Sewing

I’m doing this today!

When I did the first gathered tier on my Coquelicot Skirt I had so much trouble! I broke threads twice and it was such slow going.

I called my relative who’s a pro and she said “it shouldn’t be that hard. Make sure you’re using good thread.”

And she was right. The thread I was using was fuzzy and some no-name brand stuff that was given to me. I switched to a polyester Gütermann thread which she suggested (anything smooth and strong and new-ish should be good). Today has been SO MUCH EASIER.

I also reduced the tension from 4 to 2 on my machine which I think helped.

You have my solidarity, for sure.

If you're okay with less dense gathering, then basting might be a good option. Mark the fabric at regular intervals (maybe every 1/4"?) and use a basting stitch.

Another strategy is to attach elastic at the gathering point. Less tedious, but keeping the tension right is a whole other skill.

If you like the density you're achieving, then I think the thing to focus on is making sure those two rows are very straight and exactly parallel to facilitate the pulling.

Wishing you patience!!!

Using a stronger thread might help with allowing more tension, letting you pull harder and making the whole process less tedious. Also using a more 'slippery' thread helps.

Otherwise elastic, pleats, or a draw string can create a similar effect.

I think gathering with this method is just very tedious. I found it tricky, even when I was gathering tulle.

Advice includes: Using a stronger thread Using a slipper thread Using fewer lines of gathering (not applicable to you really, 2 is the minimum really) Fiddle about with your thread tension settings Gathering using hand basting stitched instead Using a gathering foot for your sewing machine

A technique that I found much easier was to gather using a cord zig zagged to the fabric. I found fishing line worked well for this. I put the zig zag stitch on its widest and stitched over the fishing line, creating a sort of channel. I could then use the fishing line or cord to gather. I wouldn't say this was a better method, just different.

There isn't a best way of doing it, in my experience, it depends largely on the fabric, thread and the kind of gathers you're going for. You're definitely not going mad though, it is finicky as hell to avoid breaking the threads

I agree with the basters. Use a much stronger thread to baste, pull the gathers, and sew over the gathers to hold in place (don't sew over basting), remove basted thread. Good luck and show us the finished product!