How to Sew Ruffles
Ruffles add interest and flair to an otherwise simple sewing project. All you need are strips of fabric and a sewing machine. The width and length of your fabric will be determined by what the ruffles are used for. For instance, you can add a ruffled collar around a plain T-shirt. In that case, you would use a piece of fabric about 5 inches longer than the length of the collar and about 1 inch wider than the width you want your ruffles to be.
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of fabric you will need. Add 5 inches to the length and 1 to 2 inches to the width. If you want narrower ruffles, subtract an inch from the width you cut.
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2
Cut the strip of fabric with a pair of fabric scissors.
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3
Hem the entire perimeter of the fabric strip using your sewing machine.
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Set your sewing machine to the largest stitch possible. Center the top of the fabric strip under the foot of the sewing machine. Slowly push down on the pedal to start sewing and, as you do, use your index fingers, on either side of the fabric, to gather the fabric up under the foot.
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Sew along the length of the fabric strip on the raw edge, not the edge you just hemmed. Sew very slowly while careful gathering the fabric in consistent amount under the foot and still keeping the fabric straight so your stitch doesn't veer off-center.
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Cut the thread and pull it down toward you to make the ruffles tighter. Then, backstitch the entire length of the ruffle. Cut and tie off any excess thread.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't worry about starting out with the perfect size fabric strip. Estimate how much you will need and add a few inches to be on the safe side – you can always cut away excess fabric and refinish the hem.
Experiment with different ruffle sizes by using small sample pieces cut from old clothes or rags.
Use caution when operating a sewing machine.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images
