Sewing Tips: Gathering
Sewing Tip for Gathering by Carrie Atkeson, Phoenix, AZ
When sewing a project that includes a lot of gathering, use clear elastic together instead of the standard basting stitches. If you divide the area you need to gather into quarters or eighths and mark these places, then make the elastic an inch larger than the finished gather is supposed to be. Divide and mark the elastic in the same sections as the material, match these marks and pin. Stretch the elastic to fit the material and sew. When you are finished, the gathering will be done.
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The Thread Lady
Jun 27, 2011
I am sure she did mean to gather rather than together. I have used this method myself. And you can find clear elastic, although I've only found it online. There is also elastic thread that can be used in a sewing machine, so that is another option. When I do that I use a double needle and 2 spools of elastic thread and I'm done in a jiffy. I call myself the lazy sewer/quilter and I have found all kinds of ways of making boring, but necessary sewing as easy as possible. I even sew buttons on by machine! I hate hand sewing and when I found a button foot (not a buttonhole foot) for my machine I bought it immediately. It works like a charm and the buttons stay on longer than when I used to hand sew them!
princecindy57 2906 273
Feb 12, 2011
You're right-it doesn't make sense. And I've never seen clear elastic anywhere. Must be out there though.
gma807 8821997
Feb 12, 2011
I"ve read these instructions over and over, and I still do not understand it. I think- (together)- is mispelled and means to be- (to gather)-, If I'm wrong, please excuse.....it still dosn't make sense
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