How to Use Crochet Thread for Easier Gathering

by | Sep 2, 2016 | AptOne8: My Dream House, Free Tutorials, Make It Yourself, Matilda's Journal | 5 comments

Does the thought of creating gathers make you cringe and avoid your sewing projects? Try this easy technique using crochet thread and a zigzag stitch! The stitching is easier than the traditional basting & thread-pulling technique, especially for smaller scaled projects such as doll clothing and furniture. You’ll also find it is much easier to create nice, evenly spaced ruffles, which means a greater chance your project will turn out exactly the way you hope! Try this technique for all of the ruffles in our Snug As A Bug Collection: Ruffled Bedspread & Pillow Sham pattern!Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

How To Gather Fabric … the Easier Way!

Supplies Needed

Crochet Thread• Crochet thread (such as Aunt Lydia’s Classic 10 Crochet Thread)
• A project requiring gathering of fabric, such as the Snug As A Bug Collection: Ruffled Bedspread & Pillow Sham

Tools Needed

• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine

 

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of crochet thread at least 12 inches longer than the side of the fabric that you are going to gather. (In the example shown, we will be gathering the raw edge of the BEDSPREAD SHORT RUFFLE from the Snug As A Bug Collection: Ruffled Bedspread & Sham pattern by AptOne8.)

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

2. Set your sewing machine to a extra-wide (6.0) zigzag stitch (03 on this machine) with a normal stitch length (2.0).

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

3. Lay the crochet thread along the fabric edge you are going to gather, leaving a tail of about 6 inches of thread hanging off the end of the fabric.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

4. Stitch the crochet thread to the edge of the fabric so that that zigzag stitch goes from the raw edge of the fabric over the thread (but not through the crochet thread).

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

5. Continue zigzagging in this manner until the entire edge to be gathered has been stitched. You should have a crochet thread tail of 6 inches or more hanging off the other end.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

6. Holding on to one crochet thread tail, slide the stitched fabric along the thread to gather, taking care not to slide the fabric off of the other end of the crochet thread.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

7. Pin the gathered fabric to your project, as directed in your instructions.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

8. Stitch seam.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

9. Gently pull the crochet thread out of the seam … and you’re done! Continue with your project as directed.

Free Tutorial - Easy gathering technique using crochet thread

 

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Interested in making furniture for your doll? Check out our AptOne8 PVC doll furniture plans…

Matilda’s Closet and AptOne8 are not affiliated with American Girl® or Mattel®. No endorsement is implied.   Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

5 Comments

  1. Denise

    Thank you! I did this on a dress ruffle which was giving me fits. Worked beautifully! I did make the mistake of sewing the thread on the right side instead of the wrong side, which made the step of sewing it to the bottom of the dress a little more tricky. 🙂

  2. Marian

    Awesome tip, will be trying that next time I have to gather. Marian Covell

  3. Patricia Horton

    Kristin, thank you so much for dreading to gather material. LOL~~!!! I never once thought of using crochet thread to help with making gathering. It looks so easy!!!! but sometimes, for me anyway, the easiest things to do, can be the hardest!!! Thanks again!!!! Pat Horton

  4. Judy Bard

    Another practical, easy technique, Kristin. Thank you and I am looking forward to trying it.

    Judy

    • Kristin Rutten

      Thanks Judy! I am one of those people who dreads gathering and this technique makes it SO much easier. Have fun with it! 🙂

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