Shirred/Smocked Pillowcase Top from Valerie

There are some things that pillowcases lend themselves to so beautifully that it would be silly not to try it. This is one of those.

Shirring is really simple. However, for this project, you will use your iron as much as your sewing machine, so make sure that when you start this project, you have both ready and on hand. Then it can be finished in next to no time.

Step 1: For this project, you will need:

1 pillow case
matching or coordinating thread
sewing machine
elastic thread
iron and ironing board

Comments

[kharmer]

Thanks for sharing this creative idea. I have 4 nieces that I would like to make these for, my question is, since they range in age and size from 5-12 how would I adjust the size via the shirring? I appreciate your help, as I am anxious to get sewing.
Aloha~ Karen

[Ninzerbean]

So when you say to put a lock stitch in is that because you are not going to pull the threads to gather the smocking? That is so fabulous - I had no idea how that was done or how you would know how much to pull each one but you are not pulling at all, you are letting the steam and elastic do the trick? Great ible!

[BlueRoseMama]

Yes... no thread pulling! I have made that same top with the smocking done the 'old fashioned way' and it nearly drove me to tears. This way is much easier. :)

[canida]

This looks great! Such a little bit of effort to make a pillow case look completely different. You might add a bit more information on smocking for those who aren't familiar with gathers.

[BlueRoseMama]

Hi there! I am not sure what I should add. I would love some input, or perhaps a specific question to answer so I can best give the information you were looking for. I have made several of these for my dd and the one pictured has quickly become one of her favorite tops. It looks GREAT with a jean jacket and a pair of khakis. :) Val

[Wicken]

Maybe some advice on sewing with elastic thread would be good? Just a link to the how-to of your choice would help people get into it. I know how to do it, but it's a mystery to a lot of people. I don't know if there's one on here (I haven't found it yet if there is), but this post: http://www.dana-made-it.com/2009/07/baby-pink.html links to a lot of other tutorials on it. If my camera weren't dead, I'd put one up myself.

Sewing with elastic is like MAGIC for kids clothes. Also great for waistbands for little ones still in diapers. The little pants come on and off with more ease than a single heavy band and there's no elastic to dig into the baby's tummy. You can use (if my memory serves) the same pillowcase trick for a high-waisted skirt. This is also useful when you're sewing for disabled children or autistic children of either gender who may be very sensitive to anything snug around the waist.

[BlueRoseMama]

Good idea. This is a link that shows how to do it. I will add more images of the elastic thread and how you do it to the tutorial later.

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/27550/how-to-create-elastic-shirring

Perhaps just a couple pictures showing how to put the elastic thread into the bobbin and what to buy etc. Good suggestions. I'll fix soon.

[imaluma]

I am a super beginner and not sure I understand this. You mean you stretch the part you just sewed flat and iron it, then let it go back?

[BlueRoseMama]

No, you just put your hot iron with lots of steam over the smocked part, and it will gather a bunch more than it was when you were sewing it. The steam makes the elastic thread contract, making the project gather tightly. Hope that helps! Val