How to Sew Gathering

Learning how to sew gathering is simple and it adds drama to clothing and projects. In just a few steps, you can create gathering with a sewing machine and a piece of fabric.

Starting the Gather

• Make sure your sewing machine is set on a wide stitch width first.
• Sew a line of basic stitches no more than 1/2 inch away from the edge of the fabric. There should be a length of thread at the end of this stitch.
• Parallel to this stitch, add another stitch, about 1/4 inch away from the first stitch. This stitch should also have thread remaining at the end of the fabric.

Gathering and Securing the Fabric

• Pull on the thread that’s hanging off the end of the fabric. You will see the fabric bunch up and gather. The harder you pull, the tighter the gathering will be.
• Add another stitch after tying the pulled threads together. This stitch will prevent the spread from gathering.

Gathering can be a nice way of finishing the bottom of a skirt or a pair of pants. Simple and attractive, gathering can be used for doll clothing or for your own garments.