More on Fabric Manipulation

Gathering
Threads stitched through fabric are drawn together to reduce the fullness of a material to a required width.  University of Arts London

Gathering is a common technique in clothing construction.  It is used to create a fullness as in a skirt or top,  or ruffles.  It is also useful in art quilting and other decorative sewing projects to create texture.  

I came across some samples I did for the City and Guilds course  and though I would share them with you,

Gathering done by hand uses running stitch.  Lines of stitches are sewn, then the thread is pulled to bring in the fabric.  The length of the stitch will effect the size and look of the gathers.  Large stitches will create bigger, looser looking gathers while smaller stitches  create a tighter look.

In this sample, lines of running stitch were sewn back and forth across a printed fabric.  When the thread was pulled the fabric bunched together creating a textured surface. The details of the print were obscured resulting in more concentrated areas of color.

​Gathered cloth can also be used as the basis for other art techniques such as rubbings.

In this sample, individual lines of stitches were sewn across the fabric. The gathering lines are far apart.  The bottom picture shows a rubbing done  of the sample.  Vertically the rubbing could simulate tree bark or wood.  Horizontally it could simulate a mountainous landscape or a stormy sea.

In this sample, the gathered lines are much closer together creating a firmer fabric.  The resulting rubbing has a denser look and could simulate a stone surface, a desolate landscape or flowing water.

Have a fun day!
​Cynthia