flannel ruffle?
 

is it important to make a ruffle from a bias cut. I"m doing a flannel nightgown for a child??

the bias gives it a nice contrast

I have done lots of ruffles on little girls night gowns, and have never done in on the bias. None of the patterns that I have used called for bias. It is really fun to make pretty little night gowns for little girls. My granddaughters are grown up now and don't want ruffles.

While it might certainly be visually appealing, I see no need to do a ruffle on the bias. I, too, don't know that I've ever had a pattern call for the ruffle fabric being cut on the bias.

I have never used bias for a ruffle unless I wanted a contrast with plaid or stripe fabrics..

..as I sit here reading..in my flannel nightgown with a large ruffle at the hem...I reached down and no, it is not on the bias....never thought of that!

If you are going to cut flannel on the bias, I would starch the bejesus out of it. Flannel is a very loose weave, and starching it will help hold all the threads in position, then pin, pin, pin, before sewing. Good luck. If you do, you are braver than me. Please post a picture of the nightie when finished? I remember as a child wearing flannel nighties and them being so soft and warm. It was like walking around being hugged. ( yes, I was a goofy child, lol!) flannel is too warm for me now....:p

You will find applying the bias ruffle to the garment will behave better; ie, no shredding and the inside edge will lay flatter without curling into the seam. The finished ruffle will also stand up better. I really dislike having the long long strings that pull from a loosely woven fabric.

Perhaps if you use a double fold it would be easier managed than a single layer of flannel.