1. Mark the Area to be Gathered

• Determine the area where the gathers will be placed. This is typically indicated on your pattern.
• Use tailor’s chalk or fabric marker to mark the start and end points of the gathering section.

2. Prepare the Fabric

• Set your sewing machine to a long straight stitch (basting stitch). The stitch length should be at its maximum setting.
• Leave long thread tails at the beginning and end of your stitching for pulling later.

3. Sew the Gathering Stitches

• Sew two parallel lines of stitching within the seam allowance. Place the first row approximately 1/8″ from the edge and the second row 1/4″ from the edge.
• Ensure you do not backstitch at the beginning or end; these stitches need to be easy to pull.

4. Gather the Fabric

• Anchor one end of the threads by tying them together or holding them firmly.
• Gently pull the bobbin threads (the lower threads) from the opposite end, sliding the fabric along the threads to create gathers.
• Distribute the gathers evenly along the marked section, adjusting as needed to match the length of the area where the gathers will be sewn.

5. Pin and Sew the Gathers to the Garment

• Pin the gathered section to the corresponding piece of the garment, right sides together, matching notches or other alignment marks.
• Adjust the gathers to ensure they are evenly distributed and the section is the correct length.
• Sew the gathered section to the garment using a regular stitch length, sewing between the two rows of gathering stitches. This ensures that the gathers are securely attached and evenly spaced.

6. Remove Basting Stitches

• Carefully remove the visible basting stitches. You can pull them out gently or use a seam ripper if necessary.

7. Finish the Seam

• Finish the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch, serger, or pinking shears to prevent fraying.
• Press the seam allowance towards the garment, ensuring the gathers lay flat and even.