😀 Now THAT question is answered specific to your project and what you’re sewing the ruffles TO. Is it a petticoat with straight panels? Is it a shaped skirt, cut in gored panels made in fashion fabric worn over a mid-19th century hoop? Is it the hem of a shaped bell sleeve of the 1870s?

For the skirt shown in this post, I used the Truly Victorian TV208 trained skirt as my base in plain, sturdy cotton. The ruffles in two different sheer cotton fabrics were mounted on top.

You’ll be fine with 2x. And yes, definitely less fabric needed. But also use it as a learning opportunity so you see how sheer fabric acts with a double length and how you can add or use less in your next project. 🙂

Thank you for your advice. I will do my maths with 2 times : less expensive (fabric, trimming) less Time consuming than 2.5 times but probably looks “Richer” than 1.5..
Best regards

For sheers you could go as low as 1.5 times the length for gathering and up to 2.5 times for more dense gathers. A fluffy 1850s skirt can go with more gathers, especially being a ball gown.

you wrote: “You can do 2 times the length in gathering but it starts to be too much for a period look.” I want a summer chiffon (40 Grs / Ml) 2-tier 1850’s bal dress. How many times the length in gathering should I use?
Thank you again for your amazing work and your patience