GATHERING RUFFLES
To make ruffles, start with a strip of fabric twice the length of the finished ruffle (for example, twice the circumference or perimeter of a pillow). The strip should be as wide as you want your finished ruffle to be, plus 1 inch for the hem and seam allowance.

Press under one long edge 1⁄4 inch. Press under 1⁄4 inch again; top-stitch the hem in place. Machine-baste 3⁄8 inch from the other (unfinished) long edge. Machine-baste another line 1⁄4 inch from the first basting line. The second line should be closer to the unfinished edge than the first.

Pull threads of both basting lines to create gathers, pulling gently and evenly along the length of the fabric.

With right sides together and the raw edges aligned, pin the ruffle to the fabric, evening out gathers; sew using a 1⁄2-inch seam allowance. Remove the basting. Finish project as directed.