this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2023

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faiora

Seeking advice on gathering, please! (i.imgur.com)

submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/sewing

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So this is only the second time I've attempted gathering. First time was a total disaster as I pulled too hard and the threads snapped, but this time worked ok. Still, it was very tedious.

I'm using the method both patterns explained, which is where you make two rows of long stitches and pull from the sides.

So, the way I figure it either:

a) my machine's "longest stitch length" isn't as long as everyone else's which is why it's harder for me than it seems to be for others

b) I'm doing something obviously stupid or misinterpreting the instructions in some way

c) gathering with this method is just inherently tedious

I'm not sure which one is correct but if anyone has any tips, better gathering methods or general solidarity to share I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you!

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[–] faiora 5 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Omg I didn't even THINK to try changing the tension. I bet that would make a big difference too!

I trust you won't be too offended when I say I'm glad it's not just me going around breaking threads lol, definitely guilty of using the dodgy cheap stuff myself so I'll make sure to go with the real deal next time.

[–] faiora 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Offended? I'm glad it isn't just me, too! And guess what I found today:

You can totally get your machine to do this for you.

I'm pretty sure I've done this by accident by getting one of the threads twisted around the presser foot. I can't quite figure out what she's doing but this looks like a game changer if I can get it right.

Edit: I only had to watch it a second time to figure out what she's doing... just pulling the tail through the zigzag. Clever. But I'm still pretty sure I've done something similar by accident with a straight stitch. Haha.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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!!!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thank you! In this case the gathering absolutely didn't need to be so dense but it just seemed to be the way it naturally went and then I had to loosen it after, which is what made me think my stitches are somehow too short or something (can you tell sewing is not my most expert craft lol).

I actually quite enjoy doing stuff by hand and find it really soothing so will give the basting technique a go next time I think.

Solidarity appreciated! :D

[–] Someology 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

For small things, I've used the method your photograph shows and your patterns recommend. However, for projects with a LOT of gathering, like a dress with a long, full peasant/gathered/tiered skirt, I must preferred to baste or gather by hand. It let me control how dense it was much more. It was slower, but seemed worth it to me.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

Thank you, this definitely sounds like the way to go next time.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

Thanks! Thinking back, the time when it snapped was using a dodgy off-brand thread so that might be the culprit right there. Good point.

[–] AnarchistArtificer 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

Thank you! First of all for making me feel a lot better because you're clearly an expert so if it's finicky for you too I must be ok.

And also for all of the tips! Definitely seems like there's a few ways to do it and the only way to find out which I prefer is gonna be to try them all at some point.

Challenge accepted 😎

[–] blueskiesoc 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

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!