I generally gather with 2 rows of stitching because it is faster than 3 rows and looks almost as goos, but for the items I sell, I use three rows because it really looks better. Here’s an example. Row 1 has 1 row of stitching and you can see how it is a little lumpy. Row 2 has 2 rows of stitching and it looks pretty good. Row 3 has 3 rows of stitching and it also looks pretty good.
JOINING: To join your gathered edge fabric to the piece it will be sewn to, always line up the edges and put the non-gathered fabric on the bottom. This way, you can control how the gathered edge is going into the machine since it tries to move and pucker.
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Dawn
I love the gathering tut I agree 3 looks better. What kind of fabric are you using on your skirts? I also live in MI and am itching to wear spring clothing. Your girls are going to look great this summer. Thanks or posting :)
Stacey
Thanks for this!!! I am a novice sewer and have a few projects coming up I was considering ruffles for but I hadn't come across a tutorial that didn't confuse me! This totally made sense to me!
Not sure I'm ready to tackle it yet, but would this same basic concept work to make a dust ruffle for a bed?
Andrea@addicted2tutes
Thanks for the great explanation. I can really see the difference! I just finished making a hat for my daughter that had A LOT of gathering stitches, and now I'm working on a second one for my youngest...I'm going to try your suggestions and test out the difference!
Magpie Shinies
Ruffles were one of the first fancy techniques I learned - I love them. This reminded me of a skirt I want to make today, thank you!
Number 3 is gorgeous and really professional, but they all look nice.
And I hear you with the weather - I live in Minnesota! I want some warmth!!!
Mruna Mistry
Oh this is really helpful...thanks for sharing...The three row stitching/gathering does give a really good finish!
Shawna
They all look good, but you're right, 2 or 3 rows looks like the way to go. Thank you for this tutorial. I've been trying to learn this skill for awhile. Hopefully this helps!!
A LDS mother to three busy kids
Thanks for your tutorial. I really enjoyed the info. for a beginner.
Lyndee @ A Recovering Craft Hoarder
I like the 2 rows best. Thanks for the tips. I feel like I could try it on my own now.
Janelle
Thanks for the tip about gathering! I'm new to sewing and just sew one row and I've been wondering why it looks different from some stuff I see online. Thanks again!
Inspire Me Heather
So pretty and I love the fabric! I linked this to my ruffles post too today - you did a great job!
Abbie
Hello- just wanted to write a quick thank you. I am sewing an apron without using a pattern and I am not an experienced sewer and have no idea what I'm doing. I want a ruffle on the bottom and I could not find a tutorial that did not assume some prior knowledge regarding gathering stitches. Thank you so much for all the details- especially explaining what a gathering stitch even is. And now I know to use at least two rows! Would not have figured that out! Thanks again. :)