When I’ve used the ruffler foot, I set the pleating around 2.0. Next, I simply pleat the ruffle first, single layer. Then I pin and sew to the skirt. Although a ruffler foot can be used to ruffle AND sew on at the same time, I don’t use that method.

I was wondering: for gathering you mention a ruffler foot as method D in Step 3. I have this foot too. But how do you match your skirt when using this method? You cannot know in advance how the pleats will work out? If you have tips, I would like to hear :-).

Kind regards
Isabelle

im cheating with my petticoat for civil war reenactment and using nylon netting gathered on top of a cotton, ankle circle skirt.
it gives me the volume i need to i can wear fewer garments that can get tangled up and get very hot as i’m running on the field as a nurse, also less expensive being i’m a college student >_<
to at first glance it looks closer to accurate undergarments I put a single layer of slightly gather cotton over the top of the netting long enough to cover it. Its my first petticoat and im going without a pattern.
The netting or tulle works wonderfully though because theres no need to hem the edge. one simply cuts a length of the netting/tuller to twice the length they need the ruffle to be. fold in half. then baste stitch a 1/4-1/2 inch seam on the folded side of material.
i then thread a ribbon or smooth twine through the casing to easing arrange and pin the "ruffle" to the skirt base. After pinned well sew to skirt base.
cover if desired with fabric.
Its historically accurate in the least as far as i know but its turning out so much lighter but with all the volume i need.

Another thing I like to do is finish the ruffles properly at the top. My favourite method for this is to allow extra fabric where they are being attached and basically encase the ruffle head in that, if possible. Otherwise cover it with either home made self bias tape or ribbon. Much neater. Knowing I have quality undergarments on underneath makes me feel more beautiful even though only I know about them.

My modification is this: set the zig zag as large as you want it (mine was wide but shortly spaced) and just run it through the machine, carefully maintaining your distance from the edge. Then, AFTER you’re done with that, thread the dental floss or strong thread through the zigzag stitches using a dull needle. I used this one from Tandy https://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/1192-030.aspx, but any blunted needle should work (even the plastic yarn needles from big box stores).

This way you don’t have to fight with the dental floss or worry about it wandering away.