Measurements

• Measure the sides and the foot of your bed, then the distance from the top of the box springs to the floor. You will need to add one inch to the length and width for seam allowances. Add about two inches to the drop measurement for the seam allowances and hemming. If you prefer to make a dust ruffle that has a box springs cover, measure the length and width of your mattress and one inch for your seam allowances.
  
  

Styles

• Dust ruffles can be flat, gathered or pleated. Box pleats are elegant, but flat or gathered dust ruffles are easier to make. Depending on your skill level with a sewing machine, you could opt to buy a pattern or calculate the amount of fabric that you will need yourself. You will need 2.5 yards of fabric for a flat twin bed dust ruffle. Gathers or pleated dust ruffles for twin beds will use at least four yards of fabric. For other bed sizes, Reproduction Quilts suggests that you double your total length measurement to calculate yardage. The downloadable Husqvarna dust ruffle directions attach the dust ruffle to a sheet of muslin or similar lining fabric that covers the entire box springs. (See Resources) This design requires more fabric, but you will have less slippage.
  
  

Fabrics

• Most decorating fabrics range from 36 inches up to 60 inches wide. Buying the widest fabric will decrease the amount of yardage that you need. Cut your dust ruffle in three separate pieces (the lengths time two and the width times one), to conserve fabric. You can also recycle old sheets as fabric for your dust ruffles. A flat king size sheet will provide enough fabric for twin bed ruffles and accessories like bolster pillows.
  
  You can attach a dust ruffle to your box springs with Velcro or upholstery pins. You will need to decide which method you are going to use before you cut your fabric and start sewing. Cut your pieces and sew them together in one long piece. Make gathers or pleats, according to your pattern. Complete your dust ruffle by adding Velcro or attaching it to a box springs cover. Then hem it to the desired length.