In this guide, I demonstrate how to gather fabric and create ease at the bottom of a dress.

I explain the process of marking the desired length, pinning the excess fabric, and trimming away the excess.

Additionally, I provide instructions on how to measure the desired gathered or pleated length and transfer those measurements to the pattern for future reference.

Steps for gathering fabric at the bottom of a dress:

1. Mark the desired length on the dress form or muslin.
2. Gather or tuck the excess fabric below the marked line using temporary pins.
3. Trim away the excess fabric below the marked line.
4. Measure the gathered or pleated length between the marked lines.
5. Note down the measured length for future reference or pattern adjustments.
6. Optionally, mark the gathered or pleated sections on the pattern using the measured length.

I use temporary pins to gather the excess fabric, making it easier to adjust and trim.

For a neater finish, I recommend using silk pins instead of the thick, long pins I used in the demonstration.

The key is to mark the desired length, gather or pleat the excess fabric to that length, and note down the measurements for future reference or pattern adjustments.