Chizimi Shrinking Thread

 

Chizimi is a special polyester thread that sews like regular thread until it is exposed to steam. Then it shrinks 30% to create beautiful shirred puckers and gathers. You can use Chizimi in the bobbin only, or both the bobbin and as your top thread.

 

You can use Chizimi on any fabric, but lightweight fabrics definitely gather better than a heavier fabric.  It works well with silk, chiffon, and organza.  Even cotton fabrics traditionally used for quilting will gather with Chizimi.  Be sure to do some testing sewing with your fabric and Chizimi before using Chizimi on your project!

 

Here are a few things to remember when you work with Chizimi:

"Allow extra fabric - don’t forget that the fabric is going to “shrink”.

"In most cases, an 80 universal needle works fine.

"Wind your bobbin and thread as usual.  Remember if you use Chizimi in the bobbin only, the puckering will be less pronounced.

"Use a straight stitch to sew rows to get a smocked look.  Stitch in “checkerboard” fashion to get all over puckering.

"When steaming Chizimi, hold your iron ABOVE the fabric.  Do not iron the fabric, or it will not gather properly.

"Chizimi is washable, but be careful when ironing your finished project. High heat will damage the Chizimi thread, and gathering will be lost.

 

Chizimi is very difficult to find in retail stores, so we would be glad to ship it to you.  Very minimal shipping costs may apply.

 

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