Learn How to Add Ruffles to Any Top
It is never a bad idea to learn some extra sewing technique, so today, I am going to show you how to sew ruffle sleeves. I love these sleeves. They just bring that extra little bit of flair to any outfit!
Tools and materials:
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Shirt
- Sewing machine
- Pins or clips
Set up your sewing machine
To prepare for sewing your ruffles, let’s begin by setting up your sewing machine. First, set it to straight stitch, then make the length the longest it can be and set the tension to zero. You won’t need (or want) to backstitch at all! Simply let your fabric sail straight through! 41
Gather your fabric
Take your fabric and let it glide straight through your sewing machine. You’ll already begin to notice gathering without the backstitch.
Pull the fabric across the thread
Once you’ve threaded through the fabric, separate the front and back threads. Then, using only the front threads, begin to pull. The fabric will begin to gather on the thread and form ruffles.
Attach the ruffles to a shirt
Using pins or clips, attach the ruffles to the straps of the top. Next, sew a straight stitch on the strap - this time adjust the sewing machine length setting to two.
Repeat until complete
Repeat these steps until both straps are covered in ruffles. Remember, that separating the fabric into smaller ruffled pieces may make it easier to attach to the strap.
Talk about an upcycle! There is no arguing that this shirt went through a whole transformation. Sewing ruffles really can take your shirt and bring it whole new life.
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I have a sundress that I want to add some type of sleeve to. I'm going to try this idea.
So cute!