Sponsors
Sponsors
Moderated by EleanorSews
Posted on: 11/15/13 7:03 PM ET
I am new to sewing and trying to add a two layer skirt to the bottom of a kids shirt. I am using my gathering foot and the material gathers nicely buy then when I attach it to the shirt it seems to loose most of the gathering. The gathering foot doesn't seem to lock in the gatherings as it still slides along the thread.
Thanks for any advice
Thanks for any advice
Posted on: 11/15/13 9:15 PM ET
In reply to Ryan87500
I don't use a gathering foot for gathering. I sew two parallel lines of a wide stitching and pull those two threads (either the top or the bottom threads not both) for the gathering. Using two lines gives you alot of control and the gathering will not slide either when sewing. HTH
Posted on: 11/15/13 9:27 PM ET
I have two layers of fabric, so I tried using the two string method before but kept breaking when pulling. I thought it might be because I was trying to gather two at once.
When using the two line method the fabric still moves back and forth correct and doesn't truly get locked into place until sewed to another material. Is that the case?
When using the two line method the fabric still moves back and forth correct and doesn't truly get locked into place until sewed to another material. Is that the case?
Posted on: 11/15/13 9:39 PM ET
In reply to Ryan87500
Yes but the two lines make it a little more stable. I am sorry I didn't see the two fabrics together. Last year I made a flower girl dress with two fabrics that had to be gathered to attach to the bodice. I used the two lines of stitching but I pulled up the threads in several places spread out over the fabric. Shorter widths to gather made it easier and kept the thread from breaking. I am not sure that makes sense. I have heard some people use a thin thread like dental floss and sew over it with a zigzag stitch for gathering heavier material. You pull the floss to gather the material. That would be heavier and might not break.
Posted on: 11/15/13 10:56 PM ET
In reply to Ryan87500
Ryan87500 hello- I am no expert but I can tell you the two rows of stitching has worked for me.
Be sure to pull gently in short amounts and move the fullness (gathering) along the fabric (essentially a few inches are being gathered at one time then you move the gathers away from you and start gathering at the beginning of the fabric again).
Then when you have the right amount of gathering pin to the "top" in your case and initially I would say baste. This assists you to see if your gathering is still where you want it and is consistent. It also ensures your fabric is not moving around when you stitch it.
I too played with different feet on my sewing machine to make sure the gathering stayed where I wanted it to when attaching to the "flat fabric". However in the beginning of my sewing life I learnt basting was a step I couldn't skip because it held everything in place so my hands could concentrate on a straight stitch etc.
sewists who are familiar with the gathering foot could give you more precise and relevant information about their method too.
Hope it helps some. eta spelling
-- Edited on 11/15/13 10:57 PM --
------
Be sure to pull gently in short amounts and move the fullness (gathering) along the fabric (essentially a few inches are being gathered at one time then you move the gathers away from you and start gathering at the beginning of the fabric again).
Then when you have the right amount of gathering pin to the "top" in your case and initially I would say baste. This assists you to see if your gathering is still where you want it and is consistent. It also ensures your fabric is not moving around when you stitch it.
I too played with different feet on my sewing machine to make sure the gathering stayed where I wanted it to when attaching to the "flat fabric". However in the beginning of my sewing life I learnt basting was a step I couldn't skip because it held everything in place so my hands could concentrate on a straight stitch etc.
sewists who are familiar with the gathering foot could give you more precise and relevant information about their method too.
Hope it helps some. eta spelling
-- Edited on 11/15/13 10:57 PM --
------
2023 goals
Sew one item a week
Remove 50 - 100 metres from stash
Sew one item a week
Remove 50 - 100 metres from stash
Posted on: 11/15/13 11:06 PM ET
When you try to attach the gathered piece to the flat one, do you have the gathered piece on top or underneath? One thought is that the feed dogs are possibly stretching out your gathers if they're on the bottom. Try flipping the piece over and see what happens if that's the case. Also be sure to backstitch or otherwise secure your threads at the start and end when you stitch the gathered piece - that way the length of the piece really shouldn't be able to change.
------
------
~Erin~
Bernina 1130
Brother CS6000i
Brother 1034D serger
Bernina 1130
Brother CS6000i
Brother 1034D serger
Posted on: 11/16/13 8:33 AM ET
Thanks for everyone's reply.
My steps where I took two long pieces and gathered them together. I then measured my shirt and cut my gathered piece to length and sewed the inside seam to make a circle.
I then attached it to the shirt with the gathered fabric on top when sewing.
Once the dress was complete I would hem.
So I guess is that the right steps to begin with?
I might be loosing some gathering when I cut the long gathered fabric to length but wasn't sure how else to measure since gathering is inconsistent.
My steps where I took two long pieces and gathered them together. I then measured my shirt and cut my gathered piece to length and sewed the inside seam to make a circle.
I then attached it to the shirt with the gathered fabric on top when sewing.
Once the dress was complete I would hem.
So I guess is that the right steps to begin with?
I might be loosing some gathering when I cut the long gathered fabric to length but wasn't sure how else to measure since gathering is inconsistent.
Posted on: 11/16/13 8:40 AM ET
In reply to Ryan87500
Yes that sounds right. The general rule is that a gathered addition should start out as 1 and 1/2 times the edge you are attaching it to. So if the edge of the shirt and it is 32" then the gathered piece would be 32" + 16" That formula usually works and produces enough gathers. Would these be t-shirts by chance? Attaching a cotton gathered bottom piece to a t-shirt to make a dress used to be quite popular. They make up really cute.
Posted on: 11/16/13 9:47 AM ET
Yea it is a long sleeve cotton shirt.
When measuring the base do I stretch it a little or meausre completely flat?
Also is my top later the same size at the bottom if not how do you gather different lengths together?
When measuring the base do I stretch it a little or meausre completely flat?
Also is my top later the same size at the bottom if not how do you gather different lengths together?
Posted on: 11/16/13 11:11 AM ET
In reply to Ryan87500
I'm not sure this has anything to do with the question, but when I gather something, I use a long straight pin as a sort of cleat to wrap around the long threads that result from gathering. Then the gathers stay put.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics




![Folkwear Basics Jacket Paper Pattern [XS-3XL]](https://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/folkwear/BJ/BJ_t.jpg)


![Papercut Celestia Dress Paper Pattern [16-34]](https://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/papercut/celestia/celestia_t.jpg)