Setting Up the Machine
Gathering fabric with a sewing machine is a helpful skill for sewists of any skill level. Whether you are a beginner or a sewing professional, having a good understanding of how to gather fabric with a sewing machine is essential. To begin, check that your machine is properly threaded, and that the tension is set correctly. You may also wish to use a gathering foot, which can make gathering easier. If you’re not sure how to set up your machine, consult the user’s manual.
Make the Markings
To start gathering, mark out the fabric at either end of the section you intend to gather. Make sure to use a tailor’s chalk or tailor’s marking pen, so that the markings can be easily brushed away later. Mark both sides of the fabric, and make sure they’re consistent with each other. This will allow you to ensure that the gathering is even.
Attach the Gathering Thread
Lower the presser foot and loosen up the thread tension. Then, attach the gathering thread—a thread that’s twice as long as the fabric—to the bobbin on your machine. Draw the gathering thread through the machine and out the other end. Make sure to keep a few inches of thread at the beginning and end of the gathering thread.
Position the Fabric
Line up the 2 pieces of material with the markings that you made earlier. Secure the upper thread in place, but make sure to leave a few inches of thread at the end of the gathering thread. Then, move the pieces of fabric away from each other to create the ruffling effect.
Start Sewing
Lower the presser foot and start sewing. Make sure to move the fabric slowly, to ensure that the gathering thread is evenly spaced. When you reach the end of the gathering thread, slow down and pull the fabric to make sure it’s evenly gathered.
Secure the Edges
Once you’ve reached the end of the gathering thread, secure the fabric by stitching back and forth a few times. Then, carefully remove the extra thread.
Smoothing the Fabric
To finish off the gathering, go over the fabric with a steam iron to make sure that it looks neat and even. This will help to keep the fabric from puckering or shifting out of place.
Finishing the Seams
Finally, finish off the seams with a serger or an overlock stitch. This will give the fabric a professional-looking finish, and it will help to keep the gathering in place.
Extra-Wide Fabrics
When gathering extra-wide fabrics, it’s important to use a wide basting stitch. Otherwise, the gathering won’t be as even. Make sure to also use an extra-wide gathering foot, if you have one. It has a wider “toe”, which makes it easier to gather the fabric.
New Fabrics
When gathering new fabrics, it’s important to use a special practice fabric. This will allow you to experiment with the machine settings and make sure that the gather is even. It’s a good idea to use a practice fabric that’s the same weight and texture as the fabric that you’ll be gathering.
Making Gathers By Hand
You can also make gathers by hand, using a hand-gathering stitch. First, mark out the fabric where you want to make the gathers. Then, secure the upper thread in place, and start to make tiny, evenly spaced stitches. Once you’ve finished the stitching, pull the gathering thread to make the gathers and secure the ends of the thread in place.
Using a Ruffler Foot
Using a ruffler foot is a good way to create more evenly spaced gathers. It works by creating multiple stitches at once, which makes it easier to create even gathers. To use a ruffler foot, first attach it to the machine and adjust the settings to the desired level of gathering. Then, start sewing, and the ruffler foot will automatically create the gathers.
Types of Gathers
Gathers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The size of the gathers depends on the size of the stitches, and the type of fabric being used. For example, you can use small stitches and fine fabrics to create tiny gathers, or you can use large stitches and heavier fabrics to create larger gathers.
Creating a Pleat
Another type of gathering is the pleat. Pleats are a great way to add texture and interest to a project. To create a pleat, mark out the fabric and make a stitch. Then, fold the fabric so that the stitches meet, and secure the edges with a second line of stitching.
Making a Gathered Border
Gathered borders are a great way to add a decorative edge to a project. To make a gathered border, mark out the fabric and make a line of gathering stitches. Then, slowly pull the gathering thread until the edge of the fabric is snug. Secure the edges with a line of stitching, and you’re done.
Making a Ruched Edge
Ruched edges are a great way to add a unique touch to a project. To create a ruched edge, mark out the fabric and make a line of gathering stitches. Then, draw the gathering thread so that the fabric is gathered in a scalloped or “S” shape. Secure the edges with a line of stitching.
Using Bias Tape
You can also use bias tape to make gathers. To use bias tape, first mark out the fabric. Then, attach the bias tape to the fabric and secure the edges with a line of stitching. Once the tape is in place, use a gathering foot to create the gathers.
Elastic Gathers
Another type of gathering is elastic gathering. To create elastic gathers, mark out the fabric and make a line of gathering stitches. Then, attach an elastic band to the fabric, and secure it with a line of stitching. Finally, gather the fabric and secure the edges with a line of stitching again.
Gathered Lace
Gathered lace is a great way to add a whimsical touch to a project. To create a gathered lace effect, mark out the fabric and make a line of gathering stitches. Then, attach the lace to the fabric and secure with a line of stitching. Once the lace is in place, use a gathering foot to create the gathers.
