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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: ckmom002
Date: 06-18-2006, 03:16 PM (1 of 7)
i was wondering if yall could give me some tips on gathering, i just do a stich and gather it togeather that doesnt seem to work to well for me. does anyone else have a better and eaiser idea....i would appricaate it

ami
User: ckmom002
Member since: 06-11-2006
Total posts: 105
From: natmyers
Date: 06-18-2006, 03:31 PM (2 of 7)
that's what I've always done. You could try 2 rows of stitching.
babyandbeyondboutique.com
User: natmyers
Member since: 03-09-2005
Total posts: 34
From: Dee Dee Warren
Date: 06-18-2006, 07:40 PM (3 of 7)
I learned with two rows of stitching.
Xena the Sewing Princess ~ I have many skills
User: Dee Dee Warren
Member since: 04-25-2006
Total posts: 49
From: HeyJudee
Date: 06-18-2006, 08:03 PM (4 of 7)
Check the tips on gathering in this thread....it may give you some help.

http://sew-whats-new.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19394
TTFN from
Judy
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005
Total posts: 1366
From: paroper
Date: 06-19-2006, 04:41 AM (5 of 7)
I have a small cord or couching foot that has a hole in it. I take 2 lb test fishing line and put it through the hole in the foot and zig zag over it. The fishing line is small, slick and strong (not much heavier than monofiliment thread.) When you finish you can slide the stitches over the fishing line easily. When that piece is secured in place, many times the thread can just be pulled out but because it is clear it isn't a problem if it is left in place.

Tips about the two thread gathering. Start/stop both threads so they are directly across from each other. Keep them as close to parallel as possible. A double needle would help in this. They should be about 1/4 inch or so apart. When you pull the threads, ALWAYS pull from the same side of the fabric (or they will lock up). Always pull at the same time. Pull the bobbin threads, not the top threads. Another thing that will make them easier to pull is to loosen the top thread tension. You don't care about the "looks" of the thread on the garment and it makes the thread much easier to adjust/pull. Although gathering stitches are commonly used, if you are doing fine sewing there are times when you may want to consider using a smaller stitch to get a finer, more controled gather.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: paroper
Date: 06-19-2006, 04:43 AM (6 of 7)
PS you don't HAVE to have a cording foot. It just makes it easier. Many people use crochet cotton, dental floss, kite string, just about everything. I just like the way the fishing line works. I keep it on hand for a lot of other sewing uses too. THe easy way to control what happens to the fishing line spool is to put it on a free standing thread stand and let the thread feed from there. I just place the stand in front of the machine to hold the spool of fishing line so I don't have to babysit the spool as I work.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: MrsSnuggly
Date: 06-19-2006, 11:06 AM (7 of 7)
This may be obvious - but after you've gathered, and attached your gathered piece - unless it will be covered, remove the gathering stitches. I happen to have a friend that had no idea she was supposed to removthem. It's pretty simple to do.

Oh and if you are doing it by hand take a pin and wrap the thread around the pin head and attach to one side so your gathers don't just fall off the end. Then when you get to the other end do the same and you can manipulate the piece fairly well without losing your gathers.

These are pretty standard, but you never know wat people know.

Brandy~
User: MrsSnuggly
Member since: 05-21-2006
Total posts: 104
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