From Flat to Fabulous: How to Gather Fabric with Your BERNINA

Whether you're adding ruffles to a garment or a home dec project, gathering fabric is a classic technique that brings texture, volume and visual interest to any project. In this post, we’ll explore two effective ways to gather fabric using your BERNINA—one for lightweight fabrics and one for heavier materials like denim or linen. Let’s dive in!

Method 1: Zigzag Over a Cord (Perfect for Light to Medium Fabrics)

This method is simple, sturdy, and ideal for fabrics that don’t need heavy-duty handling.

What You’ll Need:

• Zigzag Stitch #2
• Clear Embroidery Foot #39
• Cord (strong enough to pull without breaking)

How to Do It:

1. Attach Foot #39: This foot has a handy hole in the bridge to hold the cord in place as you stitch.
2. Thread the cord through the hole and position it where you want the gathers.
3. Select Zigzag Stitch #2 and adjust:
• Stitch width: wider than the cord
• Stitch length: 4mm
4. Stitch over the cord, being careful not to pierce it.
5. Pull the cord gently to form gathers.
6. After attaching the gathered fabric to a flat piece, clip and remove the cord from the seam allowance if desired.

Why it works: The zigzag stitch secures the cord without locking it in place, making it easy to gather evenly.

Method 2: Double Cord Gathering for Heavy Fabrics

For thicker fabrics like denim or heavy linen, you’ll want extra control and strength. Enter: Gathering Stitch #12 and Buttonhole Foot #3/3C.

What You’ll Need:

• Gathering Stitch #12
• Buttonhole Foot #3 or 3C
• Two cords (folded into one loop)

How to Do It:

1. Attach Foot #3C and select Gathering Stitch #12.
2. Adjust settings:
• Stitch width: 4–5mm
• Stitch length: 2–3mm
• Needle position: center
3. Cut a cord twice the length of your fabric, fold it in half, and loop it around the center toe of the foot.
4. Place the cord tails in the grooves and out the back of the foot.
5. Stitch over the cords, allowing the stitch to move side-to-side without piercing them.
6. Pull the cords to gather the fabric. The looped end keeps them from slipping out.

Why it works: The stitch secures both cords while allowing movement, making it ideal for heavier materials.

Final Tips for Gathering Success

• Always test your stitch settings on a scrap first.
• Use strong, smooth cords that won’t fray or snap.
• For long gathers, divide your fabric into sections and gather each one evenly.

With these two techniques in your stitching toolkit, you’ll be gathering fabric like a seasoned pro—whether you're adding delicate ruffles or tackling tough textiles. 

Keep Making Stitches!