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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 02-05-2007, 10:29 AM (1 of 10)
:nc: Please help. I have been sewing for only a few months and ruffles are about to get on my last nerve lol. Does anyone know a better way to do ruffles?? I have been doing them by using 2 rows of straight stitching then pulling the threads to gather it. I know with all the sewing technology and little tricks there has to be some other simple way of doing this. I just completed a pink John Deere twirl skirt for my 5 year old, and after the last ruffle, I was ready to throw the thing out the window lol. :bang:
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007
Total posts: 133
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-05-2007, 11:11 AM (2 of 10)
If you zig zag over a piece of cord or string being careful not to go through the cord but over and under it you can just pull that cord to gather up the fabric -- be sure it is anchored or tied at one end so you don't pull it through.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 02-05-2007, 11:19 AM (3 of 10)
I use 2 lb test fishing line for my gathers...I do the zig zag over the line; it is small and smooth and the gathers slip easily. It is also clear and supple if you can't remove it. Some people like to use dental floss.

My machine has a cording foot that has a hole in the front of the foot. I feed my fishing line through that, put the spool on a thread stand in front of the machine or the floor and the machine take care of the fishing line. Here is an example of that foot.

http://www.berninausa.com/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444176 1451&PRODUCT%3C%3Esku_id=1689949371894135&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574488339253&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181831&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673231833&bmUID=1170692304775
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: grandma C
Date: 02-05-2007, 12:04 PM (4 of 10)
I hate to do ruffels too. I solved the frustration by buying a ruffling foot. It is adjustable so the ruffle fullness can be adjusted.
Grandma C

PS My only problem with the ruffling foot is being able to figure my necessary yardage. :re:
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007
Total posts: 263
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 02-05-2007, 12:49 PM (5 of 10)
Thanks for all of the information. It looks like my husband is going to share his fishing line, he just doesn't know it yet lol. :bg:
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007
Total posts: 133
From: Marianne0310
Date: 02-06-2007, 09:37 PM (6 of 10)
Easy Ruffling

Depending on the fabric, you can use the bobbin thread the same way you would use fishing line. I hope I can describe this correctly.

Place the needle where you want to start to ruffle.
Put the presser foot down.
Turn the wheel so that the needle goes through the fabric just once, and bring up the bobbin thread with the needle.
Now the top thread and the bobbin thread should be on top of the fabric.
Pull out both treads for a few inches. ( more if you need more ruffling)
Put the machine on the zigzag stitch. ( I like to us a wide stitch)
Now zigzag on top of the two threads, and as you stitch you'll see how easy and even the ruffling will happen. When I have a lot of ruffling to do I usually will start another ruffling stitch at the side seams.

I hope this helped. I've been using this method of ruffling for as long as I can remember.

Marianne
User: Marianne0310
Member since: 12-31-2006
Total posts: 6
From: PaulineG
Date: 02-07-2007, 12:09 AM (7 of 10)
Turn the wheel so that the needle goes through the fabric just once, and bring up the bobbin thread with the needle.

2 Questions - do you mean the leftover (tail) thread of bobbin is what you're bringing through?

Does this mean that the length of the threads should be equal to the amount of fabric?
Pauline
User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006
Total posts: 901
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 02-07-2007, 10:09 AM (8 of 10)
Thanks Marianne I am going to try that. I think I know what you are talking about lol
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007
Total posts: 133
From: Marianne0310
Date: 02-07-2007, 07:46 PM (9 of 10)
Hi...it's me Marianne

Pauline I'm not sure if I can picture what you're asking, but I'll give it a try.

The thread that you pull up through the one stitch that you take is the bobbin thread. ( I hope that's the answer you're looking for)
The length of the thread depends on how much fabric you want to ruffle. ( I always pull out more a few more inches than I think Ill need)

If you want to practice on a few scraps of fabric.

I use this method with just about everything I ruffle. Lately I've made mostly doll clothes.

I hope that helped.

Thanks,
Marianne
User: Marianne0310
Member since: 12-31-2006
Total posts: 6
From: Marianne0310
Date: 02-07-2007, 08:04 PM (10 of 10)
Hi addicted to sewing

There's nothing more fun than sewing for your two little girls.

Enjoy, they'll be all grown before you know it.

Marianne
User: Marianne0310
Member since: 12-31-2006
Total posts: 6
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