How to Sew a Ruffle Top
- 1). Get two shirts in the same color or complementary colors. You can recycle a man's shirt and create ruffles from an old t-shirt that is no longer worn. Another option is to purchase material in desired fabrics and colors.
- 2). Choose between vertical or horizontal ruffles for the front of the top. Options include one long dual-sided ruffle going down the center of the top, or several horizontal ruffles placed in strategic areas, such as around the neckline or under the bust. Horizontal ruffles draped down the front to accentuate the neckline or the entire length of the top. The contour of the sleeves from a man's shirt creates a varying length strips that can look stunning to accent the front of a top.
- 3). Cut strips from fabric or old shirt in even widths and lengths. You may want to choose varying lengths for a more dramatic look or small strips to highlight pockets, neck and hem lines.
- 4). Fold the bottom of the strips ¼ inch and use a zigzag stitch to create a 1/8-in. hem.
- 5). Sew a long straight stitch at the top of the strips and then gather to create the ruffle. Ruffles can be tight or loose to fit personal preference.
- 6). Place the new ruffle on the top, right sides together and secure with a zigzag stitch. Continue to add ruffles where desired. When layering ruffles, be careful not to sew the previous ruffle into the new one.
- 7). Create puffy sleeves by sewing ruffles around the armholes of sleeveless tops, tank tops or a man's shirt, with the sleeves cut off.
- 8). Add embellishments such as lace, sequins or small beads. Another idea is to embroider along the bottom of the ruffle.