Easing Versus Gathering
The term, "ease" is very common in pattern instructions but do you understand the meaning? The meaning of ease is to bring or pull fabric fibers in to fit a smaller area without causing any puckers or gathers. One of the tell tale signs of a "homemade garment" is to see puckers or gathers, especially in the sleeve cap of a garment. Learning the difference can mean the all the difference in a well constructed garment.
Many times you will see tuck, ease and gather type of construction problems on "seconds" in a discount shop. To the trained eye these puckers scream "uck" and is why the entire garment is discounted.
Easing is done by making two to three rows of stitching, the same way you would to gather, but the stitches are pulled just enough to condense or pull together the fibers of the fabric. Gathering on the other hand, pull the fabric together and make a ruffle effect in the fabric. Even gathers will be evenly spread across the gathered area and will not have tucks or pleats.
Take a close look at these samples to fully understand the difference in easing, pleats, tucks and gathers. Click on any image to see an enlarged photo of the sample.
 Ease |
 Gathers |
 Improper Ease Which Creates Puckers And Tucks |
 Uneven Gathers With Tucks And Puckers |
Ways to prevent gathers and puckers:
Learn more about easing at the following sites:
Easing in a Seam by David Page Coffin
Puckered Seams: The Needle And The Damage Done By SANDRA BETZINA
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