Sewing Q&A
Terry Siemsen
I recently saw a blouse that had several rows of elastic gathers at the back waist creating a peplum look. How do I achieve this look?
Fran G.,
Orlando, FL
Elastic sewing thread is the key ingredient for this technique. The amount of gathering will be determined by the fabric weight and stitch length. Stitch a test sample on a scrap before cutting the garment.
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Wind a bobbin by hand with elastic sewing thread being careful not to stretch it. Wind the thread in the same direction as the machine winds the bobbin thread, filling several bobbins if there will be many rows of stitching. Thread the needle with regular sewing thread.
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Mark stitching guidelines on the garment using a water-soluble marking pen.
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Using a stitch length of eight stitches per inch and holding the fabric taut, stitch along the gathering guidelines--don't backstitch at the ends. Stitch again 1/4" from the first stitching line, stretching the previously stitched row (Figure 1). Note: Use the presser foot width as a guide for spacing the rows. Continue stitching as many rows as desired.
Figure 1
Stitch rows 1/4" apart.
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Draw the top threads to the garment wrong side and tie the thread and elastic together at each end, being careful not to pull the elastic.
Elastic thread in the bobbin
creates gathers when sewn.
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