Another fundamental step in glassblowing, molten glass must be accumulated in the proper amount and location, referred to as gathering. The glass rod when heated in the flame will form a "gather" at the tip as it is rotated and softens.

The collection, from the furnace, of hot (or soft) glass onto the end of the blow pipe and the pontil.

Getting (usually clear) glass from the furnace to build up the amount of glass to form to the shape desired. Almost not a "bit", since it forms the core of the piece, but it is also used as an artistic technique (half gather on the bottom and pull lily pad decorations, gather over a decorated cup, etc.) See also draining/dumping

a blob of molten glass attached to the end of a blow pipe or pontil rod.

obtaining a layer of clear glass over a subsequent layer of glass.