Basic Supplies for Sewing a Ruffle
Making a ruffle by hand with a sewing machine requires a few basic supplies, including fabric, thread, a ruler, and an iron. The fabric needs to be lightweight, such as silks, chiffons, or cottons. When purchasing the fabric, buy at least ¼ yard more than is needed for the project. Extra fabric can be used in case of sewing accidents or for mending. When selecting thread, buy a few spools of the same fabric or a polyester or cotton-blend thread. This will ensure that the thread won’t bleed onto the fabric, as darker fabrics can be discolored by polyester thread. A ruler is essential to measure the length and width of the ruffle and the fabric, while an iron is used to press and flatten the fabric.
Cutting and Marking the Fabric
Before beginning, wash the fabric on a gentle cycle with like colors and press with a warm iron. Next, cut the fabric into strips or pieces depending on the desired ruffle length. If the ruffle is meant to go all around the dress, for example, the fabric will be cut into several pieces of the desired length. To mark the fabric, use a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk and draw a dotted line from the top of the fabric. This line can be used as a guide when sewing the ruffle together.
Sewing the Ruffle Together
Thread the sewing machine and begin sewing each piece of fabric together near the dotted line. For a fluttered look, sew a few millimeters off the marked line so there’s a bit of flex. For longer ruffles, use a narrow zigzag stitch in a uniform pattern, depending on the desired look of the ruffle. Join the pieces of fabric along the outside edges. When both edges have been sewn, fold the edges to the center so the wrong sides are together and press with a warm iron.
Finishing Touches
At this point, the edges of the ruffle can be finished by serging, zigzag sewing, or blanket stitch. To create a more finished look, pin to the dress and stitch the ends. Some prefer to attach the ruffle to the dress with a blind hem stitch; this stitch is invisible from the outside but strong enough to hold the ruffle firmly in place.
Try a Different Layered Look
Another way to make a ruffle with a sewing machine is to create a layered look. To do this, cut pieces of fabric about two inches wide. Take one of the pieces and make an accordion fold, similar to a fan. Sew the fold down the center and finish the edges. Iron the folded fabric to help keep the shape. Then, repeat this with the other pieces of fabric, gathering each one into pleats and pinning the center. Finally, sew the gathered pleats together, finishing the edges as before.
Hemming the Bottom of the Ruffle
To hem the bottom of the ruffle, fold it over the desired length and press with the iron. When hemming the edges, fold over about a ¼ inch of fabric twice and press. Stitch the hem in place with a blind hem stitch or a basic straight stitch. This will ensure that the bottom of the ruffle has a smooth finish and looks neat.
Creating Ruffles with Elastic
To create a ruffle with elastic, start by measuring the elastic against the dress or area where the ruffle is meant to go. Allow at least one to two inches extra so there’s enough elastic to gather the fabric. Next, gather the fabric in sections, adding small pleats or ruffles as desired. When finished, slide the elastic underneath the fabric and secure with a straight stitch.
An Easier Option: Bias Tape
Bias tape is a great option for a quick and easy ruffle. Cut bias tape to the desired length and sew an elastic band to one end. Once the elastic band is sewn, position the bias tape over the elastic and stitch the bias tape in place. Make sure to stretch the elastic as the bias tape is being stitched on for a gathered look.
Make a Surprise Hemline
Surprise hemlines are a great way to make a ruffle with a sewing machine. Cut the fabric into a rectangle and turn it so the wrong side is facing upwards. Sew the neckline first, followed by the armholes and the bottom hem. Once the neckline, armholes and bottom hem are finished, make sure to leave a few millimeters at the bottom of the fabric unsewn. The fabric should then be turned inside out and stitched at the bottom to create a hemline. This will create pleats around the bottom of the garment, creating a ruffle.
Attaching a Ruffle to Shoes
Ruffles can also add a special touch to shoes. To do this, cut several strips of fabric into small lengths and fold them over. Then, fold the top part of the fabric to the center twice, followed by the bottom part. Make sure the fabric has a good fit and then stitch the ends together. Gather the fabric as desired and begin sewing the ruffle to the shoes, making sure to go over the edges. To complete the look, sew in ribbons or buttons, depending on the desired design.
Adding Layers of Fabric
Adding layers of fabric to a ruffle is a great way to create texture and dimension. To do this, cut the fabric into strips of desired length and width and then begin layering the strips on top of each other. Arrange the fabric strips together and sew them together at the center of the fabric. To finish, fold the edges over and stitch. This type of ruffle can be used for a skirt, dress, or garment.
Sewing a Ruffle on Garments
Sewing a ruffle on a garment can be done in a few simple steps. First, cut the fabric into strips and mark each strip with tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Then, sew the strips together, gathering the fabric as desired. To finish, attach the ruffle to the garment by stitching it along the bottom hem or armholes. As an extra touch, add ribbons or buttons to the ruffle for a special look.
