Hand Operated Fabric Shirring Machine to Make Stretchy and Textured Garment Component (Video)

I came across an interesting video demonstrating how shirring is created in fabrics for garment manufacturing. The video shows a hand-operated machine used to make smocking, although the manual process runs at a relatively slow speed. High-speed machines, such as a multi-needle chain stitch machine, are available for the same purpose.

This type of garment component is commonly used in women’s apparel (such as waist and bust panels ), where it adds elasticity and stretch without the need for elastic tape. Shirring produced through the smocking process is also softer and more comfortable for the wearer compared to traditional elastic tape.

In this process, maintaining consistency with this variation is important. Factors such as tension, stitch length, speed, and fabric recovery, any small deviation can affect the pleat’s shape and the uniformity of the final product.

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Related Article | Difference between Bobbin, Looper, and Needle Elastic Threads

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I hope you will find this a useful machine and you may apply it in your production if such operations are needed in your garment orders.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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What is Shirring?

Shirring is a sewing technique that creates elastic, gathered sections on fabric by stitching multiple parallel rows with elastic thread in the bobbin.

The result is a stretchy, textured area that can expand and contract—commonly used in women’s clothing like bodices, waistlines, cuffs, and dresses. Shirring provides comfort and flexibility without needing separate elastic bands.