3 Alternative Ways to Gather Fabric for Sewing

Gathering can be one of those sewing techniques that feels a little tedious—I know it’s not my favorite! But since gathered details are everywhere right now (think puff sleeves, ruffles, and tiered skirts), it’s worth finding faster, less frustrating ways to get the job done. Today I’m sharing three of my favorite alternative fabric gathering techniques. These tricks not only save time but also give you neat, even gathers for both wovens and knits.  Read on or watch me demonstrate here: 

Gathering with Floss

Instead of the usual two rows of basting stitches, try zigzagging over a piece of dental floss or strong thread. The wax coating on dental floss makes it especially easy to pull up into gathers and remove later.

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of floss a little longer than your fabric edge.
2. Place the floss on your fabric within the seam allowance.
3. Set your machine to a zigzag stitch (about 3 width, 2.5 length).
4. Zigzag over the floss without stitching through it.
5. Once stitched, gently pull the floss to gather your fabric to the desired length.
6. After attaching the gathered piece to the flat piece, simply snip and remove the floss.

Quick Tip: Stitch the floss within your seam allowance so it stays hidden!

Gathering with Elastic

Clear elastic is a great tool for gathering, especially with knits. It not only creates even gathers but also adds stability to waistbands or seamlines that need extra support.

You’ll need: Fabric piece to be gathered + clear elastic cut to the length of the smaller piece (like a bodice).

Directions:

1. Quarter both the elastic and the fabric edge, marking with pins or clips.
2. Set your machine to a zigzag stitch (about 3 width, 3 length).
3. Pin or hold one end of the elastic in place and secure it with stitching.
4. As you sew, gently stretch the elastic so it matches the fabric between each quarter mark.
5. When finished, the elastic will pull back, creating even gathers.
6. Steam with an iron if needed to help it shrink to its original length.

Gathering with a Serger (Ruffler Foot)

If you have a serger with differential feed—or a ruffler foot—you can gather fabric as you sew it directly into the flat piece above. This method is a huge time-saver for long rectangles, like tiered skirts.

You’ll need: Serger with a ruffler foot (or differential feed) + two fabric pieces (longer piece to gather, shorter piece to sew into).

Directions:

1. Attach the ruffler foot to your serger.
2. Set the differential feed to the highest setting (usually 2:1).
3. Place the longer piece (to be gathered) under the foot.
4. Slide the shorter, flat piece into the guide above so the machine feeds both together.
5. Sew slowly, keeping raw edges aligned.
6. Check the gathers—if they’re looser than needed, trim extra fabric from the longer piece.

Quick Tip: Cut your gathered piece longer than needed. Different fabrics gather differently, so it’s easier to trim away extra than risk running short.

“Any way I can make gathering less painful is always a win in my book!”

Gathering may never be the most exciting sewing step, but these alternative methods can make it faster and a lot more enjoyable. Whether you use floss, elastic, or a serger, you’ll have neat gathers ready for your next ruffled sleeve, tiered skirt, or dress detail. Give one of these a try and let me know which one you like best!