I use a piece of wide muslin to the size of the mattress and sew the dust ruffle onto it. I have an antique bed and don't want to mess it up. They make velcro "combs" to get the dog hair and the like out, so I wouldn't rule that out as an option. Other than that....measure how far around the bed your ruffle needs to go and multiply by 1.5. That is how long it should be. Hem the bottom and attach the top to the base fabric, and you are good to go!