I have always hated to gather fabric. It is tedious and a pain in hinny. I just saw this new way of gathering fabric. It was a duh moment. Here is the link:

http://gracielousquilts.blogspot.com...uesday_13.html

I have this great purse pattern that I have only made once because of the amount of gathering. I'm going to dig it out and make another one.

Dang, that does make it look easy

Sheesh! After I just gathered 4 bridesmaids dresses! Well, I'll be using this method from now on! Thanks for the link! :lol:

Thanks for this great information. Will have to try it next time I am making something with gathers.

I think i'm going to become a gathering freak after this tute. I have always hated gathering....not anymore!!!

Ok now, am I the only one that didn't "quite" understand the instructions???? I got the long threads but got confused at cutting the zigzag when done. What holds the long thread to pull the threads? Am I just missing something? Oh yeah and the back tack??

Maybe someone can explain it in "simpleton" terms? LOL

You only cut the zig zag threads at the END of the seam not the whole seam.

My grandmother taught me this little trick years ago. But, since we did mostly home dec sewing then, she taught me while using dental tape instead of thread. I still make ruffles and gathers this way, and the dental tape never breaks part way through the gathering process. You simply tack stitch it at the beginning and then zig-zag stitch over the tape within the seam allowance. I've also started pinning the dental tape if its the top of curtains I'm gathering. I just un-do the pin and smooth out the top --- makes for easier laundering and pressing before re-hanging.

:XD: i thought you were going to show me how to gather fabric for a project..from my stash!

good tutorial though! thanks!

This is how Nancy Zieman, of "Sewing with Nancy", does gathering. Her show is very informative. They stopped showing her videos on our local PBS, and I miss them.

Thanks for the information!

Thanks, makes it look so easy.

I will have to remember that technique. Thanks!

Great idea

Thanks for the link it's smart

Wow! Do I feel dumb. Too many years fighting something so simple.

I have done that for years with my Bernina. The only thing is I use a crochet thread to put in the hole in the presser foot and zig zag over it. Works great!

That looks easy

Try to google "Nancy Zeiman videos" and see what you can find. I have found quite a few through WGBH/Boston.

Thanks!

I've actually been using that method for several years, I think I saw it on Sewing With Nancy when she first started. It's also a good way to turn spaghetti straps or other small tubes.

My home ec teacher taught us that in high school. Way different that how mom showed me, so I got to show her a new way. She was thrilled, and I've been doing it that way ever since. Thanks for sharing!

I'll have to remember that for when I have straps to turn.

Sure makes it look easy. Sue