Ruffles on "V" neck

I put one onto a Victorian gown for one of my dolls. I used (from memory) some 1" wide ribbon and one of those patent 'ruffle makers' where you fold the ribbon in and out of folds in the ruffle maker, iron the ribbon into shape and then tack it along one edge. The ruffled ribbon I tacked into place 'down' between front and facing, RST, and then when turned right way out I ran a single line of stay stitching about 1/8" in from the edge of the front of the gown. Worked for me, and looks quite pleasing, even I do say so myself. :-)

Just following up to my own post coz I realised (I think) what you were asking, I had to sort of 'dress' the ruffle around the front V, and I just put a tack in to neaten the extra layers at the V.

Dear Juno,

Richard's explanation is good, and here are two other ways you can do it. Self ruffling needs to be cut twice the desired width of the ruffle, plus two seam allowances. I allow 2-1/2 to 3 times the circumference for ruffles; I like them full; however, as little as

1-1/2 times the circumference will work. Remember to fold a pleat in the juncture of the "V" to keep it pointed. Fold the length of the ruffle in half. If you want it soft, don't press it; if you want it more tailored, press the fold. Finish the short back ends, then gather to fit the neckline. Apply it with the raw edges next to the raw edges of the neck. When the facing is sewn and turned, the ruffle will be towards your face.

The second way is to use a contrast, either ribbon, as Richard did, or lace. Face the neck first, then apply the ruffle to the finished edge with zigzag set at its widest. Catch just the bare edge of the ruffle and neck edge with the left swing of the needle; the right swing should go all the way off the fabric. This looks like a whipped edge by hand when completed. Again, the ruffle will face towards your face when completed. And again, fold a pleat at the point of the "V" so it hangs correctly.

Teri

One last question, can this be done with binding rather than facing? Juno

Ah, are you thinking of adapting an unlined bodice? I don't see why not, although I'd still run that line of stay stitching. In the end, that's what will ensure a nice crisp edge and a satisfactory upstand for the ruffle.

You might consider experimenting with some scrap material - I often make two or three bodices for my dolls before I'm satisfied, so I guess I'm used to a bit of wastage!

As an aside, whilst I'm sure the experienced sewists here are used to adapting and altering patterns to fit, they perhaps don't immediately give thought that garments can be donned, and will fit and look good on because the wearer can move arms, fingers, and because flesh gives. Unfortunately an unyeilding porcelain breast plate just *won't* give in the same way, and arms are set in certain positions. The doll can't bring her shoulders back to get buttons done up, so bodices in particular have to be quite precisely made. If the hands are posed with the fingers outspread, that's another problem, especially if the dress has leg o' mutton sleeves gathered at the wrists. I had a very steep learning curve, and steadfastly refused to go down the line of stitching an outfit in place onto the doll!

BTDTGTTS! :-)

Thanks again Richard. This is strictly a playing around kind of thing. If I'm happy with my results I'd move on to fashion fabric. I get these ideas and see if I can go with them. Juno

Goodness me! this is a case of serendipity if ever I saw one. I have just been thinking of doing exactly the same thing!

I had decided to make a short sleeved summer blouse out of a lovely white eyelet fabric I have in the stash and put ruffles on a V neck exactly as you describe.

I had decided that I needed to use my treadle machine and had even pulled out the box of accessories and looked at the ruffler that comes with it and read the instructions on how to use it. I hadn't got any further than that other than to decide that once the ruffles were made, I'd put them between the fabric and the facing and to lap the ruffles one side on top of the other at the bottom of the V.

I haven't done a pattern yet, (and sumemr is quickly approaching so I must get off my arse and do something soon) but I had decided this was how to make it. I was also going to make a knit jumper (sweater) with a V neck to match so that just the ruffles showed when the jumper (sweater) was worn.

Now to read all the other responses and see if anyone has a different or better idea.

Fran

Is there any particular reason why you don't want to use a facing?

Fran

Dear Juno,

Binding is going to blunt the "v" unless you're very careful; however, it can be done. I'd rather see you use a facing, or a lining.

And Richard,

I found this stuff on a card. It was meant to be used for lacing an outer wear corset. A braid with tiny loops, then laced up. Both the braid and the lace were on the card. I used mine for button loops down the front of an 1874 walking suit. But I can see it being used on sleeves with beads as a closure on your difficult hands. Leg 'O mutton sleeves usually fit tight at the wrist, so they really need buttons. I, too, am loath to sew clothes on my dolls. All the clothing can be removed for cleaning.

Teri

Adventure, cussedness, stupidity, lazy, all or none of the above.Just figured if I was trying something new why not go hog wild. Juno

Great minds think alike!!!!!

Huh, an invention of the devil if ever I saw one! Guaranteed to bring frustration down on you double quick! :-)

I've used my Singer ruffler with fascinating results - you can adjust how ruffly you want the ruffles, or you can have teensy pleats. Neat! Nifty! Nice!

You've obviously had far more success than ever I managed!

Mine are old Singer rufflers, used on old Singer machines. I can't speak to more modern attachments or machines on this subject. Sometimes, I've noticed, the latest and greatest really isnt. Great, that is.

LOL. Now that sounds like a challenge to use the gizmo and come up with a halfway decent result. :-)) TV is dull tonight till quite late and my machine is sitting right here next to me so I just might have to give it a go. Mind you before I use it I have to finish off the edge of a Roman blind that is sitting on top of it still under the foot of one of my electric machines, then I have to move the two tables that are supporting the rest of the Roman blind..... Perhaps that challenge might have to wait a while. I'll see how I go.....

:-)) Fair enough, but I suspect that bias will make the project a whole factor more difficult than a facing would do. Let me know how you go.

Reading all the above , took me a CENTURY back ,, When we had , [crochet and/ or embroidered ] Collars [ and ruffles] that were hand stitched to our dresses , and taken off before each washing and sewn on after the washing /ironing ........THAN one day my late mother had a Great idea , she added a little ribbon to eavh collar and put press studs , to the collar and the dress ,,,, My coleague Artist Oli Grauzs , used an old Collar like that , in her work OMA , on my site

, you can see in in the exhibition 'Fabrics Remember".. mirjam

I have a knitted lace collar that I made on my knitting machine. It has a tie, and I wore it over sweaters.