[BeSewStylish: Basic Training to Unleash Your Creativity]

Save a Thread, Thread a Needle  

Back to List

Tie On a Button Bracelet

Dental Floss is Good for Gathers

Ann Steeves, contributor

4 users recommend

Even, full gathers are a cinch with a basic bathroom staple.

Ann Steeves

Make sure to keep the floss free.

Ann Steeves

Secure one end of the floss and pull the other to create your gather.

Ann Steeves

Even, full gathers are a cinch with a basic bathroom staple.

Photo: Ann Steeves

Add Comment
Print

Dental floss is not only good for your teeth and gums, its great for gathers! That's right. The next time you have to make lots of gathers, say for a ruffled dress or a home-dec project, try this method. It's easier and faster than the traditional double row of stitches, and it saves wear and tear on your fabric. All it takes is a spool of dental floss, and it will make your life so much easier!

Set your zig-zag stitch to its widest setting - on my machine that is 6mm, and a fairly long stitch length - 4mm is my favorite length. Center your dental floss under your presser foot and stitch the length of your fabric, making sure to keep the dental floss free, as shown.

Cut the floss the same length as the edge to be gathered.

Stitch over the floss with a large zigzag stitch. Make sure not to sew directly on the floss.

After stitching the length of your fabric, secure one end of the dental floss and pull up the other to create the gathers:

Secure one end of the floss and pull the other to create your gather.

Adjust your gathers and attach them to your project. Very fast, very pretty!

Add Comment Print

Comments (2)

MYOWNTWOHANDS writes: DENTAL FLOSS IS ALSO GREAT FOR OTHER THINGIES. WIND IT SEVERAL TIMES AROUND YOUR FINGER (OR ANY SIZE DIAMETER YOU NEED) AND USE AS BEGINNING RING FOR CROCHET PIECES. USE AS MANY STRANDS AS YOU WANT TO COUCH OVER.USE IT TO "LAYOUT" LETTERING OR DESIGNS...
Posted: 6:41 pm on September 23rd

ChildfreeTrophyWife writes: Great idea. This is a great project to use with those tiny floss samples the dentist gives out .... small enough to keep in your sewing box so you always have it on hand, plus it's not mint flavored like the big one in the bathroom.
Posted: 1:31 pm on August 28th

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.