[Therese's Mommy]

I am making some nightgowns for my girls and there are several places that I have to gather. I am comfortable with gathering, but I am wondering what is the point of having 2 or 3 rows of gathering stitches?? Thanks for helping out a sewing novice!

beth

 

[rubelin]

I always do 2 rows, one on either side of the actual stitch line (so for a 5/8" seam, I do one gathering line at 1/2 and one at 3/4). It is MUCH easier to evenly space the gathers between the 2 rows and sew down the center of them than to have one gathering line with the fabric sticking out at all angles around it.

try both on a scrap of fabric to see what I mean

 

[Therese's Mommy]

So, after you sew your seam you just pull out the gathering stitches that would show?

Thanks!!

Beth