Ruffles. Bet you can't use them just once. We've added ruffles to a number of recent projects, and so thought we'd take the time to talk about the accessory that makes our ruffling easier and faster: the Ultimate Ruffler from Janome. This attachment is designed to work with any machine that can accept a snap-on presser foot, which means you don't have to have a Janome. Other machine manufacturers make similar attachments, which work in the same way. It's time to go from flat to frilly.

Janome's Ultimate Ruffler is available at authorized Janome dealers. They have a good dealer locator on their Janome America site to find a dealer near you.

You can certainly ruffle a single layer of fabric, in fact, some people like to ruffle raw-edged fabric to create a chic frayed look. But for our purposes, we're going to work with the most common fabric treatment for ruffling: the folded strip.

1. The rule of thumb for how long your flat strip of fabric should be is approximately 2½ times the length of the edge to which you're applying the ruffle. For example, if you have a 20" x 20" pillow that you want to have a ruffle all around the edge, you would multiple 20" x 4 to get the perimeter measurement (80"), then multiply that measurement by 2.5 (80" x 2.5 = 200"). You will cut all the way across the width of your fabric to get your length. If the fabric has a width of 44" (don't count the selvedges; you want to trim these off), you need to divide the finished length by the width of the fabric to figure out how many WOF (width of fabric) strips to cut. In our sample, 140" divided by 44" = 3.18. Always round UP, so cut 4 strips. That will be plenty.
2. The width of the strip is simply the finished width you want plus your seam allowance multiplied by two, because you will fold the strip in half. Let's say we want a 2½" ruffle on our pillow. Our equation would be 2½" plus a ½" seam allowance times 2 = 6".
3. In our example, we would cut FOUR 6" x WOF strips.
4. Stitch your strips together end-to-end to create one long strip. Press all short seams open.
5. Fold the strip in half, wrong sides together, and press.
   
6. Attach the ruffler to your sewing machine. You'll need to remove the machine's regular presser foot, slide the ruffler under the now-empty presser foot ankle, with the black 'c-hook' OVER the needle screw, then snap the ruffler into place.
   
7. Select a straight stitch, and test your needle drop to make sure it goes in and out of the needle hole in the ruffler easily. There are adjusting screws on the ruffler to move the opening to best match your needle drop.
8. Set the number of stitches between the ruffles by selecting one of the slots on the front of the ruffler. The '1 slot' is a ruffle every stitch. The '6 slot' is every six stitches, and the '12 slot' is every twelve stitches. The six and twelve options are really pleats rather than ruffles.
   
9. Then, set the depth with the screw on the side of the ruffler. The standard ratio is 2 to 1. Tighten to deepen, loosen for a shallower fold. It's important to test gather some practice strips to get the look you want. There really isn't a chart of exactly what settings to use for which applications. It's all about your taste and the finished look you're going for.
   
10. Insert the raw edges of your folded strip into the slit at the front of the ruffler.
    
11. Drop your needle, and start gathering. Keep your fabric moving smoothly and make sure you have enough room at the back of your machine for the gathered strip to accumulate.
    
12. You do not back tack at the beginning or the end of your gathering, because you want the gathers to be able to be adjusted slightly to best fit the edge to which they will be applied.
13. Move the front arm into the '6 slot' and tighten the depth screw to create pleats every six stitches.
    
14. Move the front arm into the '12 slot' and tighten the depth screw a bit more to create pleats every twelve stitches.
    
15. You now have beautiful, long strips of ruffles or pleats to add to your project.
    
16. Janome has two good video tutorials on their Ultimate Ruffler on their website. One shows basic gathering and pleating and the other explains how to use the ruffler to attach lace while gathering.

Comments (31)

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Regarding attachment onto the Janome 7700: Janome America is one of our great sponsors and we use only their machines in our sewing studios, however, we are a totally independent sewing creativity company, and so are not your best choice for very specific trouble-shooting questions. I have not tested the ruffler on the 7700. It should work, however, there may be an attachment modification because of the AcuFeed system on the Horizon. I would suggest contacting your Janome dealer and bringing in your machine to show him/her the particular issues you are having. You could also contact Janome Customer Service here: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

December 07, 2011

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it said:

... I am having trouble with this ruffler. I have been trying to use it on the Horizon 7700 and it was working for a time but now it has stopped ruffling. I have it set on 6 setting and it may do one ruffle but then will sew a continuous straight line of stitching and there will be no ruffles.

December 07, 2011

sharon wardlaw said:

... Can this ruffler be used on the Horizon 7700? I have been having trouble getting it seated correctly and now it may ruffle once and then it is just a straight stitch Please help!!!!

December 07, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Emmy Z. - It does sound like your ruffler foot is not sitting correctly on your machine and everything isn't tighten up enough to withstand the vibration of the foot. If the adjustment screws that position the needle drop aren't good and tight that can cause the foot to slip to one side or the other and your needle wouldn't hit correctly, and if your needle itself isn't super tightly in place, the movement of the foot could dislodge it. The inconsistency of pleating, however, is another matter. It is at the point of where a seam is feeding through the machine; I know that can cause the foot to skip a stitch. Those are just a few ideas, it sounds like the very best idea would be to take the machine and the foot into your Janome dealer and have him/her take look. They will have the expertise to tell what within the set-up might be causing your frustration.

November 30, 2011

Emmy Z. said:

... Well, I'm very frustrated with my ruffler! I have a Janome 10001. Sometimes the ruffler works, and other times it doesn't. It just doesn't catch the fabric to make the ruffles. But, then I'll try it on a different fabric, with the same texture, and it works. It's also not consistent in making the ruffles/pleats. At times, the needle comes completely off the machine, and of course makes so much noise as I realize what's happened! GRRR! I really needs this foot to work because I need to make a lot of ruffles/pleats. Is this a problem with others? I just don't understand the unreliability of it!!

November 30, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - I have not personally tried it on the Janome 10001, but it sounds like you are doing everything right. Setting it up and testing the needle drop using the handwheel is the right idea in terms of adjusting the position of the ruffler. The only other thing I would say is to make sure you have it tightened in place as tight as you can.The vibration of the foot can loosen it if it's not tight. If you still have issues, I recommend taking the machine and ruffler into your local dealer.

November 14, 2011

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it said:

... Hi. I have a Janome MC10001. I just bought the ruffler and really wish there was more instructions on using it. I attached it, figured out how to set the needle so it doesnt hit the foot when stitching, but when i used it....the needled wound up hitting the needle and broke it. It says to adjust by loosening screws, adjust, then tighten screws. Hopefully I dont get too frustrated by this en-devour. Any suggestions will help?

November 14, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Audrey Marie -- we are proud to use Janome machines and have them as a major sponsor, but we are an independent company, so I'm not the best source for technical questions like yours. It would be best if you could get your dealer to take a look at how the ruffler is attached and set up to stitch to make sure everything is in place as it should be. You can also reach Janome directly through their customer service: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 06, 2011

Audrey Marie said:

... I have a Janome threadbanger machine...attached the ruffler...but it pulls my needle out of its "socket"...any advice?

May 05, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Vianki -- we are a completely separate company from Janome, so although they are our Signature Sponsor, I don't always have all the most recent details on all their machines. I do know the 3128 should be able to work with the Ruffler, and if it has snap-on feet, you should have no trouble with the roller foot either. You might want to contact your local dealer or Janome customer relations ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for more specific information. Have fun!

December 20, 2010

Vianki said:

... I have a very basic Janome, the 3128, and I would love to get these accessories (I'm also drooling over the roller foot) but I can't find information anywhere on which machines they work with. Can you help? Thanks!

December 20, 2010

Lisa Zincone said:

... what a nifty little tool

December 18, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi sara alliv -- other than the steps above, I don't have any secret tips to pass along. My only thought is the advice I got from a heavy ruffler user. She said you need to take it nice and slow through the thin fabrics, and speed through the thick ones, eyeballing the gathers as you go along, adjusting accordingly. There is a great free detailed guide at YouCanMakeThis.com https://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/free/free-the-ruffler-unruffled.htm

December 10, 2010

sara alliv said:

... I recently purchased one of these to make the ruffles on pettiskirts for my daughters. I had little trouble attaching it and yesterday practiced with some tulle and it seems to work great. However, today I tried to ruffle some strips of chiffon and the ruffles are all over the place, some tight and some so loose they are barely ruffled. I have tried to adjust it every way possible to no avail. It seems as thought the ruffler can't catch the fabric correctly. Of coure, the ruffler didn't come with instructions and I'm probably doing something wrong! Can anyone give me a hint? I'm so distressed.

December 09, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Kelly G -- Janome is our Signature Sponsor and we use their great machines, but I wouldn't consider myself a detailed expert on all the models, so I'd suggest you run your question by your dealer or the janome.com website. I used the ruffler attachment on a variety of machines and didn't have to mess with the tension at all. If you haven't already, check to make sure your needle is nice and sharp and new and your thread is a strong, good quality polyester.

September 23, 2010

Kelly G said:

... I really like the ruffler but unfortunatley my thread keeps breaking. What tension should I be using? I have the memory craft 11000.

September 22, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Donna -- I ran your question by our friend, and seamstress extraordinaire, Michele Mishler. She helps us out once again with this important tip: "The ruffler is designed for a 1/4" to 3/8" seam allowance, and it will create tucks if the seam allowance is larger. The simplest solution is to trim away some of the seam allowance, and work with a 1/4-3/8" seam."

August 24, 2010

Donna Caruso said:

... I have the Janome Ultimate Ruffler. It does a great job except that I am trying to do a 5/8 inch seam allowance and the seam allowance keeps folding over so I have to stop every few stitches to straighten the edge of the fabric so that it doesn't get stitched into the seam. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

August 24, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Miriams - I'm not a Singer expert, so I can't confirm 100% if it will work with the model 7469, but the box does say, "Can be used with ANY home-use sewing machine". So, I think you're pretty safe.

August 23, 2010

Miriams said:

... Will this ork with Singer 7469?

August 23, 2010

Patti D said:

... Maybe that my problem... I will try that and let you all know.. Thanks

August 18, 2010

Ash_V said:

... I have one and LOVE it! The only thing I'd recommend when ruffling a long strip is to sew together the long raw end of your strip together FIRST before ruffling. Just a basting stitch, really. That way, while ruffling your long strip, the layers of fabric don't separate and the top side get pulled further along than the side on the feed dogs of your machine. After I started doing this, I was a much happier camper

August 18, 2010

Patti D said:

... Hi again, I do have a Janome store close to home, so when I get some time, I will be going up there with my machine and ruffler to see what the problem is. Thanks for your suggestions and I really love this site. I check back each day to see what new ideas are posted.

August 16, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Patti D -- As I mentioned above, it's hard to tell what might be wrong without seeing your machine. We tested our ruffler on several models, and although some were harder to attach it on than others, once in place, it worked great. It is important that the black "c clamp" is in place over the needle screw. If you place the front arm into the "star" position you can move the clamp more freely. You've tightened everything, so that's good. Do you have a lot of seams? All but the thinnest fabric can sometimes can get caught in the guide, which is why we recommend by-passing the tiny fabric guide bar and inserting the fabric straight into the front slit. Keeping a consistent speed, a bit on the slower side, helps as well. Your bobbin thread problem is a challenge; that's usually a sign of a threading issue more than a foot issue. Again, as I suggested to Karla, it might be helpful to take your machine and the ruffler to a dealer for a look-see. Did you watch the Janome videos mentioned above? Sometimes watching it in action helps too. Good luck ... don't give up yet.

August 12, 2010

Patti D said:

... I tried to use this last night. What a mess... I have a Janome machine so I purchased the ruffler attachment on line. Is the attachment supposed to wobble around like it did on mine? I got it working once and did a long strip. Then I tried to do another one and it kept on messing up. All the screws were tightened. My bobbin thread kept on bunching at the bottom. So after I pretty much ruined my fabric strips, I stopped. Any suggestions. I think I would rather just do the ruffle manually...

August 12, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Karla... hmmmm that's a hard one to diagnose from afar. Make sure you've adjusted it to fit your machine - there are two screws in the back to align the needle drop. These screws should be tight. And, your needle screw should be tight to start with. Is your machine shaking at all? If so, go slower, the vibration of your machine might be loosening the screw. Beyond these tips, review any paper instructions that came with the foot. If you still have an issue, you might want to bring the machine and the foot into your local sewing machine dealer for assistance.

August 11, 2010

Karla said:

... I love this gadget! However, I borrowed one from a friend to test drive. We had a hard time getting it to work and it kept unscrewing my needle screw. I am 100% sure it was something we were doing wrong because we have seen it in use before and working perfectly! I will take any advice I can get!

August 11, 2010

Carmen's Custom Creation said:

... I've been wanting one, but didn't want to buy one specifically for my machine, since I would like to update my sewing machine soon. This is perfect, since it will fit on any machine..gonna buy one right now! THANK YOU!!!

August 11, 2010

campncook said:

... This is VERY simular to the ruffeler I got atleast 25 years ago at Sears/Kenmore. I LOVE IT!

August 10, 2010

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it said:

... What a great little tool! I definitely have to get one!

August 10, 2010

Patricia Garcia said:

... Ohhhh! I want one!

August 10, 2010

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