Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

denim ruffle

leeds1000 | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

On page 84 in the recent threads issue, It show’s a jean with a ruffle, that you remove then reattatch after shortening. Where can I find denim ruffle? I’ve never seen it for sale. I have blue, grey, and black jeans I would like to do. Can anyone help me out?? Thank you, Leeds

Replies

  1. Teaf5 | | #1

    I believe that the jeans in the illustration were ready-to-wear that already had the ruffle, and the article was explaining how to shorten them while preserving the unique hem. 

    Have you tried a web search for denim ruffle trim?  In a recent discussion on this thread, many posters listed good sources for specialty trims.

    1. leeds1000 | | #4

      thanx tons!

  2. sewslow67 | | #2

    How about taking your jeans to a fabric store and looking for yardage to match or at least coordinate with your jeans?  It's very easy to make your own ruffles.

    1. leeds1000 | | #3

      great idea, thanx!

      1. sewslow67 | | #5

        You are most welcome.  And let us hear about hour this all turns out for you.  Maybe even a photo, huh?  Good luck, and have fun!

      2. User avater
        ThreadKoe | | #7

        You can also cut your ruffles from the legs of old jeans. Cathy

        1. leeds1000 | | #8

          Will probably have too!!

          Thank you, leeds1000

          1. MaryinColorado | | #9

            If you have a serger, it is much easier, quicker, and more gathered by opening the differential feed out all the way.  You don't have to use a gathering foot unless you prefer it, or want to gather and attatch at the same time.  (I've made lots of ruffles from heavy fabrics through the years for little girls.)  Mary

          2. leeds1000 | | #10

            I guess I'll try the serger!! Thanks!

          3. MaryinColorado | | #11

            I use a 4 thread overlock (for the strength) and set the stitch length at about 5 and open the differential feed to wide open.  The needle tensions are around 8 and the loopers around normal.  You may have to increase the preassure foot preassure a bit but I don't on my Huskylock 936.  (After you stitch about an inch, put your index finger of your left hand behind the presserfoot and kind of push the fabric a bit toward the presserfoot if you need to.)  Leave a long thread tail in case you want to gather it even more but I haven't had to do this even with heavy denim.

            I usually just use the standard foot unless I want to attatch the ruffle to the fabric at the same time.  Hope this works as well for you as it does for me!!!  It's the only way I gather or make ruffles anymore...quick and painless.

          4. sewslow67 | | #12

            I love your posts, Mary.  I even copy and paste them into a file on my computer, labeled:  "Mary - The Serger Queen Says ..."  tee hee

            Seriously, I have learned more about serging from you than from most any of my books.

            Edited 6/27/2009 1:02 pm by sewslow67

          5. MaryinColorado | | #13

            awe gee, I'm blushing here.....thanks for your kind words!  I've always wanted to take one of those instructor certification classes but couldn't afford to.  I've just taught myself by trial and (many) errors!  Maybe this will be the year that I actually put together a notebook with instructions, photographs, and samples.  I'd love to teach what I've learned and encourage others to enjoy serging as much as I do. 

            For now, I am having lots of fun exploring many techniques for artquilts.  Everyone here has such great information and so many great tips and ideas to try!  Mary 

          6. User avater
            JunkQueen | | #14

            Mary -- you should do that -- get certified AND put a notebook together. I wish I lived close enough to take a class from you. I always devour your serger posts. The techniques are innovative and the instructions very clear. By the way, thanks for all those posts.....

          7. MaryinColorado | | #16

            It means alot to hear such positive and encouraging words, thank You!  You ladies have given me more than compliments.  You have given me the confidence to consider possibilities again. 

            I've been floundering in a midlife crisis (pardon the cliche') and feeling like I needed to do "something", to find some purpose again.   

            With the longer term goal of doing the serger notebook,  it just might get my motor running to be more productive and focused.

             

          8. sewslow67 | | #15

            I will hold good thoughts for your to get your notebook and materials ready so you can teach, Mary.  You have a way of explaining techniques that are most helpful, and I know your business would grow, should that be what you want to do eventually.  I know I have appreciated you sharing your knowledge and also your encouragement in using a serger.  Until you shared your experiences, I only used mine for finishing edges.  I am now just starting to "put my toe in the water", so to speak, and it's quite fun.  So I thank you once again.

            As my grandchildren would say:  "You rock"!!  chuckle, chuckle

          9. MaryinColorado | | #17

            Bless You Ladies!  Maybe I'll start with some serger potholders for Christmas gifts? 

            I need to do more quick and easy projects again.  It seems since I learned to quilt I've been doing more planning, daydreaming, and playing than actual sewing.  (Mary the Faery, giggle).  Guess I needed this year to follow my Muse and just enjoy the creative process.  I think it's time to be more productive so I have more of a feeling of accomplishment and purpose now. 

            Hopefully I can start putting one foot in front of the other and move forward, I feel like I've been dancing in circles....though I love the dance!  Maybe it's time to trust my wings and fly!

          10. sewslow67 | | #18

            Hi Mary:  I've been thinking about what you said re "floundering", and I can't help but wonder if that might have happened when you had to give up nursing because of health issues.  I think that happens to a lot of us who have had to give up a career that we loved before we had planned on doing so.  I "wandered in the wilderness" (so to speak) after I had to retire due to health.  I am still wandering ...or wondering ...hmmm ...maybe both!  tee hee

            Also, in regards to writing a book:  If you didn't want to write one of those "normal" books, how about going ahead with your notebook and selling it?  You could use that great sense of humor of yours as part of the promotional material ...even title it:  "Mary the Fairy's Serger Tips".  Or something like:  "A Fairy on Your Shoulder:  Easy Access to Serger Tips".  (you get the gist).  Add a detailed index and ...Bingo!  Maybe you could start by writing an article for Threads magazine.

             

          11. MaryinColorado | | #19

            Yes, life really threw me several curves at once and continues to do so.  I still have a great deal to appreciate though and want to live life to it's fullest as much as possible.  Sometimes it's like trying to swim upstream in spite of being afraid of the water.  I know many here at Gatherings are going through some of the same things.  It has helped me alot to know I am not alone.  Thank goodness we all have the common bond of loving fiber and the fiber arts and Threads to bring us together.

            I love your idea of writing a book about serging.  I do feel passionate about it too.  Thanks for sharing your experiences and encouraging me to spread my wings. 

            Glad we have each other to "wonder" and "wander" together!  They say it's the journey that matters most, not the destination, right?  (As long as we aren't speaking of the "final" destination anyway, hehe, which hopefully will be paradise!)  Mary

    2. Teaf5 | | #6

      Good idea--and if you're making ruffles out of jeans-weight denim, you might want to try the circular rather than gathering method so that there is much less bulk at the seam. 

      To make a circular ruffle, you mark and cut concentric circles out of a large piece of fabric, then cut into the circle, hem the longer edge, and use the smaller edge as the straight edge.  The fabric will fall into lovely waves of ruffles, but you won't have to gather the thick fabric or have a bulky seam allowance.

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More