Thanks for the tip! It's been awhile since I've done gathered skirts but will definitely try it!

Thanks for sharing

interesting!

What a cool idea, yes they would be so much easier to control! Thanks so much for sharing the tip, hugs,Marji

Thank you.

Yes,I have always done like this, but Sarah some of our Cuties that didn't know,I am sure appreciate your sharing this tip.Isn't that the good thing about Cute,we can all learn from each other? On behalf of others,I thank you for the info.-T

I love tips and have done gathers that way also and if it is heavy material I do a wide zig-zag over a string/cord and pull up to size. Someone told me years ago to take apart a factory made garment to see how it was put together and I learned some new techniques that way.

I learned a great way to do a ruffle, Dial your sewing machine to the longest stitch length you have,then dial tension to the highest setting,backstitch at the beginning but not at the end. Remember to dial your tension back to correct setting when done. Works every time . EZ.

Thank you all for posts - **** 4 all.

Thank you all for he tips

I finally learnt how to use the gathering foot on my machine last year.
It is a funny square foot. It works best on the lighter weight fabrics and you need to do test samples to check the amount of gathering that it will give you PLUS it is much faster than the method you just learnt.
My big tip that I learnt was to use my finger behind the foot to prevent the fabric flowing through during stitching = more gathering.
Teacher told us to use an 12 inch length of fabric and make it in the centre then mark 5 ins either side of the centre and then stitch that 10 inches. Measure at the end to see if this was the amount of gathering required, redo with some finger pressure if required; and make notes how you did it. So that you have the info for next time.
Have fun playing with that one.

I have done all of the "quick" methods, but this method that you explain is still the best. Gives the most accurate fitting and the gathering, especially on sleeves. Still the most preferred method when dressmaking.

Always use a heavier thread in the bobbin when gathering as it is easier to ease the gathers & thread does not break. I use a fine polyester shoemakers thread, can also use buttonhole twist thread is only doing a short length of gathering, I also find that 3 rows of stitching will keep the gathers more securely & even & makes stitching easier. Always permanently stitch from the 'non gathers' side of the article that you are making so that the gathers don't fold to one way as you are machining.