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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: temom
Date: 07-11-2007, 11:24 PM (1 of 5)
What affects the "poof-i-ness" of a ruffle or a gather? Does the width of the ruffle make it less poofy? For example, if I use a gathering foot to make a ruffle, will a ruffle that is 2 inches wide be as poofy as a ruffle that is 1/2 inch wide?

I know that with my gathering foot, the heavier the fabric, the less poofy the ruffle. Has anyone used a gathering foot and sewed over a heavier fabric ruffle a second time? Does this make it poofier?

In case you can't tell, I'm wondering how to make poofy ruffles on denim. I technically don't have any denim right now, as I got disgusted with all that I had and used it as drop cloths when I painted the dining room last week. But before a trashed the denim, I tried to put ruffles on denim shorts (which also were trashed today, but because of the material), but they didn't come out very poofy at all.
Theresa
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007
Total posts: 410
From: paroper
Date: 07-12-2007, 12:25 AM (2 of 5)
The narrower the ruffle, the fuller it will seem. However, if the ruffle doesn't have enough fabric in it, it still won't look wonderful. Most ruffles are at least 2 1/2 times the length of the area they will cover. In very very light fabrics like chiffon, I've done as much as 120 inches of fullness for a 28" waist to make a full skirt. Normally, however, ruffles are 2 1/2-4 times the width. In the case of denum you may not be able to physically gather more than just over 2 times the width, depending on the weight of the fabric. It is very difficult to get a good full ruffle on denum fabric though because of the weight.

You may want to try to gather your fabric over fishing line to get the max. amount of fabric in the ruffle. I like to zig zag over 2 lb test and then sheer it on the line. The weight of the line is such that it is smooth and easy to use and if you can't remove it later, it looks like clear thread and will not distract.
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: temom
Date: 07-12-2007, 08:54 AM (3 of 5)
Thank you, Pam!
I'll have to get the 2# fishing line. All we have here is the thick heavy duty stuff.
Theresa
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007
Total posts: 410
From: paroper
Date: 07-12-2007, 10:02 AM (4 of 5)
It's really handy to have on hand and you should be able to find it for $3 or less.
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: PaulineG
Date: 07-12-2007, 05:35 PM (5 of 5)
Just wondering if your machine is tough enough to sew through a really thick ruffle to secure the gathering if it's made of denim. I guess I'm thinking jeans weight.
Pauline
User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006
Total posts: 901
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