Gathering the fabric with a sewing machine

Gathering the Fabric with a Sewing Machine

Now it's time to gather your outer fabric panel - this process is exactly the same for both projects.

What You Will Need

• Cut piece of outer fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Gathering Fabric Using a Sewing Machine

Step 1

Thread your sewing machine, then set it to a zig zag stitch and adjust this to the widest setting.

Step 2

Take your cut piece of outer fabric, and insert the beginning of the bottom edge into the machine. If you are gathering the fabric panel for Project 2, allow for the ruffled edge.

Step 3

Drop the sewing machine footer down and use the hand wheel to manually sew one stitch.

Step 4

Lift up the footer, and pull the thread through the machine until you have a length that equals the circumference of your finished lampshade.

Step 5

Taking this length of thread in your right hand, pull it round to the front of your machine and place it in the centre of the footer. Drop the footer down again, securing the thread in position.

Step 6

Using the foot pedal this time, begin to slowly run the zig zag stitch. Your length of thread should be caught in the centre of the zig zag stitch, and you will notice your fabric beginning to gather.

Step 7

Continue along the entirety of the bottom edge, making sure you are staying in a straight line.

Step 8

When you reach the end, lift up the needle and footer, pull out your fabric and cut it free from the bobbin threads - it's crucial you do not cut the length of thread holding the gather!

Step 9

Pull it into a tight gather so that it's ready to work on in the next part of the course.