Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of the BERNINA® sewing machines gather material without having to physically pull on thread or strings?
Yes! All BERNINA® machines can use our gathering feet; Wide Gathering Foot #16, Extra Wide Gathering Foot #16C and for older BERNINA® machines (1630 and older) Narrow Gathering Foot #17 . These gathering feet are designed for light to medium weight fabrics. They can gather single layer of fabric or a flat piece can be attached to a gathered piece all at the same time.
For heavy fabrics like corduroy, velveteen and heavy chintz, we suggest you use foot Embroidery Foot #6. Feed a heavy thread or buttonhole twist through the hole in the front of the foot and zigzag over the thread. You then can pull the fabric up on the thread to gather it. Another option is the Ruffler #86.
If your BERNINA® has a gathering stitch, loop a heavy thread (gimp or buttonhole twist) over the center toe of Buttonhole Foot #3 to gather all weights of fabric.
Instructions come with most of the feet, but there are more detailed instructions in our Feet-ures publication, a comprehensive full-color reference guide to all BERNINA® presser feet, attachments and accessories. There are three (3) Feet-ures volumes available at your local BERNINA® store. Detailed instructions for using the three gathering feet, for gathering with Embroidery Foot #6 and for gathering with Buttonhole Foot #3 can be found in Feet-ures, Volume 1. Information and instructions for using Ruffler #86 are found in Feet-ures, Volume 2.