Sew Easy Ruffles

Sew Easy Ruffles

The Perfect Accent for Any Project

Ruffles are such a fun way to add texture and charm to your sewing projects! They instantly give pillows, pouches, and quilts a playful touch. Today, I’ll walk you through how to make fabric ruffles step by step. You only need a few supplies, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be adding ruffles to everything!

Supplies Needed:

• Sewing machine
  
• Iron
  
• Fabric cut 3" wide by Width of Fabric (WOF)
  
• Ruler or measuring tape
  
• Scissors or rotary cutter
  

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Ruffles require extra fabric to create that gathered effect. Cut your fabric to be 2.5 times the length you need.

• Example: If you need a 13" ruffle, multiply 13 x 2.5 = 32.5. So, cut your fabric to 3" x 32.5".

Step 2: Iron the Fabric

• For raw-edge ruffles (like the ones I’m using in my Holland Pouch project): press the fabric wrong sides together (WST).
• 
• For finished-edge ruffles: press the fabric right sides together (RST) first, then sew a 1/4" seam along both short ends. Turn right side out, poke corners to a sharp point, then continue with the rest of the steps.
  

Step 3: Sew Gathering Stitches

• Lengthen your stitch length to 6mm or use a basting stitch.
  
• Sew the first line of stitches 1/4" away from the raw edge, leaving about a 5" thread tail on both ends.
  
• Sew a second line of stitches 1/8" away from the raw edge, also leaving tails.
  

Step 4: Gather the Fabric

• Separate the bobbin and top threads.
  
• Pull the bobbin threads gently to gather the fabric.
  
• Repeat from both sides until the fabric gathers into the desired ruffle length.
  

Step 5: Attach the Ruffle

• Pin or clip the ruffle into place on your project, adjusting gathers evenly.
  
• Sew along the gathering lines to secure.

Tips for Success:

• Keep your gathers even by working them gradually from both ends.
  
• If you want a fuller ruffle, cut your strip 3x the needed length instead of 2.5x.
  
• Don’t worry if the edges are raw—they’ll be sewn into a seam, or you can finish them with a zigzag or serger.
  

I’m showing photos of this ruffle added to a Holland Pouch, but the possibilities are endless! Try using ruffles to dress up your projects. Wouldn't a cute tote bag with a ruffle look adorable? It’s such a simple way to make your projects stand out with extra charm.