Make a Puffing Strip in Minutes: Serger Gathering for Beginners
If you’ve ever wanted to add a little “oomph” (literally) to a project without complicated techniques, this one’s for you. In this quick serger lesson, Cheri from My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe shows how to make a puffing strip—a gathered fabric strip you can use as a dimensional accent on things like bags, pillows, and more.
What is a puffing strip?
A puffing strip is simply a strip of fabric that’s gathered along both long edges, then inserted between two flat fabric pieces for a raised, textured detail. It’s a classic heirloom-style technique, but it looks adorable on modern projects too.
What you’ll need
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A serger (Baby Lock or any serger with differential feed)
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Fabric strip (quilting cotton works great for learning)
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Serger thread
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Ruler + rotary cutter (or scissors)
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Iron (pressing helps a ton)
The magic setting: gathering with differential feed
The whole “aha” moment of this technique is that you can change a setting to gather fabric as you serge.
On many sergers, gathering is driven by differential feed (set higher) plus a longer stitch length.
A very common starting point:
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Differential Feed: 2.0
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Stitch Length: 4.0
(Then test and tweak based on your fabric.)
Step-by-step: Make the puffing strip
1) Cut your strip
A common size range is 2.5"–3" wide, and whatever length your project needs (longer is fine—you can trim later).
Press it flat so it feeds smoothly.
2) Set your serger to gather
Use a standard overlock and start with:
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Differential Feed up high (often 2.0)
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Stitch length longer (often around 4.0)
3) Serge down the first long edge
Here’s the key: let the machine feed the fabric—don’t pull from the front or back. Pulling can cancel the gathering you’re trying to create.
4) Serge down the second long edge
Do the same thing on the opposite long side so both edges gather.
5) “Fluff” and straighten the gathers
To even things out, hold the strip and gently tug side-to-side across the width to distribute the gathers and straighten the strip.
6) Use it in a project
This strip is designed to be inserted between two fabric pieces (like a seam insert). You can also pair it with heirloom trims like lace/entredeux for a more vintage look.
Troubleshooting (quick fixes)
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Not gathered enough? Increase differential feed, lengthen stitch a touch, and be sure you’re not pulling the fabric.
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Too gathered / looks scrunchy? Lower differential feed slightly.
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Wavy or uneven? Press first, keep your cut consistent, and “fluff” the gathers side-to-side after stitching.
(And always test on a scrap—sergers and fabrics have opinions.)
Fun ways to use a puffing strip
Cheri mentions it as a sweet accent for bags and pillows, but once you see it, you’ll start imagining it everywhere—nursery decor, zipper pouches, table runners, even heirloom-style seam details.
Want to see this technique in action? Watch our quick video tutorial where Cheri walks you through making a puffing strip on the serger—settings, stitching, and all the little tips that make it turn out cute and even. It’s one of those “ohhhh!” moments that clicks the second you see it, and you’ll be dreaming up ways to add that puffy texture to pillows, bags, and more.
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Ready to bring home a serger (or upgrade)?
At My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, we know a serger is the secret to professional-looking seams, flawless finishes, and stretch-friendly stitches. That’s why we carry trusted brands like Brother and Baby Lock, offering everything from beginner-friendly models to advanced sergers with cover stitch options. Whether you’re sewing garments, home décor, or quilting accents, we’ll help you choose the serger that takes your stitching to the next level.
You can shop sergers right on our website—beginner-friendly options all the way up to feature-packed dream machines.