How To Gather Fabric On Sewing Machine

It is essential to have a good understanding of how to gather fabric on a sewing machine, as this can bring a special look to your project. To help you to be a master at sewing fabric, tips and tricks are shared in this article to set you off in the right direction.

Overview of Tools

With so many variations of tools available, it can be difficult to decide which tools are best suited for fabric gathering. One of the most important tools is a sewing machine – it’s important that your machine is in good working order, as a malfunction can lead to unsatisfactory results. You should also choose a needle size that’s suitable for the fabric you’re working with. Additionally, it’s essential to have scissors, measuring tape and pins to hand, all of which are invaluable for any type of most fabric work.

Prepare your Fabric

It’s important to note that fabric gathering is most effective when only one layer of the fabric is gathered instead of two. To ensure that the fabric is gathered evenly, and the project looks neat in the end, the fabric should be laundered and pressed before use.
Ease is also an important consideration when gathering fabric. It’s inevitable that the fabric will have some shrinkage, but if the fabric shrinks excessively during the gathering process, the resulting effect may be far from what you’d hoped. Most of this will depend on the fabric itself, so it’s important to look at the fabric information before deciding whether the fabric is suitable for the project or not.

Threads to Gather

When it comes to gathering threads, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. To achieve the best result, it’s necessary to experiment with different types of threads. Generally, it’s best to opt for lightweight threads as these create a more subtle gathering effect. However, if more fullness is required, heavier threads can certainly be used. Cotton threads tend to be the most popular option, as they are most likely to produce a neat and uniform finish.

Gather Your Fabric

Once the fabric is prepped and the threads are to hand, you’re ready to start gathering your fabric. Start by setting up your work area and ensure that your machine is in good working order. Thread the bobbin and needle, and then make a basting stitch of around 3/8 of an inch. You should do this slowly, as this will ensure that the fabric then gathers evenly. Note that it’s also possible to set your machine to run at fast speed to perform the same task.
From here, use your finger to pull the top and bottom threads together, and you should start to see the fabric gathering around the stitching. To secure the fabric in place, you should now sew over the first basting stitch. You should also make sure that the fullness is distributed evenly, as well as ensuring that you sew no more than an inch apart.

Information on Fabric Flattening

In some cases, it may be necessary to flatten a gathered fabric. To do this it’s important to use steam, as this will help to relax the threads so that the fabric can be laid flat. A gentle circling motion can be used to flatten the fabric and remove any remaining creases.
However, it’s important to ensure that the fabric itself is not stretched during this process, as this can affect the overall appearance of the fabric. If you’re more experienced, you can use a pressing cloth to provide extra protection; this will also offer additional support to the fabric.

Tips to Preserve Fabric

The key to preserving fabric is to always start with a well-calculated pattern. It’s also important to start by measuring and cutting fabrics before you actually start gathering the fabric; this will ensure that the fabric is not stretched during the process. In addition to this, it’s best to use an even and uniform pattern with your gathering stitches, as this will create a more balanced and consistent finish.
Moreover, the type of thread being used can certainly have an impact on the finished look. If you don’t select the optimum thread for gathering, the fabric could end up looking messy and unprofessional. This means it’s essential to experiment with different types of thread to ensure the best results.

Tips for Seam Allowance

When creating a fabric gathering seam, it’s important to keep seam allowance in mind. Seam allowance refers to how much the fabric should be gathered; this will depend on the type of fabric chosen, and it’s essential to double-check the seam allowance to ensure an even and neat gathering seam. For example, if a cotton fabric is being used, the seam allowance should be at least 11/2 inches.
It’s worth keeping in mind that fabric gathering can be tricky, so if you’re a beginner it’s best to practice on a sample piece of fabric before trying out the technique on the actual piece of fabric being used for the project.

Troubleshooting Techniques

If you’ve followed all the steps but are still having difficulty gathering the fabric as desired, then it’s best to first check that the threads are wound correctly. Incorrect thread winding can result in a tangled and messy finish, in which case the threads will need to be unwound and the process started again.
If the thread tension is incorrect, it can also affect the neatness of the finished stitch. Therefore, it’s vital to adjust this setting, and most sewing machines come with an easy-to-use tension control feature. This will help to keep the thread in place, and also maintain an even tension throughout.

Securing Techniques

The final step to gather the fabric successfully is to secure the threads at both ends. This can be done with a basic zig-zag stitch, and it’s best to ensure that the stitches are sewn close together. Additionally, if the fabric is particularly thick, use a hand-stitch around the perimeter of the fabric instead.
This will help to create a professional look, and will also ensure that the fabric remains secure when in use. However, if a hand-stitch is used, it’s essential to use a matching thread so that the stitch is barely visible.

The Pattern Matters

Pattern selection plays an integral role when gathering fabric. Opting for a complicated pattern will require more precision and accuracy, so it’s important to test out a sample to determine if the pattern is suitable. In some cases, a plain pattern may be easier to manage, or else a pattern with a smaller number of colours could be used.
Also consider the direction of the fabric gathering. You can be creative with this, as vertical lines can be created by gathering the fabric up and down, while horizontal lines can be made by gathering fabric side-to-side. However, it’s best to start off with a simple design to ensure that the fabric is gathered neatly and evenly.

Tightening Techniques

When gathering the fabric, it’s important to keep the threads taut. This can be done by pulling at both threads: the top thread should be pulled gently, whilst the bottom thread can be pulled more firmly. This will help to keep the gathering line smooth, and will also prevent any puckered or wavy lines from forming. If your fabric is too loosely gathered, it may be necessary to start again and re-adjust the tension accordingly.

Seam Finishes

Finally, a seam finish should be used to complete the fabric gathering. This involves sewing over the seam at the point where the fabric was originally cut. This will help to secure the thread ends, as well as adding a professional touch to the fabric. Make sure to use a matching thread, and if possible use a part-active stitch to prevent the fabric from coming apart over time.

The Bottom Line

Gathering fabric on a sewing machine can take some time to perfect, but with the correct tools, preparation, and practice, it’s certainly achievable! Choose the right fabric and thread, experiment with different patterns and techniques, and follow our top tips for gathering fabric to make your projects stand out from the crowd.