How to Gather Over Elastic Cords

Zigzag stitch sewing machine

Gathering over elastic cord is a fast way to achieve a stretchy gathered edge. This treatment is ideal to create shirred and gathered bodices, sleeve edgings, and gathered hemlines. Use this gathering method to accent the center of a front bodice, create a few quick gathers at the yoke or even bring in a garment that is just a bit too big. With just a bit of practice, you will have mastered how to gather over narrow elastic cording.

Things You'll Need

• Narrow round elastic cord
• Practice fabric
• Sewing machine with zigzag stitch capability
• Matching sewing thread
• Disappearing or wash-out fabric marker

Instructions

1. Mark gathering lines on the wrong or unprinted side of your fabric using a fabric marker, especially if you plan to gather along several lengths of elastic cord. Space rows of gathering stitches 3/8 inch to 1 inch apart depending on the look you prefer.

2. Thread the machine with sewing thread that closely matches your fabric to keep your stitches from showing on the outside of the fabric.

3. Take a few straight stitches in your fabric along one marked line, then reverse stitch to lock your stitching. Set the sewing machine to a wide and long zigzag stitch.

4. Unwind several inches of elastic cord, leaving it attached to the spool at the opposite end. Place the elastic cording along your marked line on the fabric, allowing the unwound cording to hang off the edge. Center the cording under your presser foot.

5. Zigzag stitch down the length of the elastic cord. Lock the stitches into place by reverse stitching at the end of the fabric. Trim the excess elastic cording.

6. Pull the cording to gather the fabric. Stitch each end of the cord down with a few straight stitches when you reach the desired size.

References

• The Family Homestead: Gathering Tutorial
• Burdastyle: Sewing Elastic Cord
• Sewing.org: Zigzag Stitch