Hi everyone, Faith here. I hope that you are all doing well. In the last tutorial, we covered how to add sleeves to the Mini Darling Ranges using the sleeve flat method. I really hope that you all enjoyed it because today we are going to create ruffle sleeves to add to the sleeve that we sewed in the previous tutorial. Flouncy, frilly ruffles add a touch of fun and femininity to any garment, making it such a popular statement piece in fashion.
Let’s get started.
First, decide how long you want your finished ruffles to be. Next, take your ruler and measure the width of the sleeve on your pattern piece and multiply it by two. We are doubling the width of the ruffle because when we gather it, it will shrink in size. Make sure to write down your measurements so that you don’t forget that information when you are ready to cut your fabric.
Note: Add about 1.5″ (3.8cm) to the finished measurement for the length of the sleeve for hemming and seam allowance. You will not need to add seam allowance to the width of the finished measurement, because we measured with the pattern piece, which already has a 5/8″ (1.5cm) seam allowance added in.
Tip: The more body you want your ruffle to have, the larger the number you use to multiply the width by.
I hope that you wrote down your measurements because this is where it becomes handy. Transfer the measurements for the width and length of the ruffle to your fabric using a chalk or fabric pen, then cut your two ruffle pieces (one for each sleeve).
Fold your ruffle seam in towards the wrong side of the fabric at 1/2″ (1.3cm), press, and fold in again at 1/2″ (1.3cm), and press again. Use a straight stitch to topstitch across the hem at 1/2″ (1.3cm) and inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and the end to secure your stitches.
Sew a loose stitch straight across the top long side of the strip. You can do this with a sewing machine (placing it on the longest stitch length) or by hand. Pull the tail of thread at the end of the strip to bunch up the material, creating ruffles. Continue gathering the ruffles until the strips shrink down to the size of your connector piece. In this case, the connector piece is the flat sleeve.
Fold each ruffle piece in half, right sides facing each other. stitch at a 5/8″ (1.5cm) seam allowance. Next, press the gathered edge of the ruffles, so that it lays nice and flat.
Attach the ruffles to the sleeves and pin to keep the sleeve and the ruffles in place. Take it to your sewing machine and stitch at a 1/2″ (1.3cm) seam allowance. Finish your seams to your liking.
Iron along the seam to flatten the material.
Yay!! It is finished, and you now have a beautiful ruffle to enhance the cuteness of this top. I hope that you had fun creating this sleeve detail. Be sure to remove your basting stitches so that they will not show on the outside of your garment.
Here are a few last things you need to know about ruffles:
- When gathering, make sure to leave enough of the fabric out for your seam allowance. That part should not be gathered.
- Always hem your gathered piece before gathering it. Hemming the strips before you sew them in place will make it easier since the material is still straight and flat at this point.
- If you choose to gather by hand, sew a loose straight stitch across the top edge of the material, making each individual stitch 1/2″ (1.3 cm) long or so. Leave a long tail at the end to work with for gathering the material.
- To sew the gathering stitch using a sewing machine, set the stitch length to its longest position, and set the tension as high as possible. Leave a long tail, then adjust the gathers by pulling on the bobbin thread (the thread on the bottom of the fabric).
- Before attaching the ruffle pieces to the connector piece, press the ruffles flat. That will allow for a clean and bulk-free finish.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that you found it helpful and informative. Do you have any feedback or questions? If so, please leave them in the comment section below.
LOOKING FOR MORE MINI DARLING RANGES POSTS?
- Introducing Mini Darling Ranges
- Tester Round Up
- Mini Darling Ranges Hacks
- Flat Sleeve Insertion Method
- Ruffle Sleeve (this post!)
- Patch Pockets
- Peplum Hack
Plus there is a full range of Darling Range’s tutorials that you can use to help sew your Mini Darling Ranges!
- Project preparation
- Pattern alterations: lengthen the bodice
- Pattern alterations: raise the neckline
- Pattern alterations: rounded neckline
- Pattern alterations: fishtail hem
- Sewing & construction: Bodice & darts
- Sewing & construction: Skirt & pockets
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the skirt & bodice
- Sewing & construction: Placket & Neckline
- Sewing & construction: Sleeveless version
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the sleeves
- Sewing & construction: Hemming
- Sewing & construction: Ties & belt loops
- Sewing & construction: Closures
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNminidarlingranges and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
