Let’s jump in!
Step 1: Cut two circles any size. Calculate the circumference of the circles. Cut a strip 5” (13 cm) wide and 2 - 3x the length of the circumference.
The circles in this tutorial are 16” (40 cm) in diameter.
The strip in this tutorial is about 2.25x the circumference. 5” x 56” (13 cm x 142 cm) cut from two sections.
Step 2: Sew the strip together and press seams open.
Step 3: Fold strip in half with wrong sides together. Sew one line of loose stitching with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Follow with another line of loose stitching between the first line and the raw edge. Sew as loosely and possible and be sure not to backstitch at the beginning or end.
Step 4: Pull the bobbin threads from the two lines of stitching. Gather, gather, gather until it’s roughly (or should I say, rufflely) the circumference of the circles.
Step 5: Carefully clip the ruffled strip evenly all the way around the right side of one of the circles.
Step 6: Sew all the way around with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance.
Sew 7: Place the second circle right sides together and clip in place.
Step 8: Stitch with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance all the way around except for a few inch opening that a hand can fit through.
Step 9: Turn pillow right side out. Stuff the inside with pillow filling through the opening.
Step 10: Hand sew the opening with a blind stitch.
Step 11: Immediately cut fabric to sew more because they are so fun.
Details
Fabric: Checkered fabric is heavyweight 100% cotton from a thrift store. Teal linen is Handkerchief Meadow Softened from the Fabrics-Store.
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Everything you need to know to start playing with ruffles.
Step by step video tutorial to make your own tote with ruffle ruffle ruffles.
Step by step photo tutorial of each method.
