*THIS TUTORIAL IS FOR PERSONAL, NOT COMMERCIAL, OR RE-SALE PURPOSES*
This ruffled throw design is the intellectual property of Abby Metz. Please contact Metz Interiors if you are interested in purchasing licensing rights for this design.
I recently finished a bedroom makeover that included this ruffled throw I designed for the foot of the bed which I absolutely loved! It added great texture, colour and interest to the room. While not expensive or complicated to make, it did take hoards of fabric, thread, time and patience! Here's how I did it:
Materials:
To make 2.5' wide, 9' long throw (enough for decorative foot of queen-sized bed), if you want to make a full bedspread, you will need much more:
- 2 King - sized sheets
- 4 spools of thread (or more)
Procedure:
(There are a few ways to do this, I'll describe the fastest/easiest way and give suggestions for more finished alternate versions)
1) Cut 2.5' (+ enough for hem) wide strip from bottom of 1 king sized sheet to use as base:
2) Cut the rest of the length of the material into 6 inch strips:
3) Join 2 strips together. Hem ends and 1 side of the length of the strip. Repeat until all the strips are joined and hemmed.
4) Gather strip along unfinished edge. Pin to bottom of base. Evenly distribute gathered strip along the length of the base - sew in place.
5) Repeat step 4, overlapping the gathered strips by 1/3 to 1/2 until base is covered, leaving at least 1 inch for top hem.
6) Hem top edge, and celebrate finally being done!
Alternate options:
1) Step 4: pin and sew gathered strip in such a way so that when the ruffled is flipped over into correct position, messy edge attatched to the base of the fabric is hidden underneath the ruffle.
2) Step 3: Hem both sides of the strip and proceed with the rest of the instructions for a more finished look.
3) Step 1: cut material base into 5 inch strips.
Step 4: sew gathered strip in-between 2 flat strips from the base. Repeat until all strips are joined.
Step 6: finish with a lining to hide messy underside.
*This way would be ideal if you want to make something larger like a duvet cover.*
OR . . .
If you don't want to spend the time and energy to make one for yourself, I would LOVE to make one for you! Check out my Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/metzinteriors
this is beautiful! great work! i found you via Pinterest :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteWow! I adore this!!! Pinned for later!!!
ReplyDeleteShannon
www.akadesign.ca
OMG YOU DIDN'T!!!!! I have been looking to buy one but no more! Totally going to learn how to sew and make this baby!
ReplyDeletexoxo
jenn
SO making this!!! Thank you! Found you on Pinterest as well.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kim
www.homemakingexpert.com
Love this so much. What color did you use, would be perfect in my bedroom
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute...Great job..
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea. I agree that it is a time consuming project, but well worth the effort. Looks so beautiful once finished.
ReplyDeleteSooo....I have a question for you...Would you even consider making a couple of these to sell??? I can totally understand if it is more than what you are willing to do considering the fact that you are a mother...which is why I would rather pay than do it myself..please email me and let me know! Thanks so much for taking the time to consider this:) You are truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteDid you use 1 king sized sheet for this throw? I was trying to figure out if the directions for 2 sheets were if you were to make it bigger. And did you gather it by hand? I'd like to make it but I'm just a little confused. I don't want to screw it up!:)
ReplyDeleteWOW! I'm just a little overwhelmed with the response to this project - thank-you all!
ReplyDeleteLet me try to answer some questions:
CHRISTIMOM: For this particular throw I used a really soft, dusty, sage-type of green, I loved how it looked with the soft, warm-grey walls in the room - but you're only limited in colour by what kind of fabric you have available to you.
JORGENSEN BUNCH: Yes, I do make these for sale. For the footer (exactly what's depicted in this post) I charge $75 for single, $100 for twin, $125 for queen, $150 for king (all prices in Canadian dollars, excludes shipping). Larger options (ie: full bedspread are 3x more). Colour selection is only limited by what fabric is available to me at the time of order.
PICTURE PERFECT: You definitely need 2 king-sized sheets (or the equivilent of fabric in yards) for the foot of a queen sized bed. Because the gathers require at least 2 times the length of the base and the ruffles need to over-lap, to look right this project requires HOARDS of fabric and thread. As a general rule, whatever you determine your base size to be, you will need approx 4-6 times that amount for the ruffles (depending on how tightly spaced you want the ruffles to be).
I did gather this one by hand (I have issues with my thread breaking when I use my machine and then pull to gather); however, a friend of mine gave me a tip to sew dental floss underneath a zig-zag stitch when doing gathers - it's much stronger and doesn't break when you go to pull it.
If there are any other questions I would be happy to answer them - please feel free to contact me at: metzinteriors@gmail.com
Thanks again for all the interest!
Abby
Oh my gosh I am in love!! LOVE IT!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs I love ruffles possibly more than sweets...
ReplyDeleteI am sweet on this..thanks sew much for the tut...
This has been on my to-do list forever! I've had the material for a while now but it does seem daunting with all the fabric.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!!! Cant wait to make one or 3. ;)
ReplyDeleteI would love to know what size of fabric you use to make the king size throw. I have a king size bed, and would love to make this, just not sure how much fabric to buy. Thanks for posting this! It is BEAUTIFUL! (0:
ReplyDeleteFor a king size bed you'll want to measure the width of your bed and the height to the floor on either side to get the size of the length of the fabric you need (still will be 2.5' + hem wide). If you can't get enough length in yards, you'll probably need to piece 2 pieces together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a VERY cool idea!!!
ReplyDeletejen
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com
Beautiful! It would be nice if you would edit your post to include instructions on how to gather the pieces, including the dental floss trick I just read in your comment!
ReplyDeleteI will be trying this! Love it! Found it on Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this tutorial, I decided that I officially need to learn to sew. :)
ReplyDeletei think it looks amazing. it is so soft and flowy looking. you did a great job and the directions are great. i might just have to try this project...
ReplyDeletexo, cindy
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I'm planning on making this a part of my bedroom makeover. I have a question about step 3: When you say join two strips together, do you mean two of the thinner 6" strips? And is this for the purpose of making it more thick? If so, I'm curious if you think this step could be done with one strip to save on fabric? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYou want to join 2 6" strips together at one end (thus making it twice as long, not twice as thick). Unfortunately, you need 2x the length for the gather to get the ruffled effect - as mentioned, this project takes HOARDS of fabric, and unfortunately there's not really any way around that!
Totally get it now. Thank you so much! This mommy brain just wasn't working correctly when I read it the first time.
ReplyDeleteGeorgeous. I wish that I had a king size sheet set laying around so that I could try this right now.
ReplyDeleteMe encanta. Love it!!! From Spain, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDid you use one king sheet set (one fitted and one flat) or did you use two flat sheets? Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteFound you on Pinterest, and as a girl who makes tons of things with ruffles, I have an indispensable time saving tool to share... invest in a rolled hem foot for your machine. When I make ruffles I'm able to turn the ends under in about a quarter of the time. I only wish I found it sooner than it did :) Beautiful piece, and I can't wait to make one for my bed! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDirections are very clear. I am making it in pale pink for my grandaughter...your prices are appropriate. I planned 12 ruffles and it takes approx. 1 1/2 hrs. to attach each. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI just love this project! Thank you for sharing and making it so simple!
ReplyDeleteI am new to sewing but I think this would be a good project for me to make! Love the ruffles!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! I may have to make one!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I've made some of the chiffon tutu's for my little one and I can imagine how much more painful this would be. Still.... can't wait to make one for my room makeover! Maybe even 2 colors.... :)
ReplyDeleteCoolest thing EVER! As soon as my wedding and honeymoon are over (3 weeks!) This will be my first project! Such a beautiful idea :)
ReplyDeleteHow much for a ruffled comforter for a California king sized bed?
ReplyDeleteHi Marissa:
ReplyDeleteYou'd need approx 6 flat king-sized sheets.
How much would you charge to make one? :)
ReplyDeleteI sell them at my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/metzinteriors) for $150, plus shipping.
DeleteI LOVE this :D Yes, I found you on Pinterest, also.
ReplyDeleteLove it...was going to buy one but I am going to take on the challenge and make one for my girls. We are building a house and so in the dream designing phase right now. Doing a lavendar/black glamorous theme and this ruffled throw will the the crowning piece of the white and black damask duvet. Thank you so much for the simple instructions...as another mom of three busy children I depend on simple things! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI found this via Pinterest today, SO lovely idea ! ^^
ReplyDeleteNice blog you have :>
Satu
Indie by Heart
I'm curious to see a picture of the middle where the 2 6" pieces meet. Is it an obvious split or how is it blended?
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Hi Carolyn,
DeleteWhen I make them now I use fabric I buy by the meter so I can get 1 continuous strip - but, if you have to join pieces together to get a long enough strip it blends in really well with the folds of the ruffles - you hardly notice it, if at all.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your idea and the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteOften while looking at your bed room, the first thing that catches your eye is the bedspread. And, when it comes to bed spreads in Dubai, the swanky yet traditional collection of the city can give every other place, a run for it. If planning to shop some real fine clothed bed sheets, Dubai reckons you with arms wide open.
ReplyDeleteHi! I found you on Pinterest & have had this pinned for a while. I want to make a complete spread for a full sized bed and am trying to figure out how much fabric I need to buy from the store to make it happen (I think this would be cheaper than buying a whole lot of flat sheets). Can you help with determining the amount of fabric needed? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin,
Deletefor a full-size bedspread you will need about 54 meters/yards of fabric if you want it to fall all the way to the floor on either side and have a backing. If you don't want a backing, and just want it to go down to the bedrail on either side, you could probably get away with 34 meters/yards. Hope that helps - good luck! :)
Doing a full bedspread proved to be too daunting, so I just made the foot-of-the-bed throw. Thank you again so very, very much for all your help with measurements and fabric selection and for sharing the tutorial! It'll be a wonderful piece in our nursery.
DeleteThe finished product: http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/159033430562114110_pklsQoSf.jpg
Erin, it looks beautiful! Have you had sewing experience before?
DeleteI am a big DIYer. I LOVE this. I plan on making it as a throw for the end of the bed...bigger than a footer, smaller than a comforter. One idea, as far as the fabric goes, I buy ALOT of my fabric from Goodwill or Salvation Army (or other 2nd hand stores) in the forms of sheets, pillowcases and towels. Sometimes, you can find the "perfect" pattern in a King size sheet for $2. Good buy if it still looks good! Just a little FYI for some people who don't want to spend a ton!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you have these on sale? They're lovely!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/metzinteriors
DeleteThis is so beautiful. I pinned it for later. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJust came across this on pinterest and am in love! Thanks for sharing it!!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Sitll trying to decide if it will go with the quilt I am making for my bed... I'm not sure yet. This is beautiful either way thought!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
This is so beautiful, flowing and girly. I can't wait to get started on it. I'm going to make it into a light summer bedspread for my Queen Size bed because I want to see all of those ruffles on my bed. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this! I am new to sewing but want to make this for my dorm room. I need it to cover the whole bed and reach to the side rails. My bed is a twin XL. So I was wondering what thread count or what kind of fabric should I use?In the picture it looks like it is very soft and flows well. (Being a college kid I need a fabric that is not too expensive, I'd like to keep it around $60 if possible?) you can email me at mdca229@uky.edu
ReplyDeletethanks,
Megan
What a great idea ,i love it!
ReplyDeleteGr Amy
LOVE this! I'm curious how you make the ruffled pillow case you have on etsy...I've been wanting to make new pillow cases for my living room & those would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteSo I ready through every comment to find if my question had already been answered, but it seems no one has asked! I want to make these for my twin sisters who both have twin sized beds, for Christmas. You put up sizes for the larger beds, but none for twin sized. Could I just buy two twin sized bed sheets, and that be plenty? Also, how long did it take you to sew one? Thank you! (:
ReplyDeleteMeasure the height from the floor to the top of you mattress, mulitiply by 2, and add the width of your mattress. That will give you the length you need, then make the width of the throw just over 2.5'. Multiply this amount of fabric by 3 - and then you will have enough for whatever size of bed you want to make it for.
DeleteIt takes me about 8-14 hours to make one of these depending on the size.
Good luck!
Oh my, I love this. I am going to share this idea with my lil Bree girl and see what she thinks about me making this for her new room makeover. Thinking a duvet cover completely covered in these ruffles. She will LOVE it I know. Thank you so much for sharing this. Happy I have joined pinterest and came across this. :) jumping with joy.
ReplyDeleteObrigada por compartilhar seu trabalho, muito lindo. Tentei fazer no cetim mas entortou o tecido, o que será que fiz de errado?Um abraço.
ReplyDeleteThis is ahhhmazing! I've pinned it for later. I'm thinking about making a cover like this for my industrial hamper. It could use some pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteCute idea - could also use it to compliment the color scheme! =)
ReplyDeleteAn idea for everyone, check out good wills,thrift stores, tag sales,etc. For flat sheets. I bought 4 king size flat sheets last week for 2$ a piece!
ReplyDeleteYou may not find exact color/pattern you had in mind though.
Your first step says to cut the base (for queen size end of bed topper) 2.5' is that 2 and half feet up from bottom hem of sheet? Then use rest for strips?
Sorry my brain is not working tonight.
Also how do you create "folds" do you manually gather fabric every 1/2 inch or so and pin it? Do you hand sew it to keep the ruffle effect or machine sew?
You should do a YouTube instructional ;) for the craftily challenged like me..lolz
Thank you for everything! I think buying fabric would be easier, would they even cut it into 6 inch strips?
This throw is beautiful. Checked out your etsy store. Very cute pillows. Thanks for your tutorial. On my to do list.
ReplyDeleteMy sister n law just told me this is what she wants for Christmas.. just a regular size throw..to actually use it as a blanket..can someone please tell me what size sheets I would use and how many
ReplyDeleteDouble folded bias-tape in a contrasting but complimentary color over the raw edge of the ruffles as you sew them to the sheet would be a minimal amount of work, create a tidier seam, a more finished look, and a little pop of color when the ruffles get mussed up, as well.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how CUTE would a kid's bedspread look done in multiple colors?
If I wanted to attempt to make my daughter one for her room she as a twin bed. would I buy a twin sheet set?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Love this
Melissa
Just measure the width of the mattress and the length from the top of the mattress to the floor on either side of the bed. Add them all up and you'll know how much material you need for the base. Then take that measurement and multiply by 3, and you'll know how much fabric you need total(you can buy fabric instead of a sheet if you prefer).
DeleteOh my what a wonderful idea! I want to make a full spread for my full size bed but i want it ovelapping to the floor. Do you think 3 queen size flat sheets would do?
ReplyDeleteFantastic project I have linked you in my last post www.vintagespicenz.blogspot.co.nz very clever lady!
ReplyDeleteI have found that fishing line is much more easier to work with than dental floss and much more affordable, just buy the cheapest stuff you can find. I have seen these made our of vintage sheets, a great Goodwill project as many have previously mentioned. They used all different patterns, each ruffle was a different print, very whimsical. I have been wanting to make one myself, but dread the thought of all that hemming. I am going to have to make myself learn how to use that rolled hem foot. I am still a little confused about attaching each ruffle. I understand the alternate options, but not your original one.
ReplyDeleteI don't really want to read 77 comments on this beautiful throw. Can someone tell me if they have made this for a king size bed and if they needed extra sheets or if this fits well at the end of king size bed.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassie,
DeleteYour best bet for a King-size is to purchase fabric by the yard and use that. Measure the width of your mattress + the height from the floor to the top of your mattress x2, add a couple of inches for seam allowance and multiply the whole works by 3. That should tell you how much fabric you will need to buy.
Good luck!
Abby
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ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that your this blog post inspired me to make a ruffle duvet cover for my toddler's twin bed. I created a post on it at my blog here, http://diyprojectsbynina.blogspot.com/2013/04/urban-outfitters-inspired-waterfall.html
ReplyDeleteI mentioned you in my blog too! ;) Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for the mention! Your duvet cover turned out really cute! :)
Delete