Victorian Ruffles

Victorian Ruffles

A great accessory for any Victorian or Steampunk costume, these ruffles do double duty
working as either sleeves or spats. A decorative ribbing gives a snug fit that is easy to
customize. The ruffles are knit into the piece as it is worked, and not added later, making
this a fun and quick knit.

The ribbing uses some less common stitches which are used for lace. I have included
instructions and links to videos on how to complete.

A size medium is pictured, which fit on both my arm and leg because the ribbing is very
stretchy. If you add ribbon or lacing in the eyelets, but sure to leave enough length if you
want to be able to wear these interchangeably.

Knitting Notes:

1. This pattern uses ruffle yarn (I used Red Heart in the sample, but others could be
substituted). If you have not knitted with this style of yarn before, Red Heart has a nice

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

overview video of how to work with it. I will provide specifics on how to use the yarn in
the pattern. Learn how to knit With Sashay from Red Heart Yarns

2. After each round of ruffle yarn, the worsted yarn is picked up and continued. When
knitting the first stitch of worsted, be sure to get the stitch snug to prevent a gap in your
work.

3. After the work is completed, I recommend sewing the beginning and end together of
each round of ruffle yarn. Only the top of the ruffle needs to be stitched together, so it
is an easy and quick step to give it a more finished look.

4. During the decreases, the circular needle will become too long to use. If you normally
use a magic loop, instead of DPNs, you may want to have DPNs handy. I found the ruffle
yarn did not slide very nicely on the needles and switched to DPNs. I used a metallic
version of the ruffle yarn for this piece. The non-metallic Sashay does slide much more
easily. If you are more patient than I am, you’ll probably have no problem at all.

5. The ribbing pattern requires a multiple of 6 stitches. The pattern can easily be
adjusted in the decreases to accommodate any size. If you’re unsure of the size you’ll
need, a test of the ribbing can be knitted quickly before beginning to ensure it will be
exactly what you want.

Sizes: S, M, L

Length: Approximately 14 inches.

Width of Ribbed Band (Laying flat unstretched) 2.5 (3.5, 4.5) inches.

Yarn:

1 ball Red Heart Boutique Sashay Metallic (Diamonds): Yarn A

1 ball Red Heart With Love (Pewter): Yarn B

Supplies:

#7 circular needle or size to obtain gauge

Coordinating size of DPNs

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

Darning/yarn needle
Hand sewing needle and matching thread
Optional: Ribbon or lacing

Gauge: 17 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in St st.

Abbreviations:
k- knit
p- purl
k2tog- knit 2 stitches together
ssk- slip, slip, knit- see instructions at end
yo- yarn over needle
yfrn- yarn forward around needle- see instructions at end

Pattern

1. With Yarn A, CO 90 (100, 110) in every other opening in ladder.

2. P 1 round in every opening in ladder. Break yarn.
3. With Yarn B, K 8 rounds. Do not break yarn. (It will be carried through the entire
piece.)

Decreases

1. With Yarn A, P 1 round in every opening in ladder. Break yarn.

2. With Yarn B, continue in St st in an 8 row set as follows:
a. K 1 round.
b. On the next round, reduce by 10 stitches evenly.
c. K 6 rounds.
3. Complete decrease pattern a total of 4 times. 50 (60, 70) stitches remain.

Ribbing Set-up

1. With Yarn A, P 1 round in every opening in ladder. Break yarn.

2. With Yarn B, continue in St st.

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

a. K 1 round.
b. On the next round, reduce by 10 stitches evenly. 40 (50, 60) stitches remain.
c. K 1 round.
d. On the next round, reduce by 10 (8, 4) stitches evenly. 30 (42, 56) stitches
remain.
e. K 4 rounds.
3. With Yarn A, P 1 round into every opening in ladder. Break yarn.
4. With Yarn B, K 1 round.

Begin Ribbing

Ribbing Pattern:
Rows 1 and 3 *k2, p1; rep from *
Row 2 *k2, p1, yo, ssk, p1; rep from *
Row 4 *k2, p1, k2tog, yfrn, p1; rep from *

1. Complete the Ribbing Pattern a total of 6 times.

2. Repeat Row 1.

Bind Off
A Picot bind off is used. If you have not used this bind off before, it can be a bit tricky
to understand the first time. You will be first casting on stitches that are then
immediately bound off. If you prefer a video, this one is clear and easy to understand.
[Link]

1. Cast on two stitches using the knit cast on.

2. k2.
3. Pass the right stitch over the left stitch and off the right needle. (This is just like the
basic bind off)
4.* k1.
5. Pass the right stitch over the left stitch and off the right needle.*
6. Repeat from * twice more.
7. Slip the remaining stitch from the right needle onto the left needle.
8. Repeat Steps 1-7 until 1 stitch remains.
9. Break yarn and pass end through last stitch.
10. Weave in ends.

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

11. With sewing needle and thread, gather together the top of the ruffle yarn where the
beginning and end come together for each ruffle and secure. Trim any jagged edges of
ruffle yarn.

Purl Rounds with Ruffle Yarn

When starting the ruffle yarn, fold over the edge and purl through two openings at once.
This will cause the end to lay nicely. Note: This does not apply to the first purl round
when you’re purling into the cast on ruffle yarn.

Purl into each opening in the ladder edge to complete the round. At the end of the round,
purl into two openings again, folding the two together. This is done just like the first
stitch, as pictured above.

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

Finishing Ruffles

Each ruffle round will have two ends meeting.

With sewing needle and thread, run the needle through a few loops from each side of the
opening. Knot and trim ends.

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

YFRN: [Link]
This is used to add a stitch before a purl. If you use a regular yo, a strange twist will
result. From knitting position (yarn in back) bring the yarn forward, as if to purl. Wrap
the yarn up and over the top of the right needle and back around to the front.

SSK: [Link]
Slip two stitches knit-wise. Insert the left needle into the front of the two stitches and
knit.

© Amy Nero 2013

Victorian Ruffles

A note for my knitting friends: I not only welcome, but encourage you to create
products from my patterns for personal use and sale. All individual hand crafters are
welcome to utilize my patterns to create products for sale. I only ask that you do not
resell my pattern as your own. Please simply link or reference my pattern in your listing, if
sold online.

For knitting teachers, you are also welcome to make copies of my pattern for your
students without each of them purchasing a copy and without any special licensing. I
trust you all will be truthful and not use this as an excuse to make copies for all of your
friends. My patterns are priced so as to be affordable to everyone.

Find me online!
Ravelry Pinterest Etsy
or RubySlipperDesigns@[Link]

© Amy Nero 2013