How to Gather Fabric with Elastic

[@thesewingtrolleydolly7736]

Sam, this will be my first attempt at gathering at anything! This is why I love the sewing community, people are always available to offer advice and tips, and for me who's new to sewing, thank you.🧡

[@Frugalisama]

You're very welcome 🤗

[@vickyloveday88]

Totally brilliant. I am subscribing immediately! So easy to understand. I'm about to put a skirt into a t-shirt , now I feel ready to do it. 🎉

[@intellectuallythinking]

I was looking for a easier way too gather material than doing it by hand! Which looks sloppy and uneven! New too sewing and looking for tricks and easier ways to sewing! Thank you

[@Frugalisama]

You’re welcome 😊

[@TheEvie202]

This is such a clear explanation. Butterick says to make a casing (7/8 seam allowance) but assumes you know how!😂 Thank you and greetings from New York City 🗽.👍🏼🇵🇷🙏❤️

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margaretwilson6427]

I'm just going to make the Lyra and was beginning to stress about the gathers. Now that I've watched this it takes the stress out. Thank you

[@Frugalisama]

Glad I could help!

[@joannastocks2899]

Great tutorial Sam. I have watched it today whilst sewing the Montana and it made the gathering much easier xx

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenminet9275]

That was incredibly helpful. My gathers are never even, no matter how I try. This method is much better. Thanks.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it helped

[@hmf5328]

Oh goody, this is so funny. I did not watch the video to the very end and missed taking the elastic out, hahahha🤭. I actually saw the comment in Tracy's that the elastic is supposed to come out. I got it done and the drape of the dress is even better without the more stiff elastic. Yeah, I learned so much today, thanks Sam

[@lindahoffman3881]

This is great, thanks. Once I remove the elastic I'll sew the seam again on the serger to finish the seam off.

[@Frugalisama]

👍

[@Santituan]

You madam are a genius. I have looked at a lot of gathering videos. This is definitely easier. Thanks!

[@Frugalisama]

You're very welcome, glad it was helpful 🤗

[@laurigiese8885]

Thank you, I hate gathering so I'm going to try your elastic method

[@Frugalisama]

Hope it was useful 🤗

[@sharonwarbler6550]

I've tried the 2 rows of tacking thread method and found that sometimes the thread breaks while I'm trying to even out the gathers. Being a 50" waist your method looks like it will be much easier so I'm going to try it on my half-made dress. The bodice is done waiting for the skirt section which is also complete. I spent 4 hours trying to gather the skirt with endless thread breakages on Sunday afternoon. I've got a 50m real of 6mm elastic so it's coming out tomorrow evening; I'll be wearing the dress to church on Sunday. Thank you. 🙂

[@dawnwyda7950]

Thank you for this tutorial. I have heard people reference this method but now you have made it so clear. Definitely will have to try.

[@nancybryden8045]

This tutorial is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@Frugalisama]

Fab, sew glad that it was useful 🤗

[@Kiltsnquilts]

Great method! Thanks for sharing. Just an elastic tip, if it’s ribbed elastic it can be cut down so it’s narrower - that’s something I often do and saves having to keep lots of different widths on hand.

[@Frugalisama]

Great tip Leanne, thanks 🤗

[@annerobinson647]

Thank you Sam. You are brilliant ⭐

[@Frugalisama]

Wow, thank you! Anne 🤗

[@bridgetrsews]

Thank so much! A lot easier than the parallel stitching.! Bridget R

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome, yes a lot less faff!

[@flippy_11]

a great tutorial for beginner sewists like myself. i would never have guessed taking the elastic out. cant wait to try this out thank you from melbourne!

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome!

[@nuclearchick1487]

I've never heard of, or seen this method before. I love it. I will have to give it a try! Thanks Sam!

[@Frugalisama]

Hope you like it!

[@swissneva1]

I just used this method on a ruffle added to my tunic. Worked GREAT. So much easier and the gathers are spaced perfect. Thank you so much for this information.

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome glad it helped 🤗

[@dianawildbore6217]

You make it look so easy, I'm going to try this method next time. Thank you

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome 🤗

[@janeneathey8977]

I hate gathering normally, it never ends up as even as I would like it - I can’t wait to try this method, it looks like it may be the answer for me. Thanks xxx

[@Frugalisama]

Hope it worked ok for you 😘

[@pammolling5034]

Never thought of doing this amazing.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad you found it useful 🤗

[@pennyyeeles3977]

Oh wow! I am about to make the Montana dress and so glad I learn this way of gathering. Thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad that you found it useful 🤗

[@MrsBEHorne]

Oh my goodness! What a game changer that was! Had my husband hold the elastic tort for me while I clipped the two sections together. Sewed up in a few minutes. I’m so happy. I will have a skirt to wear for the Jubilee celebrations! 👑

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it helped!

[@colettejones4690]

Thanks so much Will definitely give this a go!

[@J-UK62]

Brilliant video. Will be definitely using this method from now on. Thank you for sharing

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hmf5328]

Bravo, easy to understand and follow for beginners. Thank you much for this educational tutorial, I appreciate it so much. I just finished a bodice/skirt dress with this method instead of doing the seam gathering to fit the skirt into the bodice. So easy, step by step, tips and tricks to follow.

[@Frugalisama]

You're very welcome - glad it was helpful 🤗

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I've gathered all sorts of ways and find that this method is such a time saver! Thanks for such a clear tutorial - so helpful.

[@Frugalisama]

You're very welcome Jen, glad that you found it useful 🤗

[@sherrill4356]

Thanks for sharing this technique. Can’t wait to try it

[@Frugalisama]

You’re welcome!

[@lindachadwick2911]

Just bought a lovely floaty dress in the sale from Tesco. Thought it would be good to draw in the high waist line. This is very helpful.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad you found it helpful 🤗

[@rissaroo3546]

this was the best tutorial that i found for gathering with elastic!! thank you so much!!

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful, thank you so much for your lovely comment 🤗

[@jangreen3697]

Brilliant method Sam. I have heard people talk about it but to see you do it is so helpful. Thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelalysandrou4830]

I really struggle with gathering, will give this a go, thank you

[@Frugalisama]

You’re welcome 🤗

[@sherylzuzarth2956]

This video tutorial is easy to follow, . Had a hard time trying to use a baste stitch to gather…am going to try this method on my dress. Will update once I complete. Thank you❤

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanpurcell1620]

Thank you. Why did I never think of this. I always struggle with getting gathers even.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@judymoodyful]

So much quicker in the long run. Thanks for another great tip, Sam x

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome Judith 🤗

[@susie3790]

I'm going to give this a test run. Always looking for better ways. Thank you

[@Frugalisama]

You’re welcome

[@lindas8956]

Definitely trying this for my next gathering project! Thanks 😊

[@debbiesnyder762]

Just found your channel. Awesome idea. Will b using this for sure

[@beatricenowell8207]

I hadn't seen this method prior to your video. I wish I had known about it years ago when I was sewing fluffy dresses for little girls. Excellent!

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful albeit too late 😉

[@laurigiese8885]

I hate gathering, I can't wait to try this method. Thanks for a great tip

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome Lauri, hope that you try it 🤗

[@pauladwyer59]

Brilliant. I'm going to try this on the Montana dress (style arc). I hate gathering normally.

[@Frugalisama]

Fantastic, hope it works for you 🤗

[@denisekendall7147]

Brilliant!! Thanks Sam. We're always learning aren't we

[@Frugalisama]

Every day's a school day with sewing Denise😉

[@KimMadan]

I'm hoping this will work to attach a skirt to a ribbed t-shirt

[@mitzicleveland7735]

This is so helpful. I will definitely be giving this method a try.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gwenparsons8568]

Great tip. I made my first gathered skirt at primary school back in the 1940s. We had to handsaw three rows of running stitches, adjust for size and then ‘stroke’ every individual gather with a pin so that they were all even before adding the waistband. All completely hand sewn, so it took some time!! I’ve avoided gathers wherever possible ever since.

[@Frugalisama]

Gosh I'm not surprised - I do like the idea of stroking the gathers though, very tactile 🤗

[@sewagnes6706]

Fab tip Sam. I'm going to use this next time 😻

[@Frugalisama]

Thanks, glad it was useful 👍

[@suzannes1625]

Thank you so much! I just tried your method and it was perfect. I usually have so much trouble. Using the elastic was amazing and your tutorial was so well explained. 🌟

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it helped 🤗

[@karen2015]

Thank you, Sam. I had a vague idea how to do this but feel so much more confident now.

[@Frugalisama]

Have a practice if you're still unsure but it's always worked for me 😊

[@sueb4919]

I’ve never thought of taking the elastic out. Will definitely try this - it should make gathering much easier. 😊

[@Frugalisama]

I like to re-use the elastic Sue but it can be left in too if it doesn't bother you 😊

[@booksatthebottomofthestair8446]

Shared this with two friends, thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

Thanks for sharing , that's very kind of you 🤗

[@msbdot1]

Thank you for this video -- the visual is great. I'll be using this method from now on.

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome Sandy, glad it was helpful 🤗

[@wifeoftim]

Thank you Sam. I'm going to try this method. For some reason I'm struggling with gathering using the two lines of machine basting and pulling on the threads. I even tried hand basting and still had trouble! This method looks much easier and thankfully I have a ton of elastic leftover from when I used to sew masks.

[@Frugalisama]

Hope it worked for you Regina 🤗

[@Maggiewaggiemoo12]

I just used this method for the first time. Where the heck has this been all my life! It’s fantastic. I hate gathering and have been putting off making the dress I cut out in September. I overlocked the bottom of the bodice and the skirt and then just followed your tutorial. I had coloured elastic to match the dress so I didn’t bother removing the elastic after. The result is so neat, no miles of thread, no snapping or puckers, just a fabulous finished dress. I didnt swear once. Thank you sooooooo much Sam x

[@Frugalisama]

Aw Tracy, so happy to read this, it's such a great method isn't it!

[@hmf5328]

Tracy, did I understand you correct in that you are supposed to remove the elastic after stitching the gathers while attaching the skirt to the bodice? I did not see that in the video, but it does make sense. I will try that method on my next dress, using the same pattern but making the puckering seam a little wider so I can remove the elastic. Bombastic recommendation

[@Maggiewaggiemoo12]

@@hmf5328 hi, you don’t necessarily remove the elastic. Once you’ve joined the skirt to the bodice, the gathering is set in place by the joining seam and you can then decide to remove or not. I usually do because I can then reuse the elastic. Hope that helps

[@susanlehane6534]

Thanks Sam fantastic I will definitely be using this method in future 😀x

[@Frugalisama]

Oh that's great to hear - hope it woks for you 😊

[@southerncrossstitches]

This a awesome Sam. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Frugalisama]

My pleasure!

[@heathermayfield4247]

I just used this 'new to me' technique - it works so well. Thank-you, it is so much easier than gathering stitches and the gathers are even.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful Heather 🤗

[@karenbeachler572]

Thank you for the great instruction.

[@Frugalisama]

You are welcome!

[@makkasmum]

Thank you so much for sharing this tip. I’ve cut out McCall’s 8085 which has miles of gathers, this is video is so timely. I’d love to see more tips & tricks to make my sewing life easier.

[@Frugalisama]

You are welcome, yes there's more to come 😘

[@fabricsewweardipusey1933]

That was very helpful my fathers are never as even as I want I will try this next time

[@Frugalisama]

Please do - let me know how you get on 🤗

[@Tina-bn1bi]

Genius idea and great tutorial, thanks

[@Frugalisama]

Glad you liked it Tina 🤗

[@ewabaumann9461]

Thank you Sam, that's a fabulous idea I will definitely use it in my bardon dress :)

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was useful 🤗

[@pamici1]

Super helpful! It does look like you could possibly reuse the elastic for another gather, at least once anyway.

[@Frugalisama]

Absolutely Pam yes, I used it more than once!

[@winifredtroy1540]

Totally going to try it. I hate that basting stitch method! Can’t wait to try it.

[@Frugalisama]

Yes me too, hope that you like this method when you try it 🤗

[@sew_april]

Thank you!! I've heard of everyone say to use elastic..I've tried..I just pulled it really hard and it was a mess!!😳 your video was very helpful! Thank you!❤😊

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jillybean620]

Very interesting. I might try this out on the right project.

[@Frugalisama]

Let me know how you get on Jill 😊

[@aislinnthelion]

Thank you! I am making a pet bed cover (I’ve never done it before) and all of the tutorials I’ve seen have not been easy to follow- this is straight forward and I actually understand what to do! You’re amazing. This is my first video of yours I’ve seen but I’m a follower now!! Best wishes 💕

[@Frugalisama]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment , so glad the video helped 🤗

[@helenweatherby1694]

Hello from Sheffield! Great video. If there is one aspect of sewing that I hate, it is gathering. The threads always break, and the effect looks uneven and bumpy. This is a gamechanger!

[@Frugalisama]

Hi Helen, lovely to hear from a fellow Yorkshire lass 🤗 glad that the video helped 👍

[@jmanonmakes]

This is fantastic. I wish I had seen this before sewing my Project Dress a Girl dresses! This is going to be so helpful. Thank you!

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinedonne]

Definitely going to try this. Have used the overlocker method which was good but not perfect. Still ended up with some unevenness. So thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

I'm yet to have success with the over locker method - hope that this technique works better for you! 🤗

[@cjane51]

Very useful. I’m about to make a dress with several gatherings. I enjoy this type of video. Thanks Sam.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful Claudia 🤗

[@colettejones4690]

Brilliant video! Thank you...definitely helped me

[@Frugalisama]

You’re welcome, glad it helped 🤗

[@mairead5891]

Thank you for such a clear tutorial. I've tried this technique before unsuccessfully, as I didn't think about doing it in quarters as you've done. Now I'm likening it to a t-shirt neckband, stretching it in smaller sections is a much simpler procedure.

[@Frugalisama]

Yes it's very similar to a neckband insertion, except you're stretching the elastic out more, hope it works this time 😊

[@nancywilliams3454]

Fantastic method, this seems so much easier, thank you Sam 😁

[@Frugalisama]

My pleasure!

[@blessedmusic1]

I will be trying this.

[@terryvihlen4783]

Will definitely give this a try! Thanks

[@Frugalisama]

Great - I hope it works out for you

[@carolineroutledge7977]

Thank you so much... I knew there had to be an easier way and you have starred. Many thanks

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome - glad it helped

[@ShirleyJarrett]

What a time saver & it works like magic! Thanks so much!

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome Shirley, glad that it worked 🤗

[@marlenep2644]

My goodness, why did I never think of this! It's genius and the gathers are so nice and even without all that fussing. This will be my method from now on. Thanks for doing this video Sam. 🥰

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome Marlene - it's definitely a lot less fuss 🤗

[@veenam.r9802]

Thanks a lot amma.u saved my time

[@Frugalisama]

Glad to hear that 🤗

[@pjacksreads536]

Thanks for sharing this. Just what I needed help with.

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome!

[@KimMadan]

Is the skirt inside out when you pin the elastic?

[@misha9179]

Hi Kim! I would say yes. I had to look again as well but if you look at timestamp 6:19 you can see the overlocked side seams on the outside to confirm the skirt was wrong side facing out. Hope that helps.

[@suehardy812]

Wow. I've never gathered using elastic but I'm definitely going to give it a go x

[@Frugalisama]

It's never failed to work for me - hope you give it a go 👍

[@stephaniemathiasmusic]

This is brilliant! I’m a beginner sewer and this makes perfect sense to me! Can’t wait to try it! Thank you!

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome!

[@debbiehinklin8116]

Love Love this video, I have actually avoided certain patterns because they have a lot of gathers but not anymore, I will definitely be using this method to gather in the future, Thanks so much!!

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome Debbie, glad it was helpful 🤗!

[@dawnlaverty3592]

Definitely going to try this on my first project requiring gathering. Thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

Oh fab, let me know how you get on 🤗

[@AnneS508]

Will definitely try! Thanks!

[@julielee8552]

Thanks for sharing! I have never seen this technique used. So clever!!!

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome!

[@carolepugh3720]

Thank you Sam. That is a great tip to save a LOT of time and effort

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful Carole!

[@sewonsister]

This is great! I'm making the Bardon Dress now and this is very helpful, thank you!

[@Frugalisama]

So glad it helped Natasha 🤗

[@nics5581]

How clever! Thank you.

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome!

[@ynys_mon6928]

I will definitely try this out. I'm about to start sewing my second Bardon dress. I hand-basted the first one before gathering but that was a bit of a faff (though I do find hand sewing is relaxing).

[@Frugalisama]

yes I like a bit of hand sewing too, sometimes but I find this method gives a nice even gather - hope it does for you too 🤗

[@deebuettner8017]

I've never seen this method. Thanks for sharing!

[@Frugalisama]

You are so welcome Dee!

[@sheilachave7351]

Fantastic, definitely going to do this in the future as my gathering is usually very hit and miss. Thanks for sharing.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sewesme4866]

Wow! Wow! Wow! super awesome tip!!!!

[@juliearmstrong9126]

Hi I'm currently sewing the hannah dress by by hand London, so I'm going to give it a go thanks

[@Frugalisama]

Have fun!

[@pinkpaulasews4929]

Really great thank you Sam. I’ve gathered this way a couple of times but never been instructed to remove the elastic once sewn up. Certainly would look more finished inside 👌🏼

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it helped! I think that in a fitted dress it's fine to leave the elastic in, I take mine out & reuse it if it's not serving a purpose, ever frugal!

[@Shawn-k1z]

Thanks this was awesomely easy

[@Frugalisama]

You're welcome good to hear it was useful😊

[@patriciareid8826]

Thank You so much. Great idea.

[@Frugalisama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@k3of5ks]

This is really good. Thank you Sam. 💗🌵🇺🇸

[@Frugalisama]

Glad you enjoyed it!