A Guide to Gathering Fabric

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Gathers are so pretty! I think they make any dress or blouse look dressy and feminine. If you want to sew clothes, you need to learn how to sew gathers. It’s a sewing skill that will come in handy for several sewing projects.

How to Sew Gathers

Gathering fabric is not difficult, so don’t worry!

There are several methods you can use to gather fabric, but the most common method is a basting stitch. The following steps walk you through how to do it.

Step 1: Set your sewing machine to a basting stitch. This is a straight stitch with a length of 5-6mm. (The longest your machine can go.)
Step 2: Sew two rows of stitches — one along your regular seam line and one ¼ inch closer to the edge of your fabric. When you do this, leave tail threads that are 2-3 inches long, and DO NOT backstitch! (Some people like to sew 3 or more rows of basting stitches underneath their gather line to better control the gathers, but this is really only necessary for slippery or difficult fabrics.)
Step 3: Pull on the bobbin thread to gather your fabric. You’ll want to do this from both ends. You’ll need to carefully slide your fabric along the thread until you get the desired width of gathers.
Step 4: Tie off your ends.
Step 5: Try to equally distribute your gathers along the gather line. The second row of gathering stitches can help you make them more even.
Step 6:
Pin your gathered piece of fabric to the corresponding pattern piece and then sew them together by stitching directly on top of your basting stitch line.

If you’re more of a visual learner, watch this video from Jennifer Wiese from www.workroomsocial.com:

My Favorite Sewing Patterns with Gathers

If you’re looking for an easy sewing pattern with gathers, I love the Mama Catherine from Made for Mermaids. I have made more than I can count! I think it’s a flattering top for anyone trying to hide a belly, but a little classier than a standard t-shirt because of the row of gathers at the bottom of the yoke.

Now, if you look at this pattern and are immediately scared by the gathers, don’t be. Gathering is a fundamental sewing skill you’ll need to learn. It is not difficult, and it provides some beautiful results.

What are your favorite sewing patterns with gathers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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