Quilting Arts TV series 2400 Ruching as Quilt Embellishment project 2408-3 by Cheryl Sleboda Sponsored by Bernina of America and eQuilter.com

Host Susan Brubaker Knapp and quilt artist Cheryl Sleboda

Materials Ruching (pronounced roo-shing) is a 2. Cut a length of thread about 12"–16" • 2" x 18" strip of fabric, cut on grain historical and heirloom sewing method long. Thread the needle with this • Matching strong thread (I use 50wt of gathering fabric. Derived from the thread, knotting the end. Wax the cotton.) word for beehive, ruche means to thread to strengthen it. gather or pleat fabric. This method • Long, hand-sewing needles 3. With the raw edges facing you and has adorned dresses and other fancy (I use Jeana Kimball size 7 starting at the bottom right corner, apparel for many years, but the word Embroidery/Wool Appliqué insert the needle so the knot is on ruche/ruching was first used in the early needles.) the raw-edge side of the fabric. Take 1800s. • Beeswax to coat and strengthen a second stitch at the same spot so thread (I use Mind Your Own the knot will not pull out. Beeswax.) Instructions 4. Sew a running stitch at an angle • Quilt or project to sew the ruched 1. Create a ‘bias’ tape strip, toward the folded edge on the trim onto approximately 1" wide, using the opposite side (the target). Optional 2" x 18" strip of fabric. (Fold the raw edges together lengthwise • 1" bias tape maker so you have a long skinny strip • Heirloom Smocking Template or with the raw edges meeting in the other slotted ruler For More Precision middle.) I often eyeball the lengths and Tip: You can use a traditional bias tape angles I sew but the sewing targets maker, if you have one this size, or use and lines can be marked using this pin method like our grandmothers a tool like the Heirloom Sewing used. Using a pinnable ironing surface, Template or a slotted ruler; you can insert a long straight pin into the board, mark the top and bottom targets, making a mini bridge for the fabric to alternately, to give you something be folded under and pulled through. This to sew toward or draw the sewing ‘bridge’ opening should be about 1". Press lines between targets, if desired. the strip as it is pulled through.

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5. Once you reach the opposite edge target—whichever side the thread exits on—loop the thread over the Use the Ruching folded edge, and sew a running After you have ruched the strip, stitch in a zigzag angle toward the the trim can be used in a variety of opposite fold’s target. You will be projects. sewing a running zigzag in this manner along the full length of the • Turn under the raw end and start strip. Sewing narrow zigzags creates turning the strip into a spiral, sharper gathers and sewing wider taking tacking stitches as you zigzags creates much softer and go to keep it in a flower shape. rounder gathers. Many traditional Baltimore Album quilts have this feature. 6. After about 3–4 zigzags, pull the thread gently to start gathering the • Add the trim in a single strip as a fabric. Take a stay stitch to lock the border or binding accent. figure 1 gathers in place. This will act as an • Use it as a textural element in an anchor—if the thread breaks along art quilt. (figure 1) the length, you’ll have less to re-sew.

Tip: If you need a new length of thread, knot the old thread after pulling up the gathers. Start the next angle with a new piece of thread. muppin.com

© F+W Media, Inc. All rights reserved. F+W Media grants permission for any or all pages in this document to be copied for personal use. • quiltingartstv.com • quiltingcompany.com