How to Sew a Ruffle to a Curtain
When creating a ruffle for a curtain, it's essential that it have a full, even gather. If not, it will hang limp instead of full and billowy. If you've mastered the art of curtain making and are ready add a ruffle, follow these easy step-by-step directions for excellent results. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the width of the ruffle. Will it be a small lacy ruffle or a larger substantial ruffle? If you choose to make a larger ruffle, consider the type of fabric you are using. If it is thin, with little body, interfacing can improve on the final look of the ruffle. After deciding on the width, double it and add 5/8 inch for the seam allowance when purchasing fabric. If you are adding interfacing, you will require only the width plus seam allowance. The length of the purchased fabric should be double the width of the curtain. Consider that you may have to piece two or more fabric lengths together to meet the length requirement.
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Fold the long strip of fabric, wrong sides together, in half and press with an iron. Switch your sewing machine stitch length to a long or basting stitch. Leaving a long thread tail, sew across at 5/8 inch from the raw fabric edges. Repeat this procedure at ¼ inch from the raw fabric edges. With the two long thread tails, tie them with a double knot. At the other end begin pulling on the top two threads to make gathers in the fabric. Work the gathers down to the end and then evenly across the entire fabric. Keep creating gathers until your piece is the same length as the curtain width plus 1 inch.
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Make a neat edge to your ruffle by folding ¼ inch on each short side and then another ¼ inch, press. Sew the edges close to the inside fold. Your ruffle should now be the exact same length as your curtain width.
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Pin the ruffle to the curtain, right sides together. Changing your sewing machine stitch length back to normal, sew on the ruffle side of the curtain over the 5/8-inch ruffle (basting) stitch all the way down to the end of the ruffle. Remove pins and clip any stray threads. Unless you are a master seamstress, you may have gone over the basting stitch. If it shows on the front of the curtain, it should be clipped.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need to add interfacing to your ruffle, it should be included at the point after folding the ruffle in half and pressing it. Locate the interfacing on the inside of the fold to be stitched in with the basting stitch.
