I experimented with elastic thread for the 1st time a few weeks ago. I wound the bobbin by hand, and just sewed a 6 or 7 rows about 3/8" about(that's how wide my foot is so I went with it) then pressed it -- it was like magic -- I had this wierd rippely thing going on, then as soon as the heat hit it Voila! shirring! I don't know that I would try it with the gathering foot though.. then again, maybe I will, could be interesting.