How to Add a Ruffle to a Curtain Panel

A ruffle can add a bit of femininity to any room's décor. It's also a great fix if you find a curtain panel is too short. Because a ruffle can be any width you like, it is an easy fix. Don't worry about matching the current fabric of the curtain panel; a different color and/or texture can add to a room's interest.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Iron
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

1. Measure the width of the current curtain panel and the length of the ruffle you either want or need. For the amount of fabric needed, double the width of the panel, as well as the length of the ruffle, plus 1 inch. Purchase matching thread.

2. Cut your ruffle fabric according to the measurements suggested in Step 1.

3. Fold the fabric lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the side seams at 1/2 inch. Turn the fabric right sides out. Press, with your iron, along the bottom and both sides.

4. Set your sewing machine for a basting stitch (long stitch). Sew across the raw double edges at slightly under 1/2 inch, leaving thread tails at both ends. Tie the two tails together, at one end. Repeat this process at 1/4 inch, tying the threads at the same edge.

5. Pull the two top thread tails at the untied end, forming gathers. Continue pulling and gathering until the ruffle is the same width as the curtain panel.

6. Move the gathering so it fits evenly across. Pin the ruffle to the bottom of the curtain panel, right sides together.

7. Sew across with a 1/2-inch seam. Cut all straggling threads and hang your ruffled curtain panel.

References

• Craftzine