Gathering is usually done with a basting stitch sewn on your machine. A basting stitch is a stitch with the longest stitch length. If you are using a slippery fabric, you can easily sew basting stitches by hand. By using three rows of basting stitches rather than two, the gathers will be more even and controlled.
What are gathers used for?
Gathering is a sewing technique for shortening the length of a strip of fabric so that the longer piece can be attached to a shorter piece. It is commonly used in clothing to manage fullness, as when a full sleeve is attached to the armscye or cuff of a shirt, or when a skirt is attached to a bodice.
What is the stitch length for gathering?
If you’re using a sewing machine, set the stitch length between 4.0mm and 6.0mm. (Lightweight fabrics need the length set closer to 4.0mm; medium- to heavyweight should be closer 6.0mm.)
What is stay stitch?
Stay stitching is a stitch line done as preparation before you start constructing your garment. Its purpose is to prevent a certain area from stretching once you start putting the garment or item together. Stay stitching is done when your pattern piece is still flat and it’s often one of the first things you do.
What do gathers mean?
1 : to bring together : collect tried to gather a crowd gathered firewood. 2a : pick, harvest gather flowers. b : to pick up or amass as if by harvesting gathering ideas for the project. c : to scoop up or take up from a resting place gathered the child up in his arms.
Why is pleating used?
Pleats are used create volume in a garment. The fabric is gathered or folded together, which creates a fuller silhouette. Pleats not only provide an aesthetic function, they are also practical, as they allow for freedom of movement and airflow within a garment.