Dana's Disclaimer <grin>:
I'm sure there is more than one way to gather fabric. I am pretty much a self-taught seamstress
so if anyone knows any better/easier ways to gather, please drop me an email!
Okay, so here goes! If you have any questions, please holler.
I like to mark the center of the
fabric with a pin. This helps with
centering when it's time to attach
the skirt to the bodice.
I like to tie a knot in the top
threads, it gives me something to
hold on to when I'm pulling the
threads to gather. [Note: on most
machines, the bobbin thread --the
bottom thread -- is easier to pull
but on my machine to top thread
pulls easier.]
Sew two stitching lines, the first
being 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the raw
edge and the second being 3/4
inch from the raw edge
(roughly--you don't want these
stitching lines to interfere with the
5/8 inch seam you will sew to
finish this off).
While holding the knot in one
hand, gently pull the fabric along
the threads toward the center..
Continue working your way
toward the center. Pull a little,
then gently work the gather
toward the center. Take your
time--enjoy!
Still working my way toward the
center, a few inches at a time.
Gently--you don't want to break
these gathering threads!
Remember that pin marking the
center? Use it to line up the
center of the bodice and the
center of the skirt. Pin.
Here I have worked the first half
toward the center and I'm going
back to the beginning for more.
Voila! All gathered. Notice my
skirt is gathered to be a bit smaller
than my bodice.
Here is the finished product!
Clip one end of the gathering
threads and gently pull them out.
A couple of notes: when sewing
this seam, you can sew it with a
basting stitch, double check
from the front that it looks right
and then sew again along the
same line with your regular
stitch.
Also, I prefer to go ahead and
stitch two lines one atop the
other for additional strength.
Gently work the gathers,
spreading them out just a little
until the outside edge of the
bodice meets the outside edge of
the lining. Take your time. This
is the really fun part! I tend to
work from the center out.
Here is the finished gathered skirt
pinned to the bodice (right sides
together--remember?) Don't be
afraid to use too many pins--pins
are your friend! Now take it to
your machine and sew away!
Sewing on the 5/8 inch sewing
mark, carefully stitch along
removing pins before you come to
them. I prefer to sew with the
gathered side down--BUT if you are
sewing knit to woven Chautona
recommends sewing knit side down.
