Re: ruffles

e wrote:
> hi all :)
> hmm, i attempted to post a question a little while ago, but it hasn't
> shown up for some reason, so here i go again! i had a question
> regarding how to go about sewing ruffles down the front of a shirt.
> the only way of creating ruffles that i know of, is by sewing large
> stitches along the fabric and then pulling the ends. but i find the
> ruffles end up looking somewhat "heavy" (if that makes any sense) and
> pleat-like. i was hoping for something like this:
>
>
http://www.net-a-porter.com/isroot/NETAPORTER/SiteImages/prod_large/5396_index.jpg

You need a ruffle that's longer on its outside edge than its inside
(attached) edge. You get that by cutting a curve rather than a straight
piece.

Draw two circles inside each other with about 3" difference in the radius.
Cut out the circular strip that lies between the perimeters. Cut through in
one place, narrowly hem the ends and the outside edge, and you have a
circular ruffle ready to attach.

You can vary the diameters of the circles to get different effects - smaller
circles give you ruffles than are much bigger on the outside than the
inside, and so more ruffle-y, but they're harder to sew because they're more
curved. You can gather the inside edge slightly when you attach it. Of
course, you don't need to cut a full circle: you can cut lots of quarter- or
semi-circles and join them together.

You will be sewing on the bias for part of the ruffle's length. If your
fabric is washable you can tame the bias and stop it stretching by using
lots of spray starch before you cut the ruffle out, or before you handle it
much.

HTH

-- 
Sally Holmes
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England