Ruche (pronounced roosh), Ruched, Ruching definition- N. A gathered ruffle or pleat of fabric used for trimming or decorating garments (drapery). V. To gather fabric in a repeating pattern to make a pleat or ruffle.

This chocolate brown crushed velvet drapery with gold faux silk ruched banding and tassel fringe is double sided and hung from medallions above the master bath entrance to make a luxurious statement. I will list the steps to make the ruched banding and how to apply it to the drapery. The photos of the gold ruching are from the actual treatment. The photos of the red ruching are from a sample for better instruction.

• Step 1- Gather banding fabric on both sides to length of drapery. The bands are cut 4″ wide and 3 x’s the length of the drapery for maximum fullness. You’ll need 4 cuts for 2 panels if double sided like this example. I like to use the zig zag stitch at it’s biggest length and stitch over a heavy upholstery thread which will gather the fabric when pulled through the zig zag stitches.

• Step 2- Once the ruched bands are gathered to the proper length and the gathers are evenly spaced, stitch the gathered fabric to flat lining cut to the length of the drapery to stabilize. I like to pin the layers together to keep the gathers from moving or shifting askew.

 

• Step 3- Lay ruched banding on top of drapery fabric and stitch in place

• Step 4- Add trim if desired over raw edges of ruched gold fabric next to brown velvet (hides gathered edge rather than turning under)
• Step 5- Add micro welt to edge of front and pillow case front and back drapery cuts together.

The rich velvet and ruched faux silk banding finish this grand master bath.