Introduction: Sewing machines are a wonderfully convenient way to save time and money while creating beautiful clothing and accessories. Gathering fabric on a sewing machine is an essential step in clothing construction that can be particularly time-consuming and difficult. This article will provide an overview of the types of gathering brushes available, the different types of gathers that can be achieved, and the best tips and tricks for achieving the perfect gather.
Basics of Gathering Fabric
Gathering is the process of creating a thicker, puckered fabric by gathering threads together. Gathers are commonly used on garments like skirts, dresses, and sleeves to create a gathered look. It is possible to create gathers by manually pulling the threads, but this can be time consuming and difficult. Fortunately, it is much easier to gather fabric on a sewing machine using a gathering brush.
Gathering brushes are tools that attach to the presser foot of a sewing machine and enable precise and even gathering of fabric. They consist of several thin metal strips in a row that can be adjusted based on the desired effect. The more strips the brush has, the more finely the fabric will be gathered.
Creating Gathers
There are several types of gathers that can be created on a sewing machine with a gathering brush. The most common type of gathers are pleats. Pleats are a series of evenly spaced accordion-like folds. They can be formed to the right or left, depending on the direction of the gathers.
Gathers can also be gathered more slowly over a longer section of fabric to create a ruffled look. This is a great way to add volume to a garment and create an interesting texture. Shirogathering is another type of gather where the fabric is gathered along the length of the fabric. This method is often used to gather the top of a skirt or dress.
Best Tips & Tricks
Gathering fabric is not difficult if you follow some simple guidelines. Here are some best tips and tricks for gathering fabric on a sewing machine with a gathering brush:
- Always use a gathering brush with thin metal strips, as this will create the most evenly distributed gathers.
- For the best results, use a gathering brush with multiple rows of thin metal strips, as this will give you greater control over the amount of gathers.
- Fabric with a high percentage of synthetic fibers and/or rayon is not suitable for gathering on a sewing machine, as these materials are too lightweight and will not hold the gathers effectively.
- Gathers should be created on the wrong side of the fabric to avoid visible puckers on the right side.
- Before gathering, ensure that the fabric is free of any wrinkles.
- Ensure that the fabric is firmly secured to the presser foot with a pin when creating gathers.
Gathering Techniques
Before gathering the fabric, it is important to mark the fabric with a tailor’s chalk. This will give you a guideline for the gathering. It is also helpful to draw a line at the top and bottom of the fabric, to indicate where the gathers should stop.
To create pleats, you will need to fold the fabric in even folds so that the edges align with the tailor’s chalk line. Once the fabric is folded and the pleats are formed, you can attach a gathering brush and sew along the edge of the pleats to create the gathers.
Gathers can also be created slowly over a longer section of fabric. To do this, you will need to slowly pull the threads while the gathering brush is attached to the presser foot of the sewing machine. This will create a ruffled effect over the length of the fabric.
Presser Foot Considerations
When creating gathers on a sewing machine, it is important to ensure that the presser foot is in the correct position. The presser foot should be placed in its lowest position for gathering, as this will allow for more even gathers.
Additionally, the presser foot should not be tilted or angled when gathering, as this can affect the quality of the gathers. The presser foot should be kept level, or slightly tilted in the direction of the gathers.
Finishing Touches
After the gathers have been stitched, it is important to secure the threads at the back of the fabric. This will ensure that the gathers are held securely in place. Additionally, if the gathers are not evenly distributed, it is possible to adjust them by gently pulling on the threads at the back of the fabric.
Finally, press the fabric to ensure that the gathers are held securely in place. This can be done either by ironing the fabric or by steaming it. This will also help to remove any visible wrinkles or puckers from the fabric.
Gathering Techniques for Different Projects
Gathering fabric is an essential step in many different types of sewing projects, from skirts to dresses and even quilts. Each project requires a different type of gathering technique. Here are some tips for gathering fabric for different types of projects:
- Skirts and dresses: Pleats are the most commonly used method of gathering fabric for skirts and dresses. This method creates evenly spaced gathers along the length of the fabric.
- Sleeves: Gathers can be created along the length of the sleeve to add volume and texture to the garment. Shirogathering is the most commonly used technique for gathering sleeves.
- Quilts: Gathered quilting is a popular way to give a quilt additional texture and dimension. Gathers are created along the edges of the quilt using a gathering brush.
Gathering with a Sewing Machine vs. Hand Stitching
Gathering fabric on a sewing machine is an efficient and effective way to create beautiful garments and quilts. It is much faster than hand stitching and results in even, uniform gathers. However, it is not always necessary to use a sewing machine for gathering fabric. If the project requires a unique or intricate gathering pattern, hand stitching is often the best option. Hand stitching also allows for a greater level of precision and control.
Gathering Troubleshooting
Gathering fabric on a sewing machine can be tricky, and it can be difficult to achieve perfect results on the first try. If you are having difficulty with your gathers, here are some tips for troubleshooting:
- Ensure that the presser foot is in the correct position and that it is not tilted or angled.
- Adjust the tension on the gathering brush to suit the fabric weight and stretchiness.
- Ensure that the fabric is firmly secured to the presser foot with a pin.
- If the gathers are not even, adjust them by pulling on the threads at the back of the fabric.
- If the gathers are too loose, use a thicker gathering brush.
Conclusion
Gathering fabric on a sewing machine is a great way to save time and create beautiful garments and accessories. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to create perfect gathers quickly and easily. This article has provided an overview of the types of gathering brushes available, the different types of gathers that can be achieved, and the best tips and tricks for gathering fabric on a sewing machine.
