How to - Gathering fabric

By Spotlight

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners

Materials

Your preference.

Step 1

Thread needle with contrasting thread 15cm longer than fabric. Using a double thread knot the end. Sew a running stitch 1cm in from the edge. If using sewing machine use contrast thread and set to the longest stitch length, leaving 15cm of thread at the start.

Step 2

Cut thread to remove needle leaving at least 10cm tail. Leave 10cm tail before cutting machine threads.

Step 3

Gently pull the thread to begin gathering the piece. When gathered as desired tie a knot at the end to hold the gathering in place. After gathered piece has been attached to work, remove the gathering stitch by cutting off the knots and pulling the thread out.

Handy Hint

To create smaller gathers use slightly smaller stitches.