The little you know about a design might have the details hidden that trends in various styles. A single design or pattern does the rounds as a fashion element. You don’t have to wonder as creativity is the nature of fashion. At least you don’t deny this statement after knowing the pretty types of ruffles design.
Have you ever tried to imitate your favorite style of clothing? If you did, you will know that minor details are the game changers for any style. It is something similar with the ruffles. A simple detail of ruffle can change the look of your entire outfit. Those details differentiate the 6 types of ruffles.
You and I dress for the occasion- and now I say choose the ruffle for the occasion. Yes! Different styles of ruffles go with the particular outfit. Scroll it down to understand deeper about the ruffles and the styles.
How to Style Ruffles With Dresses?
Ruffles have been a fashion element since vintage days but trending in the present times. We are welcoming more of the gone styles. And one of the trending vintage styles is ruffles.
The design that is giving a feminine touch to the routine dresses is ruffles. It is complimenting the variety of dress including formal, partywear, casual and even kids.
6 Types of Ruffles To Style Your Dress
1. Single edge ruffle
Single edge ruffle is a basic design that is made with a lengthy but narrow fabric. Gathering the fabric and stitching at the upper end with a minor gap in between each folding creates this design. These types of ruffles are the best for hemlines. You can make this ruffle with a bigger gap between each folding which gives you a flared ruffle. And we can name it waterfall ruffle for its appearance.
You can attach the single edge ruffle to your casual t-shirt or a pencil skirt. It is a perfect design for formal and casual wear outfits. It adds the drama to your outfits but still keeps it decent and classy.
If you want the ruffle with fullness then pick 3X length fabric and stitch it one side with the gathered foldings. For a simple ruffle, a short length fabric is good enough. So, the amount of fabric depends on the fullness of ruffle you want for your outfit.
2. Double edge ruffle
This type of double edge ruffle is similar to the above style. The only difference is the sewing middle of the fabric. When you gather the fabric and sew it in the middle, it creates the double sided design. This kind of stitch makes the upper part and lower part of the fabric ruffled unlike single edge ruffles.
If you want to adorn your dress then you can go for this type of ruffle. It is a captivating ruffle style for t-shirt and sleeves of blouses or gowns. You can choose to attach these ruffles for your special dresses for an occasion. I prefer this type ruffle more for fancy party outfits.
Generally, this ruffle style perfects the hemlines. Some of the designers use it to hide the hemline of an outfit. However, it is a complimenting ruffle design as the foldings stay together. The intricate stitch makes it a magical style and suitable for various dresses.
3. Spiral ruffle
For your understanding- you find this type of ruffles on peplum tops and flamenco dresses. It adds the required flair for your outfit.
Firstly, it is made with a fabric strip that is cut in circle shape and then sewn the straight edge of the inner circle with your dress. You need not gather and stitch the fabric to create the ruffles. The circle shaped strip creates the ruffles by itself. You just have to adjust the stitched fabric into the loose ruffles.
If you see, the spiral ruffles resemble the baby waves. You can add these ruffles at the cuffs, neckline of a coat. It is beautiful when you attach this type of ruffles to your feathery gowns.
4. Pleated ruffle
We all are familiar with pleats as it is common on skirts, shirts and various dresses. You can even create ruffles with pleats. You can add the pleated ruffles for long sleeves for a sophisticated look.
All you have to do for pleated ruffles is take a long strip of fabric and fold an inch of side of it. Then sew the folded fabric and follow the steps till the end of the fabric with the same length of folding. Remember that the stitch must secure each pleat that you sewed which gives you a right type of pleated ruffle.
This type of ruffle is great for formal dresses and when you want to keep the style minimalistic. Sometimes,we prefer wearing less decorative outfits for which you can attach a pleated ruffle.
5. Cascading ruffle
Imagine a spiral ruffle with a slight modification which gives you a cascading ruffle style. This is used for the back of the gowns and hem of the broad necklines. It is alluring to have cascading ruffles at the bottom of gowns as it creates a flare.
You need to pick a larger piece of fabric to make cascading ruffles. Cut the lengthy fabric with broad width and attach the one side of it to your dress or main fabric vertically. Once you finish stitching it, the design appears like loose waved shaped fabric falling over.
Cascading ruffles are great to attach with your favorite skirts. You can restyle your cornered dresses for a fashionable look. I would suggest you to attach this type of ruffles for your party wear outfits.
6. Pattern sewed ruffle
If you are looking for an embellished dress then you can design it yourself. Pick a simple dress and attach it with a patterned sewed ruffle.
Cut a big strip of fabric with medium narrow width. Now draw the zig-zag lines with a light colored pencil and sew it according to the pencil lines. Hold the fabric and sew to get the patterned ruffle. Then try attaching the made ruffle to your mini sleeves.
Patterned ruffles add a retro kind of look to your outfits. It makes your outfit decorative and gives it a new makeover. I prefer this type of patterned ruffle exclusively for sleeves and the hem of necklines. It is no less than an accessory when you attach this styled ruffle to your neckline. Choose beautiful contrast colors and beautify your dress with it.
Things to be Consider While Choosing Ruffles
If you want to wear a ruffled dress then learn a few fashion rules. You must consider the following when you are attaching a ruffle to your dress.
1) Type of fabric
Do you want to make your favourite ruffle design? Then consider the type of fabric you have to choose for making it. All the ruffles styles don’t come out all well with all kinds of fabrics. If you want to make a loose style ruffle then choose a silky fabric. And most of the fabrics cooperate for a gathered stitch- you can pick stiff or a silky fabric for patterned or pleated ruffles.
2) Threads to use
The choice of thread color is important for making a ruffle and for attaching it to the dress. Choose a thread color that goes along with the color of the fabric you want to stitch and attach the ruffle. Never choose the contrast colors as it can show off oddly on your dress.
3) Suitable outfit
For which dress you want to attach the ruffle? If you are combining a formal dress and intricate ruffle then it would be a fashion disaster. Always choose a single edge or pleated ruffle for formal and simple dresses. For party wear and special dresses, you can attach embellished, intricate ruffles like double edge, patterned ruffles. You must learn which type of ruffle looks good on the type of dress you picked.
4) Where to attach
All the types of ruffles are not made to attach on any part of the outfit. A type of ruffle may suit only for sleeves or neckline while another type of ruffle is only for the bottom of the outfit. For example, loose ruffles like cascading spirals are not for necklines and sleeves rather you choose them for the bottom of the dress for a lovely flare. For necklines and sleeves, you can choose other types of ruffles in the above list.
Conclusion
Designing ruffles for your dress is an easy way to style your dress. But it can be a little tricky as there are different types of ruffles. If you are imitating a ruffled dress model then check which type of ruffle suits the dress. For that you must learn everything about the ruffles prior to designing a dress for yourself. The article also helps you pick the ruffled dress for an occasion that makes you look presentable.
