How To - Easy Gathering Technique

You would think with as much sewing as I do that I'd have a ruffler attachment for my machine.  So far, I've yet to purchase one! But here's my extremely easy and user friendly way of gather any sewing project!

This project is a bedskirt (black & white check) that I'm attaching to the platform (apple green). The platform is the flat length of fabric the bedskirt is attached to that slips between the mattress and box springs.

This method requires your zig-zag stitch set on the longest stitch length and widest width. You'll also need a strong, thin string.  The string I use is similar in thickness to kite string.  This can be purchased at any hardware store. 

Holding the string along the wrong side edge of your fabric, zig-zag over the top of the string being careful not to catch the string in your stitch.  Leave 6" or so of string hanging out from each end of your project. This will give you a length of string to pull later.

You are basically forming a zig-zag tunnel for your string. Another tip is to be careful to keep your zig-zag close to the edge, within a 1/2" seam allowance.  This will insure you don't see the zig-zag stitch once your seam is complete.

Once the string and zig-zag stitch has been sewn along the edge of the fabric evenly divide the bedskirt and pin in place, right sides together, to the platform. (I start by dividing the bedskirt in half, marking the center with a pin, dividing by fourths, marking with a pin, etc.  The same process is performed on the platform. The pins are then matched up on each fabric, pinning them together.) 

(If you look closely you will be see I accidental sewed my string to the right side of my fabric in the above photo.  Not a problem.  It's just easier to pull the string and gather your project if the string is sewn to the wrong side of the fabric.  You will see it shown correctly in the last photo.)

Holding the extra length of string in one hand, gently pull, gathering up your fabric as you go.  I usually gather to the center, smooth out the gathers evenly, using extra pins as needed, then move to the opposite end of the bedskirt and repeat the gathering process to the center.

To finish, the bedskirt and platform are then sewn, right sides together, with a straight stitch and a 1/2" seam. 

This gathering process can be used on any project from bedskirts to pillow ruffles and everything in between! So much easier and less frustrating than trying to gather with a basting stitch. 

Try it! You'll be amazed how much easier your gathering projects will be!

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