How to make crochet ruffles - video and diagram

Finished your project, but it lacks a certain something? Feel like trying a new edging technique, but you're not in the mood for anything complicated? A crochet ruffle is a lovely way of adding a pretty finishing touch. It's really easy but looks sophisticated.
Best of all, it's perfect for all sorts of projects, from hats and gloves and baby blankets to scarves like this lovely neck warmer:
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Ruffles add a touch of romantic fun to even a chunky project, but you'll be amazed how easy they are. This simple but beautifully clear diagram, from the website Etsy, shows how a basic ruffle is constructed. Here, we use a base layer of single crochet, but a ruffle can be started off from any edging.
Just hook double crochets and half double crochets into a single loop to create a fan effect. In this diagram, there are five stitches per loop, then a half double crochet in the following stitch, then five stitches in the next loop. Because there are many stitches coming out of one loop, the stitches naturally create a soft fold that you can tease into the ideal ruffle shape.
Once you've mastered this simple yet eye-catching technique, you'll soon find yourself adding a touch of flouncy imagination to all sorts of creations. For a guide to creating an easy but effective double ruffle, have a look at this clear and informative video from Lisa at Crochet 'N' More:
Once you get going with ruffles, there'll be no stopping you. How about trying this beautiful ruffled bag, with a free pattern available to download from Clare at Bobwilson123:
Ruffles are just gorgeous on a little girl's dress, as you can see here in this example from WonderfulDIY:
And how about this amazing Red Riding Hood-style ruffled cape, from Linda Kaye Smith at Ravelry:
And if you're already thinking ahead to the holiday season, then you won't be able to resist these adorable ruffled fir trees from Katherine Eng at Red Heart:
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