1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the KASINGS Low Shank Gathering Shirring Foot. This accessory is designed to simplify the process of creating gathers and shirring on various fabrics with your compatible Necchi sewing machine. Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure proper installation and operation, and to achieve optimal results.
Safety Instructions
- Always turn off and unplug your sewing machine before attaching or removing any presser foot.
- Keep fingers clear of the needle area when operating the machine.
- Ensure the presser foot is securely attached before beginning to sew.
- Use appropriate needle and thread for your fabric type.
2. Product Overview
The KASINGS Low Shank Gathering Shirring Foot is a specialized presser foot designed to create gathers or shirring on fabric. It features a unique design that allows the fabric to feed unevenly, resulting in a ruffled or gathered effect. This foot is compatible with a range of Necchi low shank sewing machine models.
Image 1: The KASINGS Low Shank Gathering Shirring Foot. This image displays the metal presser foot with its distinctive design for gathering fabric, including the low shank attachment point.
Key Features
- Low Shank Compatibility: Designed for sewing machines that use a low shank presser foot.
- Efficient Gathering: Creates consistent gathers or shirring quickly and easily.
- Durable Construction: Made from metal for long-lasting performance.
3. Setup
Follow these steps to properly attach the gathering shirring foot to your sewing machine:
- Turn off and Unplug: Ensure your sewing machine is turned off and unplugged from the power source for safety.
- Raise Needle and Presser Foot Lever: Raise the needle to its highest position and lift the presser foot lever.
- Remove Current Presser Foot: Locate the presser foot holder screw (or lever, depending on your machine model) and loosen it to remove the currently attached presser foot.
- Attach Gathering Shirring Foot: Align the KASINGS Gathering Shirring Foot with the presser foot bar. Ensure the pin on the foot fits into the groove of the presser foot holder. Tighten the screw or lower the lever to secure the foot firmly in place.
- Verify Attachment: Gently lower the presser foot lever to ensure the foot is stable and correctly positioned.
4. Operating Instructions
The gathering shirring foot allows you to create gathers on a single layer of fabric or gather one layer while attaching it to a flat layer simultaneously.
4.1 Gathering a Single Layer of Fabric
- Prepare Fabric: Place the fabric you wish to gather under the foot, right side up.
- Adjust Stitch Settings:
- Stitch Type: Straight stitch.
- Stitch Length: Set to a longer stitch length (e.g., 4.0 to 5.0). A longer stitch length will create more gathers.
- Tension: Increase the upper thread tension slightly (e.g., to 6 or 7). Higher tension will result in more pronounced gathers.
- Begin Sewing: Start sewing at a moderate speed. The foot will automatically gather the fabric as it feeds through.
- Test on Scrap Fabric: Always test your settings on a scrap piece of the same fabric to achieve the desired gathering density before working on your main project.
4.2 Gathering One Layer While Attaching to a Flat Layer
This technique is useful for attaching a gathered ruffle to a flat bodice or skirt panel.
- Prepare Fabrics: Place the flat fabric (the one not to be gathered) under the foot, right side up.
- Position Gathered Fabric: Place the fabric to be gathered on top of the flat fabric, right side down, aligning the raw edges. The fabric to be gathered should be positioned so its edge slides into the slot in front of the needle, while the flat fabric remains under the main part of the foot.
- Adjust Stitch Settings: Use the same stitch length and tension settings as for gathering a single layer (longer stitch length, increased upper tension).
- Begin Sewing: Sew slowly and steadily. The foot will gather the top layer while simultaneously stitching it to the flat bottom layer.
Image 2: Illustrative image of fabric being fed through a gathering foot. This image shows how fabric is positioned under the foot to create gathers, with the needle passing through the fabric.
5. Maintenance
Proper care will extend the life of your KASINGS Gathering Shirring Foot.
- Cleaning: After use, gently wipe the foot with a soft, dry cloth to remove any lint or fabric fibers. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Storage: Store the presser foot in a dry, clean place, preferably in a dedicated sewing accessory box, to prevent damage or loss.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the foot for any signs of wear or damage. If the foot appears bent or damaged, replace it to ensure proper sewing performance and prevent damage to your machine or fabric.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric not gathering enough | Stitch length too short; tension too low; fabric type. | Increase stitch length; increase upper thread tension; some fabrics gather less easily. |
| Fabric gathering too much | Stitch length too long; tension too high. | Decrease stitch length; decrease upper thread tension. |
| Uneven gathers | Inconsistent fabric feeding; incorrect foot attachment. | Ensure fabric is fed smoothly; re-attach foot securely; practice on scrap fabric. |
| Needle breaking | Incorrect foot attachment; wrong needle size. | Verify foot is correctly aligned; use appropriate needle for fabric thickness. |
7. Specifications
- Product Name: KASINGS Low Shank Gathering Shirring Foot
- Shank Type: Low Shank
- Material: Metal
- Compatible Brands: Necchi (specific models listed in title)
- ASIN: B01MXI284Q
- Manufacturer: KASINGS
8. Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage or technical support for your KASINGS Low Shank Gathering Shirring Foot, please refer to the retailer or manufacturer's official website where the product was purchased. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
If you encounter issues not covered in this manual, please contact the seller or manufacturer's customer service for assistance.
