ArtsyOne

One of the first quilts I made had a ruffle. I used the "birthing" method for the quilt so that the ruffle faced inwards, I sewed the edges of the quilt around all 4 sides, leaving a 12" opening, then turned the entire thing inside out. As for the actual ruffle, the fastest method is always to zig-zag over a length of yarn and then just pulling it to the length you need, ruffling along the way.

Macybaby

I normally use my gather foot to create the ruffle, that way I don't have to be pulling threads.

bjchad

You can also just hold back the upper thread with one hand instead of changing the machine tension. That effectively tightens the tension without having to change the actual machine settings.

MamaLinda

More helpful hints from our fabulous board!

Iceblossom

I used to do a lot more with ruffles and fancy finishes than I do now. Birthing method works well, better if you do a curved corner than a sharp angle.

What I found worked best for me came from working with pre-made trims. Let's see how well I can describe it --

First you have your gathered ruffle/lace. Then you have two pieces for your edges cut between 1-1.5 inch (depending on your desired finished size) which can be an entirely different fabric (and needs to be if you are using lace). Fold each of the the edges in half (long way) and pin the lace/ruffle in the middle with one folded piece on one side and the other folded piece on the other, all raw edges together. Sew down using tiny stitches and keeping an even seam allowance. Depending on the fullness of the ruffle you might want to seam twice slightly apart, trim close to the stitch line. Then you open up your flaps, those go around the raw edges of the quilt and the lace/ruffle will hang out. You have to do a bit of fussing and unstitching to connect the two ends. I find this finishes the nicest if you hand sew down both sides but maybe more accurate people can do a tiny zig zag or even straight machine stitch and catch both sides.

meyert

I have made several quilts with ruffles. As mentioned before, the birthing method I like best for the ruffles on the quilt. I like how the edges turns out much better that way. I have pulled a thread to pucker the ruffle material, but I broke down and bought a ruffle foot for my machine and I happy with that
I like the way a ruffle fancies up a quilt for a little girl

[ATTACH=CONFIG]602513[/ATTACH]

janjanq

I have a ruffling foot that came with my sewing machine but I have never used it. Perhaps you have one or could purchase one and give it a try.

just janet

I once found a binding with a ruffle at least 15 years ago at a store called "The Rag Shop", you bought it by the yard. The store has since have gone out of business. I used it on a quilt I was making, my cousin loved it. I have never seen it again in any other stores. I gifted the quilt to my cousin and she still uses it to this day.