by Serena Smith

What is the easiest method to achieve a nice, full gathered pillow ruffle? This question plagued me for months before stitching several trial pillows and being pleased with the results!

A pillow ruffle adds personality and a unique design element to this important decorative accessory and it can soften the sharp lines of a geometric pillow.

There are a variety of ruffle treatments including single, pleated, circular and double ruffles. A double ruffle (a narrow ruffle on top of a wider ruffle) gives you the opportunity to introduce a new color or fabric into the decorating scheme. But you are not limited to only a single or double ruffle - try a triple ruffle in alternating colors. You never know the effect you can create unless you give it a try!

A double thickness (or self-lined) pillow ruffle is the ideal touch because it looks the same on both sides of the pillow. Your seams are hidden on the inside, so both the front and back of the ruffle show a clean finish. The extra layer of fabric in a self-lined ruffle helps the ruffle retain its shape. This is my favorite way of creating full, luscious looking ruffles!

The finished ruffle width should be in proportion to the pillow size. A 3" finished width (7" cut & 1/2" seam allowance) works for most pillows. A good way to determine the appropriate ruffle width is to cut strips of paper to different widths, place them against the finished pillow size/shape and decide which width you prefer.

Ruffles can either be cut on the straight grain or on the bias. A bias cut ruffle has softer folds, but requires more fabric than a straight grain ruffle. A bias cut ruffle can add a design element to the pillow, especially when using a stripe or plaid fabric.

The key to successful ruffle construction is the fullness. The ruffle should be at least 2-2½ times the pillow perimeter (or circumference). If you are using a very lightweight or sheer fabric, the fullness may need to be increased because the gathers will be closer together.

When adding a pillow ruffle, avoid stretching the ruffle at the pillow corners during construction; instead "stuff" the corners with as much ruffle fabric as possible. This creates a nice ruffled corner.

See a few of my ruffled pillows I have stitched.