What's the easiest way to gather an edge?
Julie D.,
Viola, IL
Use a different gathering method depending on the amount of fabric to be gathered.
To gather a small area, machine stitch two rows of basting, 3/4" and 1/2" from the edge, using approximately six stitches per inch and working from the fabric right side. Gather the edge to the desired length by pulling the bobbin threads, and evenly distributing the fullness. Secure the basting threads at each end by wrapping the thread ends in a figure eight around a pin placed perpendicular to the seamline (Figure 1). To secure the gathers, stitch 5/8" from the edge in between the gathering stitching rows, keeping the gathers smooth and even. Stitch again 1/4" inside this line of stitching. Remove the basting thread.
Figure 1
Wrap threads in figure eight around pin.
To gather yards of fabric, as in gathering an edge for a dust ruffle, use this method which eliminates the possibility of the basting thread breaking. From the fabric wrong side, lay a length of lightweight string or narrow cord inside the seamline of the edge to be gathered. Stitching within the seam allowance and being careful not to catch the string in the stitching, zigzag over the string (Figure 2). Pull the string to gather the edge and secure the string using the above figure-eight method. Stitch the gathers in place on either side of the zigzag stitching. Remove the string to eliminate bulk (the zigzag stitching won't show and doesn't need to be removed).
