DIY Asymmetrical Ruffle Top

An asymmetrical ruffle modernizes a top.

An asymmetrical ruffle gives a top a modern edge. Ruffles are surprisingly easy and satisfying to make. You have two basic options for making your ruffle: cut off the bottom of a long top or dress and use that strip of fabric for the ruffle, or use a different, complementary fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Loose fitting tank top, extra long tank top or jersey dress
• 3 1/2-inch-wide strip of fabric three times longer than desired ruffle (optional)
• Pins or tailor's chalk

Instructions

1. Mark off, using pins or chalk, a strip 3 1/2 inches from the bottom of the garment and cut it off. Cut through one side seam so that it is a long strip instead of a loop, then set it aside. Try on the garment to see if you want it even shorter. Cut more off the bottom if necessary and discard. Re-hem the garment. (If you are using a complementary fabric instead of the bottom of the garment, skip this step.)

2. Make a 3/8-inch hem, or your preferred hem width, on both long sides of the strip. If you are using the bottom of the garment, one side is already hemmed.

3. Stitch one long line through the whole strip 1/2 inch from the top. Use the longest stitch length possible on your machine or hand baste. Do not backstitch. Leave threads long and hanging. Stitch another identical line 1/4 inch below this one.

4. Pull gently on the loose thread ends of both lines of stitching to gather. Use one hand to pull the thread and the other to gently ruffle the fabric. If you used a machine, pull the bobbin thread instead of the top thread. Keep gathering until your ruffle is the fullness you desire.

5. Carefully pin the ruffle onto your top, pinning one end near the right shoulder seam and the other near the middle or bottom of the left side seam, depending on your preference and the length of your ruffle. Try it on to check placement and ruffle length. Adjust if necessary. Mark ruffle placement with pins or tailor's chalk, then remove the ruffle.

6. Stitch the gathers in place by sewing the entire ruffle just below the bottom row of gathering. Pull out the gathering stitches. Hem both short ends of the ruffle.

7. Pin the ruffle onto the garment and stitch in place right on top of the line of stitching you just did.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have enough fabric, try two tiers of ruffles, or have your ruffle twist all the way around to the back of the top.

• When gathering, remember that it is difficult to gather more than one layer of fabric at a time. If you run into seams in a long ruffle, break the thread and gather on both sides of the seam.

References

• "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing": New York, Reader's Digest Association Far East Ltd. 1978