How To Sew A Dress With A Gathered Skirt

I thought a tutorial on something that confused me for a while would be helpful. So here is a tutorial in which I attempt to be helpful and simply lay forth instructions that should not baffle even the most confused of a person. When you are sewing a dress like the one below, it will often say "gather here" on the pattern pieces for the skirt. So here's a simple way to sew a gathered seam, which is quite quick yet effective.

First, if you have thought it wise to attempt this on a sewing machine, make sure that it is of the lowest setting, for large basting stitches, as these shall come out easily and swiftly when it is asked of them.

Now sew three long seams along the top of the skirt piece, on the inside or the outside of the fabric, as these stitches shall be removed later and therefore shall not need to be perfect in sight or execution.

The image quality is poor, for which I believe an apology is in order, but the image does illustrate in helpful terms where the seam lines ought to be. No worries are needed as they shan't be perfect in straightness or distance, and this is acceptable.

Now pull on the strings of thread that have been left long and hanging from the edges. If you haven't left any extra length, this is acceptable as well, and you only need find the thread closer to the stitches or perhaps remove a few to get a length. This will take a bit of adjusting to get the whole piece gathered, but it is best to overdo it as it is easier to remove it later. Making sure the pieces are gathered at the same amount near beginning and end of the fabric, in the left and right.

Now make sure that the skirt pieces are gathered in the same width as the bodice pieces, adjusting if necessary.

Now sew both of the pieces together on the wrong side of the fabric, as to make the seam for easy finishing on the inside edges.

You may use a seam remover, however if that is unavailable, a razor blaze or knife shall be a fine substitute as long as you are careful and thorough with it, and make sure to take the threads from the other side of the fabric.

Now carefully make sure all the pieces of the thread of the gathering are removed, being careful that the ones holding the pieces together stay intact and carefully preserved.

And there you have it, a simple gathering method for all of your needs. When you attempt this method, please be careful with hand needles or sewing machines, and if using the razor blade to remove threads, being utmost careful is important.