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How to: Sew a Ruffle

July 14, 2010 by FaveCrafts

When I first started sewing, the idea of sewing a ruffle or gathering fabric seemed daunting to me. It looked so complicated and difficult that I assumed it was a technique for more experienced sewers. I was proven wrong, however, when my grandma ignored my misgivings and insisted I try it. It turns out that sewing a ruffle is one of those things that looks really hard to do but is actually very simple! In fact, It might be one of the easiest sewing techniques there is. I mention how to sew ruffles in the 4th of July Fashion post, but I figured you guys could use some pictures.

Step One: Cut out a strip of fabric

The length, width, and type of fabric you use will depend on your project. I cut a strip of arbitrary size from a vintage sheet I thrifted.

Fabric Fabric

Step Two: Set your machine to sew on the largest stitch.

This will keep your stitches large enough so that you can easily gather your fabric later. If the stitches are too small it will be hard to do without snapping your thread.

Machine

Step Three: Sew a straight line down one edge of your fabric.

Leave some extra thread at the beginning and end. Don’t go over your ends in reverse to finish them or you won’t be able to gather the fabric.

Sewing Extra Thread

Step Four: Gather your fabric.

Pull on one of the threads (either the top or the bottom thread, not both) and watch the fabric gather. Slide the gathers down the strip to keep them even, and make sure your gathers don’t “un-gather” off the other end of the strip. You can gather as much or as little as you want, depending on how ruffly you want your ruffles to be.

Gathering

The Finished Product:

Ruffle 1 Ruffle 2

If you were adding this to a piece of clothing or gathering a skirt, you’d need to go over your ruffle using a smaller stitch, because basting is only temporary.

Variations:

You can baste both edges of your fabric strip and gather both edges for a ruched look.

Ruffle Variation

Or baste down the middle of your fabric strip (instead of the edge) and you’ll get a double-edged ruffle.

Double Edged Ruffle Double Ruffle 2

Now that you know how to sew a ruffle, go make a Girl’s Ruffle Dress, a Sassy Apron, or a Summer Scarf!

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FaveCrafts
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FaveCrafts.com is a website with all the craft project ideas, tutorials, videos, and tips you'll ever need! We add new projects and tips every day. Some of our readers' favorites include Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and Crafting with Kids. You will find step-by-step instructions, videos and patterns to make it quick and easy.
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Filed Under: Full Project Tutorials Tagged With: DIY, fabric, Full Project Tutorials, how to, Sewing, wearable crafts

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