Tips on using a Ruffler Foot Attachment

Have you ever used a Ruffler before?  At a glance, the Ruffler Attachment can look a bit scary, however once you take a look they are easy to use and add wonderful ruffles to any project! 

Ready to Ruffle:

Ten Tips for Ruffler Attachment #86

May 29, 2019Susan Beck

 

An unusual-looking device, the Ruffler Attachment #86 is easier to use than it looks. It only does one thing (with several variations) so it’s quick to learn and fun to use. Ruffler #86 is great for creating long lengths of gathered and pleated fabric for garment and home decorating projects. These tips will help you use Ruffler #86 and you’ll be ready to ruffle!

Tip #1

When you attach the ruffler, place the U-shaped arm on the needle bar so that the ruffler moves up and down with the needle.

Tip #2

Use the Freehand System (knee-activated presser foot lifter) when attaching the ruffler to the machine. The extra lift and the lowering of the feed dog gives a little more room to maneuver the U-shaped arm into place while sliding the shank onto the cone.

Tip #3

The frequency of the pleats depends on the finished look you want. Set the amount of pleating or gathering by using the lever on the front of the ruffle.

 

• Setting 1—a pleat every stitch—this setting resembles tight gathers, especially when combined with shallow pleats
• Setting 6—a pleat every sixth stitch—can be pressed to form knife pleats
• Setting 12—a pleat every twelfth stitch—can be pressed to form knife pleats
• Setting 0—no pleats (useful when short non-pleated areas must be sewn between sets of pleats, eliminating the need to remove and reattach the ruffler)

 

Tip #4

Change the depth of each pleat by adjusting the screw on the front of the ruffler. Turn the screw clockwise for deeper pleats, counterclockwise for shallower pleats. Deep tucks give a pleated look and shallow tucks give a gathered look.

Tip #5

For a knife pleated look, set the screw as far as possible clockwise (deep) and set the lever at 12. Press the pleats after stitching.

 

Tip #6

For a more traditional gathered look, set the screw as far as possible counter clockwise (shallow) and set the lever at 1.

Tip #7

Adjusting the stitch length can also affect the look of the gathered fabric. Set the stitch length between 2mm and 5mm. A longer stitch length gives a softer, looser look to the gathered/pleated edge and a shorter stitch length results in a tighter, fuller edge.

Tip #8

Place the fabric between the separator and ruffler blades, positioning it under the needle to start. Note: The ruffler does not “pick up” the fabric at the start. The fabric must be under the needle so the ruffler can make a pleat and move the fabric.

Tip #9

Once the fabric is between the blades and under the needle, it cannot be pulled back out because it is being held in place by a series of teeth at the end of the ruffler blade. Remove the fabric from the side or out the back of the ruffler.

Tip #10

Stitch at a slow speed (medium or below) to allow the ruffler to “push and pull” the fabric as needed.

 

Additional Information and guidance on using your Bernina #86 Ruffler can be viewed by clicking these links and watching the below videos;

#86 Ruffler