Ok, so I thought I would give you a sneak peak of what I have been working on... And give you a quick tip on gathering fabric. I would rather go to the dentist than gather fabric the way my pattern instructs me to, which is to stitch two loose gathering stitches around the skirt top, and hope they don't break when you pull them to gather! I guess I am not patient enough because my threads always break before they gather.
Before I start I find the center of my skirt, and my bodice, and mark with a pencil. Then, I stitch a loose zig zag stitch over regular dental floss (who knew floss could be so useful), about 1/4 inch from the raw edge you wish to gather.
Go around the entire skirt. Then simply pull the floss, and you have your gathered edge! Match the gathered skirt to your bodice. Match and pin at your side seams, and the centers first. I still don't love to do gathering fabric, but this makes it more bearable!
I can't wait for you to see the finished project, but you are going to have to wait!
Wonderful! You have taught me something new. I'm gonna try this next time. I always do it the other way. And, you're right it's hard not to break the thread. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the finished product.
ReplyDeletexo,
Sena
New follower from Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop! Hope you cans stop by and return the follow :)
ReplyDeleteCristi
http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/
I am following you back and what a great idea on the skirt. I will definitely try that next time!!
ReplyDeleteThe Farm Girl
I would love to learn how to sew, well, maybe one day :)
ReplyDeleteHello, great demenstration. I'm following via Keepin' Company Thursdays, hope you can stop by my blog:
ReplyDeletewww.jamfiescreations1.blogspot.com
Mary O
Gathers drive me crazy but I love ruffles. Thank you for the tip. This seems to be the answer to my frustrations.
ReplyDeleteYou can also pull the bobbin and top thread out of your machine a little longer than the length of your fabric you are gathering. Then just sew your zig zag just like you explained! I like the idea of using floss too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI HATE gathering because my thread always breaks. I'm going to try this next time
ReplyDeleteI use any kind of string, bedspread crochet thread works best for me, but i have even used butcher string or kite string or yarn, just make sure your zigzag is wide enough to not stitch the string, ( fishing line works too )
ReplyDelete