shirt front gathers

I'm sewing hopscotch for the first time, and notice that the instructions for the shirt gathers calls for 2 rows of gathering stitches 1/4" and 3/8" from the top raw edge. This strikes me as odd (though it IS my first time sewing a dress with knits). Any other time I have sewn gathers, the gathering stitches were always within the seam allowance. Additionally, the gather stitches aren't noted to be removed, so I have to wonder if this should be a scant 1/4" and 1/8" or if I just need to trust the pattern and sew on. Thank you for your patience as I learn! :)