Used in sewing, the term gathering refers to two rows of stitching drawn up to evenly distribute fullness over an area. Here are three different methods for gathering fabric.
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Loosened Tension
Select a straight stitch; adjust the length to 2.5mm and slightly loosen the
needle tension. Stitching from the right side, sew two lines of stitching – one
on or just beyond the seamline, the other inside the seam allowance (about
6-9mm apart). When attaching the gathered edge to an ungathered piece of
fabric, place pieces right side together and pin at notches (or at each end of
the section to be gathered). Pull on the bobbin threads to evenly distribute
the gathers between the pins. Stitch between the two lines of basting
stitches for a smooth seam with no puckers.
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Single Cord
Zigzag over a single length of cord, taking care not to catch the cord in the
stitching; the cord is encased in the stitching. Gather the fabric by pulling on
the ends of the cord, taking care not to pull the cord out of the stitching.
Tip: Insert the cord into the guide in center hole at the front of
BERNINA Embroidery Foot #6 or Clear Embroidery Foot #39; it will be
positioned under the needle, exactly under the needle, perfectly placed for
stitching.
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Double Cord
Using a Gathering stitch (see your sewing machine manual for stitch
availability), sew over a doubled length of cord, taking care not to catch the
cord in the stitching. The cords are encased in the small zigzag stitches to
the right and left of center needle position. Gather the fabric by pulling on
the ends of the cord. The loop will keep the cord from pulling out of the
stitching.
Tip: Loop the cord around the center toe at the front of BERNINA
Buttonhole Foot #3; they will be positioned at each side of the needle,
perfectly placed for stitching.