This is the last stop on the Bonny blog-a-long! I have already showed how to made a lot of fun modifications to the Bonny Leggings (don’t forget to head to the facebook group for coupon code in the pinned post!!); Hem bands, exposed or enclosed elastic waistband, gusset, bow or normal cuff. Now on to one of the most highly requested… RUFFLES!
This does require a bit of math… or I’ll show you a “cheater way” that makes figuring out those ruffles even easier. I will show you 2 different kind of ruffles, the first is the easiest, since you don’t need to modify your pattern at all. The ruffles will be sewn directly on top the leggings (mustard). The next takes a little more work, but not much (hot pink)! It will definitely be worth the effort.
Starting with easier modification- ruffles on top. I used the shortie length, you could use this method on any length…. even the bottom of your skirt, so cute!!! Cut your pieces out per tutorial. We need to calculate how wide the ruffles need to be. I like my ruffles to be 2 times the width of what they are being attached to. So simply measure the hem of your leggings and multiply that by 2. Size 6- 12.5 x 2 = 25. I wanted little rufles, so I made them 1.5″ long. They can be however long you want them! So for my size 6, I cut 4 pieces (2 ruffles for each leg, you could add more/less ruffles) 1.5″ x 25″.
The “cheater way” or no math way, is SO EASY! Place your ruffle fabric folded width wise, match the fold with the hem edge and cut the non folded edge at the opposite hem edge…. so you have a piece double the width of your hem. Bam, so easy!
Next we need to mark a placement line for the ruffles. Mark a line with chalk or marking pen, .75″ above hem line. Note- I chose not to hem my shorties, if you want to, do so before you mark your lines. Then mark another line 1.5″ above the first. I was going to do 3 ruffles and changed my mind- that’s why you see 3 lines.
Run a gathering stitch down the enter of each ruffle piece. Then find the center of the ruffle by folding in half width wise. Find center of legging hem by doing the same, folding in half width wise.
Match centers. The match short end of ruffle to hem edge. Repeat on other end. The bottom of the ruffle should be even with the bottom hem. You will stitch along the marked line.
Pull bobbin thread and gather ruffle to fit leggings. Leave 1/2″ on each end un-gathered. This will make it easier to sew the legs up later!
Stitch ruffle down the center to hold in place. Make sure you use a stretch stitch here- triple stitch, zig zag or lightening bolt! Pull gather stitches out.
Repeat process with other ruffle pieces. Then finish construction per pattern! So cute right??
Now for these ruffles we need to shorten the pieces to accommodate the ruffle, so they aren’t too long! Mark and fold up your pattern piece 3″ from hem.
Repeat process above to calculate ruffle width. (Measure hem bottom times 2 or cut your piece on the fold the same width as your hem). Cut 2 ruffle pieces 4.75″ x (hem width x 2). For my size 6 it was 4.75″ x 17″.
I wanted two ruffles on each leg, so I measured 3″ above my new cut line and multiplied times 2 for that ruffle width. As you go up the leg, the ruffles will need to be wider. Cut 2 ruffle pieces 4.75″ x width measured. For my size 6 it was 4.75″ x 20″.Run 2 gathering stitches at 1/4″ and 5/8″ along the top of each ruffle piece. Working with the bottom ruffle first, fold the ruffle in half width wise to find center. Fold leggings hem in half to find center.
With RIGHT sides together, match center ruffle to center hem.
Match edge of ruffle to edge of hem. Repeat on other side.
Pull bobbin threads to gather ruffle to fit hem. Leave 1/2″ on each edge un-gathered to ease construction later.
With a 1/2″ seam allowance, stitch ruffle to hem. Pull gathering stitches out. Press seam toward leggings and topstitch if desired.
Mark with chalk or marking pen, a line 3″ above ruffle seam.
Gather ruffle and find center of ruffle and leggings as described above. With RIGHT sides together, matching centers, align the top edge of ruffle to marked line.
Match edge of ruffle to edge of leggings. Repeat on other edge.
Gather ruffle to fit leggings, leaving 1/2″ on each side un-gathered. With a 1/2″ seam allowance, stitch ruffle to leggings. Make sure to use a stretch stitch. Press ruffle down, over seam. Topstitch on the ruffle side to hold in place if desired.
I decided to add a small ruffle, like the mustard ones above, on top!
Continue to construct per pattern. When you stitch the inseam, sew from crotch to hem. Make sure ruffles are flat and each one is matching.
Tada!! Adorable ruffles that you can mix and match for any occasion!
That’s it for the blog-g-long! Which mini tutorial was your favorite?? If you have any questions, pop on over to the facebook group and ask. LAST day to enter the big giveaway!!! Winner will be announced tomorrow! Good luck!!
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Thank you! I have been wanting to add ruffles
Thanks for the discounts and giveaway. We love your patterns.
I loved all of these modifications!
You are so freaking talented! I can’t wait to try some of these.
Love the ruffles.