By Hand
Thread a needle with a thread that is at least one foot longer than the length you need to gather down to. For example, if you need to gather a length of ribbon to 8 inches (20.3 cm) long, you will need at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) of thread. Tie a knot on the end of your thread.
Hold thread firmly and gently slide cloth along the thread to gather it. Sew 3-4mm (1/4 inch) running stitches along the edge to be gathered. Pull gently to slide your material in small waves/folds toward the knotted end of your thread as you sew the running stitch. When all of your material has been "gathered" to the length you want, tie off your thread securely.
By Machine
Adjust stitch length to its longest setting. Usually 6mm will be good. Lengthen your machine stitch to its longest setting.
Slightly loosen your tension on the top thread (the one going through the needle).
Sew two lines/seams close to the edge of your fabric. Take care to sew parallel lines that they do not cross each other. Leave long threads on each end of the seam.
Tie bottom (bobbin) thread into a sturdy knot. Knot the bottom (bobbin) threads together at one end of the area to be gathered.G5_221.JPG
Pull bottom (bobbin) thread while gently sliding fabric along it to form waves/folds. Gently pull the bottom (bobbin) threads from the other end and carefully slide the cloth along the threads toward your knot, forming small waves/folds. When your cloth has been "gathered" to the needed length, knot the gathering ends securely with each other.
Make your gathering even by gently sliding "bunched" areas apart and toward smoother areas of your parallel threads.
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