The gathering is among the techniques used to create ruffles on garments such as skirts, blouses, puffy sleeves, or other dresses. The gathering is the art of gathering the fabric to make it appear more frilly.
Fabric can be gathered either tightly and frilly or more subtle and smooth. You can use the gathering technique to make small projects like pin cushion rings or larger projects such as gathered crib skirts.
For ruffles to be stitched into the fabric, it is necessary to draw the edges in and create a smooth and even ease. This process isn’t as easy as it seems since it can be laborious and time-consuming to stitch the edges.
If you’re looking to master the art of gathering fabric, there are a variety of ways to master this art. There are traditional manual methods for this; however today, I’ll share an approach to gathering fabric using the sewing machine. I love this method since it’s not as difficult as manual methods. I’m sure this technique can help you create perfect Ruffles.
Let’s see the things you will require to gather fabrics.
This is all. Now, you are ready to begin the process.
Contents:
How to Gather Fabric with a Sewing Machine?
Step 1: Set the length of stitch on your machine
It would help if you changed the length of your sewing machine to be the longest possible (mine was 5mm) instead of a standard setting (such as 2 millimeters). This will allow you to gather more fabric quickly.
Step 2: Use two different colors for thread and bobbin
It’s not required, but it is a useful trick to remind you of which is the thread that is the bobbin. It is also possible to loosen the tension of the needle thread. This is not necessary, but you’ll thank me for this tip.
Step 3: Sewing
The majority of machines indicate a 1/4″ joint allowance. Therefore, you can take this as a guideline and make a straight line about 1/4 inch away from the edge of your garment.
It is important to know where you want to stop sewing. It’s best to stop sewing before taking your eyes away from the garment. It is recommended to stop, then drop the needle approximately 1/4 inch away from the edge of the fabric.
After putting the needle in the fabric and seeing that the presser foot has been elevated, you must move the fabric towards the right side carefully. The bottom edge of the fabric will be facing the right. You might not have done this before, but believe me when I say it’s very easy.
Then lower the foot of the presser of your machine and then take just one stitch. That’s right, just one five-millimeter stitch.
After you have completed one stitch, you have to release the needle in the same way, the same way as before. Then, you need to elevate the needle. Then you have to move the fabric back to the right as you did. Then you can stitch straight lines in parallel with the stitch you made.
The stitching line will be exactly 5mm away from the initial gathering line, and the stitch’s end will be stitched closed. This makes the gathering line 3/8 inch away from the edge of raw.
It’s now time to create a straight line parallel to the stitch you started. Make sure you stitch parallel stitches that don’t cross over. If they cross and knots form, they’ll be created, which means you must restart the process. If the lines are too close, you’ll have uneven gatherings.
Move your machine’s needle until it is in the upward position near an edge of the fabric. After that, lift the presser foot and take the fabric off the machine. There must be an extended thread to the tail (minimum seven inches to eight inches in length).
Step 4: Gathering
Pull the two threads together. Gently pull the two bobbins (bottom) threads until they make small waves or folds. The gathers should be moved towards the place where you’ve stitched closed. To ensure that the gathers are clean, you must pull the threads uniformly. Then, press the gathers onto the fabric using steam until they are ready for ruffling.
Addition Tips:
Use a strong thread, like Coats & Clark.
For ruffles with a uniform spacing before gathering, determine the middle of the ruffle. Do this by folding your fabric in half. Draw a line in the middle of the fabric in the seam allowance. After that, fold the pieces into half and mark a second dot in the fold. After the fabric has been pulled together, the distance between dots will show whether you have equally spaced ruffles.
Suppose you’re looking to create evenly spaced ruffles when sewing; you can employ the basting stitch to keep them in place. This can be done either manually or using a machine with a long stitch. Lower the pressure on the machine’s feed dogs to let the fabric and pins move more easily across the stitching space. Be aware that too much pressure can create an unruly gathering. After basting, switch the foot pressure back to normal, and then pull out the pins, as the basting stitch will keep the fabric ruffles in position.
When sewing a ruffle for the garment, it is recommended to flatten the fabric areas, which will be located in the seams on the sides. This way, the garment will lay flat, and the ruffle will not get stuck inside the seam.
Gathers can be created through sewing, making a zig-zag, and gently pulling the thread at the bottom. However, you can do it using only one row of stitching zig-zags. It is also necessary to measure the width and length of the zig-zag stitches.
If you plan to collect a long section, you must break it up into smaller pieces. This technique will allow you to avoid the pain of breaking threads.
Following this procedure and applying the suggestions that you have learned, you’ll be able to create perfect gatherings each time. Making a closed end of stitches will ensure that the threads will not be pulled and you will not lose your gathers.
See Also:
- Best Sewing Machine for Advanced Sewers
- Best Sewing Machine for Buttonholes
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- Best Serger Sewing Machine for Beginners
- Most Reliable Home Sewing Machines
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- Common Sewing Machine Problems
- How to Use an Electric Sewing Machine for Beginners
- How to Sew a Bound Seam with a Sewing Machine?
- How to Clean Sewing Machine in a Smart Way?
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