Thread: How to make a ruffle?

Hey Bhuzzers!

I'm doing a makeover on a costume and want to add ruffles to the slits of the skirt. I found this post http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-danc...ake-skirt.html which was super helpful BUT I think I need more help/explanation as how to actually make a ruffle, ruffle.

I'm working with black mesh, similar to what pharaonics or eman nude shorts are made out of. It drapes really nicely but I have no idea how to actually make a ruffle. Your help is sooo appreciated!

Thanks :)

This kind of ruffle has no gathering... think of it being cut on a curve, with the inner edge/circumference length equal to the straight edge you're attaching it onto. Because the outer edge/circumference is longer - it causes the fabric to ruffle & drape.

The fuller the ruffle you want (ie. more ruffly), the tighter the curve on the inside.

Anya - if this doesn't make sense, call me!

The ruffle in Toria's thread is similar in principle to a circle skirt--less top, more bottom. You can vary the degree of the arc of your pieces to control the fullness of the flare. Kiyaana posted a link in that thread for a flamenco skirt that has diagrams of how to make a fuller ruffle using 360-degree pieces instead of the 180-degree pieces usually chosen for circle skirts.

Originally Posted by caasious

This kind of ruffle has no gathering... think of it being cut on a curve, with the inner edge/circumference length equal to the straight edge you're attaching it onto. Because the outer edge/circumference is longer - it causes the fabric to ruffle & drape.

The fuller the ruffle you want (ie. more ruffly), the tighter the curve on the inside.

Anya - if this doesn't make sense, call me!

pm me yer number!

is buying already made ones out of the question?

Originally Posted by zfejzic

is buying already made ones out of the question?

absolutely. they don't make black mesh ruffles.

i'm also thinking that i want a double ruffle on each split. in my head i would take a piece of fabric that was twice as wide and then sew it to the split in the middle of the ruffle.

i like the way these ruffles look and want something similar

https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...icent%20mirage

https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...=gilded+nights

Originally Posted by anyadance

absolutely. they don't make black mesh ruffles.

i'm also thinking that i want a double ruffle on each split. in my head i would take a piece of fabric that was twice as wide and then sew it to the split in the middle of the ruffle.

i like the way these ruffles look and want something similar

https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...icent%20mirage

https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...=gilded+nights

ah i see, i missed the 'mesh' part lol

Originally Posted by anyadance

i'm also thinking that i want a double ruffle on each split. in my head i would take a piece of fabric that was twice as wide and then sew it to the split in the middle of the ruffle.

Because of the way the fabric expands (inner circumference being considerably smaller than outer circumference), folding it in half probably won't work. The folding trick only works with the rectangular ruffles because the top and bottom are the same width there. If you want a double layer, I think the best way is to make two ruffles, one slightly longer than the other (but with the same inner circumference) and baste them together before attaching them to the skirt.

Thanks everyone! I think I finally straightened it all out in my head!

I also found this thread...Shayna explains how she made her gorgeous skirt.

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-danc...-anyone-2.html