How to: Stitch and Gather in one go - The Stitch Parlour

How to: Stitch and Gather in one go

Gathering fabric while stitching can be a time consuming task, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be! 

Our special gather foot makes the process easier than ever. Let’s dive into how to stitch and gather in one simple step!

What is a Gather Foot?

A gather foot, is a sewing machine accessory that helps you gather fabric while stitching. It’s perfect for adding texture, volume, or shaping to your projects, like skirts, dresses, or home décor items. With the gather foot, you can gather fabric in a smooth, consistent way without having to manually adjust pleats or basting stitches.

 

Why Use the Gather Foot?

Save Time: No more basting or pinning! The gather foot automates the gathering process as you sew, saving you time and effort.

Even, Consistent Gather: Achieve perfectly even gathers ever time, no more uneven pleats or puckering.

Precision: The gather foot allows for precise control, making it perfect for delicate fabrics or intricate projects.


Step-by-Step Guide: How to Stitch and Gather at the Same Time

1. Attach the Gather Foot - First, install your special gather foot onto your sewing machine. Make sure it’s securely in place and ready to go.
2. Place your fabric - Place the fabric you’re gathering (the “bottom layer”) underneath the gather foot, with the fabric that will remain un-gathered (the “top layer”) on top and feed it through the slot in the foot. Make sure both pieces are aligned correctly, and the bottom layer is slightly longer than the top.

 

3. Start Sewing - Begin stitching slowly. The gather foot will automatically pull in the bottom fabric and create even gathers as you sew along. You’ll notice the fabric gathering with ease as you move along.

4. Adjust as Needed - If your gathers are too tight or too loose, you can adjust the stitch length or tension slightly. Experiment on a test piece to get the perfect effect before working on your final project.

 5. Finish and Admire - Once you’ve finished gathering, remove your project from the machine, and you’ll have beautiful, consistent gathers ready to be attached to your next project—no pinning or hand gathering necessary!

There are two widths available, choose depending on your seam allowance.

 

Ready to try it? Get your own Stitch Parlour Gather Foot here!

 

These tutorial pictures were taken during the manufacturing of the Mademoiselle dress at Melanie Jayne's Bridal atelier. Look How Stunning! 

 

~ Happy Stitching! 🪡

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