How to Use A Ruffler Presser Foot

In this tutorial, I want to show you how to use a ruffler presser foot – the Frankenstein’s monster of sewing attachments.

What Is A Ruffler Presser Foot?

Picture this: you open a box expecting a simple sewing gadget, and out pops what looks like a mini accordion mated with a typewriter. That, my friends, is a ruffler presser foot. When I first laid eyes on mine, I was convinced I’d accidentally ordered a torture device for fabric. But fear not! This bizarre-looking contraption is actually a useful little tool that creates gathered or pleated ruffles, fast. 

Benefits Of Using A Ruffler Presser Foot

Sure, you could spend hours gathering fabric by hand, muttering curses under your breath as you try to keep everything even. Or, you could slap on this mechanical marvel and let it do the work for you. It’s like having a tiny, very specific robot assistant. The ruffler should create consistent gathers saving you from the special kind of madness that comes from manually gathering five tiers of a skirt. Plus, it can make pleated ruffles. 

Types Of Projects Suitable For A Ruffler

Once you’ve mastered the art of not being intimidated by your ruffler (it can smell fear, I swear), the world is your ruffled oyster. You can ruffle-ify just about anything:

1. Clothing – turn plain dresses into frilly fantasies.
2. Home decor – with a ruffler foot, you can turn your living room into a frilly wonderland
3. Accessories – ruffled scarves that transform you into a fashionista ready to conquer the high seas of style
4. Children’s wear – because kids don’t have enough energy – let’s add some bounce to their outfits.
5. Quilting – add some ruffles, and suddenly your quilt isn’t just keeping you warm – it’s starting conversations, possibly arguments, and maybe even a small rebellion in the linen closet. 
6. Doll clothes – give Barbie the ruffle-tastic wardrobe she deserves.

While the ruffler might look like it could handle anything short of steel plates, it’s best friends with light to medium-weight fabrics. Save the leather and sequins for another day, unless you enjoy the sound of your sewing machine crying.

Understanding Your Ruffler Presser Foot

Parts Of A Ruffler Presser Foot

Alright, let’s dissect this mechanical beast, shall we? The ruffler presser foot looks like it has more parts than your cousin’s disassembled motorcycle. You’ve got the ruffler blade (the part that does the gathering and looks suspiciously like a tiny medieval weapon), the adjusting indicator (for when you want your ruffles to go from “mildly excited” to “full-on frilly frenzy”), the adjusting lever (this one sets the ruffler for gathers or pleats).

There are also various screws and doodads that you’ll swear weren’t there five minutes ago. Don’t worry, they’re all essential – probably.

How A Ruffler Presser Foot Works

Now, brace yourself for some sewing magic! The ruffler foot operates on a principle that can be called “controlled fabric chaos.” As you sew, that scary-looking blade swoops down like a fabric-munching bird, pushing a bit of material into a fold. The adjusting indicator decides how often this little dance happens. 

Compatibility With Different Sewing Machines

Here’s where things get as tricky as trying to thread a needle while wearing oven mitts. Ruffler feet come in different “flavors” to match various sewing machines. There are low-shank and high-shank versions so you need to find the right match or things get awkward fast.

The good news? Many ruffler feet are compatible with multiple brands. The bad news? Figuring out which one fits your machine might require a degree in sewing machine archaeology. When in doubt, check your machine’s manual (you know, that booklet you tossed in a drawer and forgot about), or consult the oracle (aka the internet) for guidance.

So, case in point: my adventure with the Janome 6600. There I was, ruffler in hand, ready to create frilly magic, only to find that the Accufeed system was playing bouncer at the presser foot club. The dual feed foot stood there, arms crossed, saying “Not today, ruffler. This is my turf.”

But where there’s a will (and a different sewing machine of course), there’s a way. Enter the Brother Luminaire, my knight in shining stitches. This machine came with a low shank attachment. Pop that thing on, and suddenly the ruffler fits like Cinderella’s glass slipper.

The moral of the story? When it comes to ruffler compatibility, it’s not just about high shank or low shank. It’s about whether your machine has fancy features that might clash with the ruffler’s style. Can you disable those features? Should you? Sometimes, it’s about having a backup machine that’s more accommodating to your ruffling dreams.

You know, in the world of sewing, where there’s a will, there’s usually an attachment or a workaround. And if all else fails, there’s always the option of declaring defeat – but where’s the fun in that?

In the end, if attaching your ruffler foot feels like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded (yes, I have seen it done!), take a deep breath. It’s not you, it’s the foot. Well, maybe a little bit you. But mostly the foot. We are infallible. 

Preparing to Use Your Ruffler Presser Foot

Gathering Necessary Materials And Tools

Alright, it’s time to assemble your arsenal of sewing supplies. You’ll need your trusty sewing machine (obviously), your ruffler foot (the star of our show), and enough thread to wrap around the moon (or at least your sewing room). Don’t forget a seam ripper – because we’re optimists, not miracle workers. Oh, and maybe some chocolate. It’s not strictly necessary for ruffling, but it helps with everything else in life.

Choosing The Right Fabric For Ruffling

Now, let’s talk fabric. Your ruffler foot isn’t picky, but it does have preferences. Light to medium-weight soft fabrics are its jam. Think cotton, soft linen, lightweight wool – fabrics that gather without putting up a fight. Avoid anything shiny and slippery. Step away from organza, chintz, sequins, vinyl. The ruffler foot and those fabrics are not on speaking terms.

For my tests, I used 2 fabrics – cotton gauze and quilting cotton. 

First up, I had cotton gauze, the soft and cuddly contender. When I introduced it to my ruffler, it was love at first gather. The ruffler created ruffles so even and perfect, they could have won a beauty pageant. 

But then came crisp quilting cotton. The ruffler tried its best, but it was like trying to ruffle a slippery fish. The result? A ruffle rollercoaster! Some folds were picture-perfect, while others were conspicuously absent.

But there’s a secret trick to taming some rebellious materials. Give them a little spa treatment by moistening them along the seam line (with water or spray starch).  When they’re damp (not soaking – we’re not trying to drown them), they become more cooperative.

Preparing Your Sewing Machine

It’s time to prepare your sewing machine for its grand ruffling debut. First, give it a pep talk – tell it how great it is and how you believe in its ruffling abilities (well, you understand, I am joking, right?). Once you’ve boosted its confidence, clean out your sewing machine as there is always plenty of lint hiding in its nooks and crannies. 

Now, here’s a pro tip from the School of Hard Knocks (and Forgotten Bobbins): thread your machine with the correct thread BEFORE you attach the ruffler foot. Trust me on this one. Picture it: you’ve just wrestled that complicated ruffler onto your machine, only to realize your bobbin is almost empty. That’s exactly what happened to me, and let me tell you, taking off a ruffler foot you’ve just attached is about as fun as unraveling a sweater you just finished knitting. Learn from my mistakes, folks – check your thread situation first.

Take a deep breath and prepare to attach your ruffler foot. If you find yourself sweating and muttering under your breath, you’re probably doing it right. And if all else fails, there’s always that chocolate you wisely set aside earlier. You’ve got this, ruffle maker!

Installing the Ruffler Presser Foot

Removing The Standard Presser Foot

Alright, it’s time to say goodbye to your standard presser foot. Give it a little pat and thank it for its service. Now, remove it. There’s usually a lever or button involved – find it, press it, and voila! Your machine is now barefoot and ready for its ruffling makeover.

Raise the needle to its highest position before you introduce your ruffler to the party.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

Attaching The Ruffler Presser Foot

Here’s where things get interesting. Depending on what ruffler you bought and what machine you have, you might need to play a little game of “Does This Fit?” First, check if you need a low shank adaptor. 

Something like this. It’s a very useful attachment sometimes.

I did need it. Snap that attachment onto your machine first. Once that’s in place, you can attach your ruffler. If you don’t need the attachment, go straight to ruffler installation.

So, take a deep breath and approach your machine with the ruffler. Remember – you’re the boss here. Line up the ruffler with the presser foot holder and secure it in place. Persistence is key, and swearing quietly under your breath is totally acceptable. Or loudly,  just make sure kids are nowhere near. 

Now, let’s talk about the ruffler’s secret handshake – the mysterious “arm.” This little appendage isn’t just for show. It’s the key to making your ruffler and machine best friends forever.

As you’re lining up your ruffler with the presser foot holder, you’ll notice a fork-like protrusion. This is your ruffler’s “arm,” and it’s about to get cozy with your machine. Look for the needle clamp screw – that’s its target. You need to slip this forked arm over the screw shaft that holds the needle in place, much like how a walking foot attaches. 

This arm is important because it’s what allows the ruffler to do its fancy dance moves. It connects the ruffler’s motion to the up-and-down movement of the needle bar, creating that magical gathering effect. So, when you’re attaching your ruffler, remember: the arm goes around the screw.

Before you start your ruffling adventure, double-check that both the presser bar and needle clamp screws are secure. Tighten them up like you mean it – your ruffler needs a rock-solid foundation to create those fabulous gathers.

The needle hole in the ruffler is tiny – seriously. I had to squint and hold my breath to make sure the needle was passing through cleanly. So, slowly lower that needle and watch it like a hawk – it should glide through without a hitch. No scraping, no bumping, just a clean pass-through. It’s a small (really small) step that saves big headaches. 

Adjusting The Sewing Machine’s Settings

With your ruffler successfully attached, it’s time to fine-tune. Adjust your machine’s pressure to accommodate the ruffler – you might need to increase it a bit. 

As for tension, start with your normal setting and be prepared to tweak. You might need to loosen it slightly, as if you’re letting your fabric have a bit more freedom to express itself through ruffles.

Finding the right pressure and tension is like making the perfect cup of coffee – it might take a few tries to get it just right. Test on some scrap fabric. After all, practice makes perfect, and in this case, practice makes perfectly ruffled fabric.

What about the stitch length in the ruffle game? In theory, short stitches should gather more fabric and create fuller, more dramatic ruffles. Longer stitches, on the other hand, are supposed to produce more relaxed, subtle ruffles. 

But here’s where it gets interesting. In my hands-on ruffle tests, I found that longer stitches were the champions. I kept my stitch length at 3.5 – 4 mm to make even ruffles. So, my advice? Experiment with different stitch lengths like you’re a mad scientist of fabric. You might find that your ruffler has its own ideas about what works best. After all, in the land of gathers and pleats, expect the unexpected.

Understanding The Adjustable Settings On The Ruffler Foot

Alright, rufflers-in-training, it’s time to notice that your ruffler comes with more settings than your smartphone! 

First up, you’ll notice a bunch of levers, screws, and dials. These are your adjustable settings – think of them as the control panel for your personal ruffle factory.

Adjusting The Fullness Of Ruffles

Want ruffles so full they could double as a fabulous fabric cloud? Or perhaps just a gentle gather that whispers, “I’m fancy, but not too fancy”? The fullness adjustment is your ticket to ruffle nirvana.

Look for a screw or lever that controls the depth of the bite the ruffler takes out of your fabric. A deeper bite means more fabric per ruffle, which translates to fuller, poufier ruffles. A shallow bite gives you more subtle gathers. Play around with this setting on some scrap fabric and make ruffles – not too full, not too flat, but just right.

Most rufflers have numbered settings, often from 1 to 8, where 1 gives you the least fullness and 8 turns your fabric into a ruffle explosion.

Start with a middle setting, like 4, and test on some scrap fabric. Too tame? Crank it up. Too wild? Dial it back. There’s no “correct” setting – it’s all about what looks right for your project. Just be prepared for some trial and error – it’s all part of the ruffling adventure. Also be prepared to adjust this for each project individually. 

Setting The Frequency Of Pleats

Now, let’s talk about how often you want your ruffler to do its thing. This is controlled by the pleat frequency setting. Most rufflers offer options to create a pleat every stitch, every 6th stitch, or every 12th stitch.

Every stitch will give you dense, tight ruffles – intense, compact, and sure to make an impact.

Every 6th stitch creates a more relaxed ruffle, ideal for many projects. 

And every 12th stitch? That’s for when you want your ruffles to be as laid-back as a cat in a sunbeam. These ruffles aren’t in a hurry; they’re just here to add a touch of flair without stealing the show. 

There’s no “right” setting – it all depends on your project and personal taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment. 

Creating Basic Ruffles

Feeding Fabric Through The Ruffler

Now for the moment of truth: feeding your fabric into the ruffler. Approach this like you’re introducing two shy friends at a party. Gently guide the fabric into the ruffler’s waiting arms (or blades, as it were).

There’s usually a little space between the ruffler blade and the separator blade. The separator blade guides the fabric, ensuring that when the teeth of the blade come chomping down, they’re munching on fabric and not your innocent sewing machine surface.

The separator blade keeps the fabric in line making sure it doesn’t wander off where it shouldn’t. This teamwork between the ruffler blade and separator blade is what allows you to create those beautiful, even ruffles.

Slide the fabric in there with the confidence of someone who definitely knows what they’re doing (even if you don’t). Your fabric should be right side up.

Achieving Consistent Ruffles

Consistency in ruffles is like consistency in anything else – it takes practice, patience, and possibly a few quiet words of encouragement to your sewing machine. The key here is steady speed and even feeding.

You want to keep a smooth, consistent rhythm. No sudden moves, no stop-and-start – just a steady flow of fabric feeding into your ruffler.

If your ruffles start looking like they’ve had too much coffee (uneven and jittery), take a deep breath and adjust your speed. Too slow, and your ruffles might fall asleep on the job. Too fast, and they’ll look like they’re trying to escape.

Achieving perfect ruffles takes time. Every ruffle master started somewhere, and that somewhere usually looked a lot like a fabric accident. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be creating ruffles so consistent, they could hypnotize you if you stare at them too long.

Advanced Ruffling Techniques

Ok, you’ve mastered the basics, and now you’re ready to enter the big leagues of ruffling. Strap in, because things are about to get frilly.

Creating Layered Ruffles

Think one layer of ruffles is fabulous? Try stacking them like a fabric layer cake. 

Start with your base layer, then add fabric on top like you’re building a sandwich. Each layer should be shorter than the one below. You can even vary the fullness of each layer for a truly dynamic ruffle experience. Just be prepared for your ruffler to give you the side-eye for pushing it to its limits.

Combining Ruffles With Other Sewing Techniques

Combining ruffles with other techniques is like being a mad scientist, but with fabric instead of bubbling beakers.

Try adding lace to your ruffles for a vintage vibe. Or how about some embroidery on those gathers? Experiment with contrasting fabrics or colors in your ruffles.

Remember, in the world of advanced ruffling, there are no rules – only suggestions and the occasional fabric jam. So go forth and ruffle where no one has ruffled before. Who knows? You might just invent the next big thing in fabric manipulation. “The Triple-Decker Reverse Ruffle Twist” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Troubleshooting Common Issues

I guess now it’s time to talk about the dark side of gathering – when things go sideways, or in this case, uneven. Don’t worry, even the most seasoned rufflers occasionally find themselves in a pickle. 

Uneven Ruffles

So, your ruffles look less like a graceful cascade and more like a drunken zigzag? Welcome to the club! 

First, check your fabric feeding. Are you guiding it as straight as an arrow, or is it wandering like a lost tourist? Keep that fabric aligned! Also, make sure you’re not pulling or pushing the fabric. Let the ruffler do its job – you’re just the gentle guide, not the drill sergeant.

If your ruffles are still rebelling, take a look at your tension. Too tight, and your ruffles will be as stressed as you are. Too loose, and they’ll be floppy. Adjust accordingly, and remember – patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with rebellious ruffles.

Even seemingly well-behaved fabrics can lead you astray. Take quilting cotton, for instance. You’d think it would be good for ruffling, but surprise! I used quilting cotton, thinking I was playing it safe, and guess what? My ruffler decided to play skip-it, missing some folds. The result? Ruffles with some gaps.

And don’t get me started on slippery fabrics. Trying to ruffle those is like trying to herd cats on an ice rink. They slide, they glide, and before you know it, your ruffles look uneven

To combat these fabric rebels, try using a bit of water or spray starch.  

Fabric Jamming In The Ruffler

Sometimes it happens – the dreaded fabric jam. It looks like your ruffler decided to eat your project instead of gather it. First things first – resist the urge to yank your fabric out like you’re starting a lawnmower. That’s a one-way ticket to Broken Needle Town.

Instead, slowly turn your handwheel to see if you can ease the fabric out. If that doesn’t work, carefully remove the ruffler foot and gently extract your fabric. Check for any loose threads or fabric bits caught in the mechanism. 

To prevent future jams, make sure you’re using the right fabric weight for your ruffler. Trying to ruffle leather or denim? It’s just not equipped for it, folks.

Broken Needles Or Threads

Nothing kills the ruffle vibe faster than the dreaded snap of a needle breaking. If your needles are breaking, it’s time to investigate.

First, check if your needle is bent. Also, make sure you’re using the right needle size for your fabric. Using a delicate needle on heavier  fabric is just not going to end well.

Oh, something else: the need for speed – a temptation that can lead to needle-breaking drama. The ruffler prefers a slower pace. When I started to go faster my needle decided it’d rather break than keep up with my speed aspirations. Lesson learned: when it comes to ruffling, slow and steady wins the race (and keeps your needles intact). So, ease off that pedal – and your needles will live to ruffle another day.

For thread breaks, check your threading. Did you miss a guide? Is your following the proper path? Also, make sure your thread isn’t old or weak. 

Troubleshooting is part of the ruffling journey. Each problem you solve is a badge of honor in the Ruffle Scouts. 

Maintaining Your Ruffler Presser Foot

Now, ruffle enthusiasts, let’s talk about keeping your mechanical gathering buddy in tip-top shape. Your ruffler foot has just worked really hard, so it deserves some TLC.

Cleaning After Use

After your ruffling marathon, your ruffler foot probably looks like it’s been through a fabric blizzard. Time for a spa day! Start by gently brushing away any lint or thread bits. Give your ruffler a facial, minus the cucumber slices.

Use a small brush (an old toothbrush works great) to get into all those nooks and crannies. Be thorough – you’re not just cleaning, you’re doing lint excavation. You might find remnants of projects past lurking in there. 

If you’re feeling fancy, give it a gentle blow with compressed air. 

Proper Storage

When it comes to storing your ruffler, think of it as tucking your mechanical child into bed. You want it safe, cozy, and ready for its next ruffling adventure.

Store it in its original box if you still have it. If not, a small, padded box or bag will do. The key is to keep it protected from dust, bumps, and curious pets who might mistake it for a chew toy. (Trust me, explaining to the vet that your dog ate your ruffler foot is not a conversation you want to have.)

Avoid storing it attached to your machine. Your ruffler needs its alone time, just like we all do after a big party. Plus, it reduces the risk of accidental bumps and bends.

When to Oil 

Oiling your ruffler is like buying it a drink to say thanks for all its hard work. Check your manual for specific oiling instructions. Generally, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the moving parts every now and then keeps things running smoothly.

For the particular foot that I have the manufacturer – surprisingly – has added a small manual in good English. I say “surprisingly” because oftentimes the instruction sheet coming with some accessories are written in the spirit of the signs like “Taking a picture in the hall outside the building is forbidden”. Here is the relevant image:

Look for the instructions for your specific foot.

Project Ideas Using a Ruffler Presser Foot

Now let’s explore some projects that’ll make your ruffler foot feel like the star it truly is.

Ruffled Skirts and Dresses

Why settle for a plain skirt when you can create a ruffled masterpiece? Imagine twirling in a skirt with so many ruffles it creates its own breeze. You’ll never have to worry about wrinkles – with all those ruffles, who could tell? You can create something like this skirt from Amazon. 

For dresses, consider a ruffled hem.

Or go full dramatically and create an entirely ruffled bodice. A strategically placed ruffle can turn a simple shift into a conversation piece. 

Add a cascade of ruffles down one side, and suddenly you’re not just wearing a dress, you’re making a statement.

ZESICA Women’s Ruffle Dress

Combine different widths of ruffles for a look that screams “I’m not just ruffled, I’m sophisticatedly ruffled!”

Floerns Women’s One Shoulder Tiered Layered Ruffle Dress

Just remember, with great ruffles comes great responsibility. Doors, car seats, and crowded elevators become your new nemeses. But the looks of awe (and occasional confusion) you’ll get make it all worthwhile. Who needs practicality when you can have fabulous?

Decorative Pillows And Home Decor

Why should your clothes have all the fun? Bring the ruffle revolution to your living room. Create pillows with ruffled edges that look like they’re trying to escape their cushiony prison. It’s a great way to add texture and interest, plus they’re perfect for impromptu pillow fights.

Don’t stop at pillows – add ruffles to curtains, tablecloths, or even lampshades. Imagine a lampshade with ruffles – that’s the kind of whimsy we’re going for here.

GLORY SEASON Velvet Tablecloth

Just be careful not to go overboard, or your house might start to look like it’s been caught in a fabric tornado. You don’t want visitors to feel like they’ve stumbled into a frilly wonderland where every surface is competing for the “Most Ruffled” award. It’s all fun and games until you can’t find your remote control because it’s lost in a sea of decorative gathers.

The goal is to add charm, not to make your living room look like it’s wearing a costume. Unless, of course, that’s exactly what you’re going for – in which case, ruffle on! Just don’t blame me when your cat starts hiding in the ruffles and jumping out to surprise unsuspecting guests.

Adding Ruffles To Existing Garments

Got a plain shirt that needs some pizzazz? Slap some ruffles on it. Add them to the collar for an instant Victorian makeover. Or ruffle up those sleeves – nothing says “I’m ready to party, but also possibly time travel” like ruffled sleeves.

Those plain jeans feeling a bit too… well, plain? Not anymore! Add a ruffle to the hem and suddenly you’re wearing “designer” denim. 

And let’s not forget about accessories. Transform that simple tote bag into a frilly fantasy with a ruffle around the top. Or how about a ruffled headband that makes you look like you’re always caught in a gentle, yet very localized, breeze?

Transform those bland pieces into fabulous creations!

The key to successful ruffling is confidence. Whether you’re making a ruffled skirt or adding a subtle ruffle to a dress, wear your creations with pride. After all, you’ve tamed the ruffler foot – you’re practically a sewing superhero now. 

Liked this guide? Don’t forget to save this pin to your sewing Pinterest board for future reference! This way, you can easily return to this tutorial on how to use a ruffler presser foot whenever you’re ready to use it. For more creative sewing tips, tutorials, and daily doses of inspiration, make sure to follow me on Pinterest.

---