DIY Ruffle Cuffs

Make trendy ruffle cuffs yourself.

Ruffle cuffs are a trendy new accessory in women's fashion that can even be seen on the runways of top designers. These cuffs are made of fabric but are worn like bracelets. You don't need much fabric to make these cuffs. The cuff part can be made from an attractive piece of scrap fabric left over from another project. The ruffle can be made of lace, chiffon, linen or cotton, depending what look you want to create. For a more romantic look, lace or chiffon might be a good choice. If you want a more deconstructed look, frayed linen or cotton might do the trick.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Cuff fabric
• Ruffle fabric
• 1/8 inch wide elastic
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins
• Button
• Needle
• Seam sealant

Instructions

1. Measure around your wrist with the measuring tape. Cut a strip of cuff fabric 1/2 inch longer than your wrist measurement by 2 1/2 inches high with the scissors. Cut out the ruffle fabric 1 1/2 times your wrist measurement by 4 inches. Cut a 1 1/2-inch length of the elastic.

2. Fold the cuff fabric strip in half lengthwise, with right sides facing each other. Sew one short edge and the open long edge closed on the sewing machine 1/4 inch from the edges. Turn the cuff right side out.

3. Sew two basting stitches down the middle of the ruffle fabric 1/8 inch apart. Leave the basting stitches ends long. Pull the long ends of the basting stitches, gathering the fabric until it is as long as the cuff. Cut the ends of the basting stitches.

4. Fold the open edge of the cuff in 1/4 inch. Fold the elastic piece in half widthwise and insert the ends 1/4 inch into the open end of the cuff. Pin in place. Center the ruffle on the cuff and pin.

5. Sew the layers together by sewing around the cuff, 1/8 inch from the edges.

6. Wrap the cuff around your wrist. Mark with a pin the spot where the elastic reaches. Sew a button to the cuff where you marked with the pin by hand with the needle and thread.

7. Apply liquid seam sealant to the edges of the ruffle so it does not over fray.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a more polished look, apply the seam sealant right after you cut the ruffle fabric.

References

• Sewing.org; Ruffles; October 2009
• "Guide to Fashion Sewing"; Connie Amaden-Crawford; 1986