How to Sew Perfect Gathers by Machine

Video class

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Create controlled machine-sewn gathers for skirts, dresses, sleeves, tops, and decorative details. The class compares three methods for adding fullness to fabric.

Explore traditional gathering stitches, elastic thread in the bobbin, and a gathering presser foot.

What you’ll learn in this class

Set a long stitch and adjust the tension for traditional gathers.
Leave thread tails and avoid backstitching.
Pull one thread to form and distribute the gathers.
Divide long fabric lengths into manageable sections.
Use elastic thread in the bobbin with regular needle thread.
Add rows of elastic-thread stitching for more gathering.
Use a gathering foot with the entire foot on the fabric.

Make it your own

Choose a method to suit the effect and control you need. Traditional gathers can be adjusted by hand, while additional rows of elastic-thread stitching create more fullness.

A gathering foot forms gathers as you sew. The demonstration also lets you compare how different stitch lengths affect the result.

See three foundational machine-gathering methods side by side and compare how each one is set up and controlled.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.