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making a table skirt

mykelly | Posted in General Sewing Info on

I am new to sewing and I am trying to make a table skirt.  I wasn’t having any luck pleating so I decided to do a gathering stitch.  The table skirt finished length is 3 yards and I was having difficulty with my thread breaking.  I decided to gather in shorter areas but is there a better technique for gathering  a large amount of fabric?  Also, once I added my velcro to the fabric the gathering stitches were getting caught in it and pulling a little, is there a better way to add the velcro?  Thank you for the help!

Replies

  1. Ralphetta | | #1

    making a table skirt

     One method that might work for you is to zig zag over a heavy piece of carpet thread or any strong cord, fishing line, or even dental floss.   Working with your fabric flat,  hold the the cord on top so that the needle goes back and forth over it without ever actually piercing it. (It's important not to stitch through the cord.) The cord will be in sort of in a tunnel.  Be sure to leave plenty of the cord extended from your starting point.  When you get to the other end be sure to leave a long length of cord.  Either pin or in some way anchor one end of the cord so it won't pull out and then pull the other end.  The strong cord  should be able to gather the fabric without breaking.  This is a method costumers use when making heavy skirts of drapery fabric.  I'm afraid I can't visualize the problem with the Velcro.

    1. mykelly | | #2

      oh thank you, I will try the dental floss idea that sounds like it would work.  The velcro part, I wanted to run two lines of stitching to make it more durable but when I do that the fabric catches funny and then gets twisted.  It just messes up my gathering stitch.  I will keep working on that one but the dental floss idea is great thank you so much.

      1. Ralphetta | | #5

        oh than you, I will try the

        Velcro seems to sound a lot better than it often works out.  Another option might be the tape with grippers.  You can buy it by the yard at stores that sell drapery fabric.  It's just two strips of twill tape with grippers attached every few inches.  You sew it on just like the Velcro, but the tape is easier to sew than that stiff Velcro and it doesn't snag like Velcro does. 

      2. Ralphetta | | #6

        oh than you, I will try the

        You didn't mention whether or not you basted before you sewed the Velcro on.  Whether you use Velcro or gripper tape it takes some skill to keep the gathers smooth while you are guiding the tape, etc.  It would probably help you to baste.

        1. mykelly | | #7

          Yes, sorry I didn't mention it but I did baste it before sewing the velcro.  Thanks for all the ideas.  I am new to this site but it is wonderful to have a place to go and ask questions.  I just started my subscription to Threads ands it's a nice magazine.

  2. marymary | | #3

    Attaching a skirt with velcro

    Be cautious about using velcro to hold the skirt on.  I once made a bedskirt and attached it with velcro.  It was too heavy and the velcro would not hold.  I had glued the other side of the velcro to the box springs.   I thought it was a great idea and I planned to remove it to wash it without having to move the mattress.  Just didn't work.  If your fabric is lightweight and the skirt not too large you should be OK.

    1. mykelly | | #4

      Thanks, I am using a table popplin fabric, I am not sure if that is considered heavy or not.  I am still figuring out fabrics!  The final size of the table skirt is 3 yards so it does seem big to me.

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