirred elastic band for different effects. You also saw some examples of faux shirred dresses that I made with this technique, and got some tips and tricks on how to make them fit and flatter your body.

I hope you enjoyed this faux shirring tutorial and found it useful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also love to try faux shirring. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your faux shirring project turned out. I would love to see your creations!

Thank you for reading this faux shirring tutorial. Happy sewing! 😊

In this post, you have learned how to create shirred pannel for dresses and tops.

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