Stroking the Gathers

Gathering with Pins
Gathering with Pins

Gathering any piece of fabric takes time and patience no matter which method you use. But one important task is to get the gathers to look even. No spaces with only a little gather then an inch or two of tightly pleated fabric.

Stroking the gathers is simply taking a straight pin and working it over your gathering threads to even out the fabric. It’s easy to do but can be a challenge to learn. You have to have the right amount of pressure from your hand as you run the pin over the fabric so it moves but doesn’t snag. My sample here is using machine basted threads.

In the video I mention it works best for small areas. This includes sleeve heads, cuffs and the chemise-to-yoke piece you see in the video. If you divide your project into sections like quarters or more, stroking is real easy. This way you can stroke gathers on large skirts to waistbands, flounces and petticoat ruffles. This technique also works well for even-ing out ruche stitching lines.


Do you stroke gathering stitches when sewing?

4 thoughts on “Stroking the Gathers

  1. womble says:

    I do this, but only because I read about it in several old books on sewing (the newest of them is from 1954). A lot of the things that you used to be expected to do seem to be considered “couture” techniques these days, and often have been renamed and similar practices confused.

    I find that this is particularly important when machine smocking, before doing bobbinwork embroidery over the top.

  2. Elenaria says:

    Oh, I do, but in the interest of it not taking forever I figured doing long stretches at once was best. Not so. Your way is more advisable. And stroking gathering stitches is a must to make it look good – hear, hear, all you who don’t, listen to the lady Rosbrugh!

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