Single Layer Cruffle Style Wreath Base

14 februari 2023

SINGLE LAYER CRUFFLE STYLE WREATH BASE TUTORIAL

MATERIALS:

14″-18″ Metal Wreath Form
2 Rolls of 10″ x 10 yds Deco Mesh (Any Color or Colors)
24 Chenille Stems/Pipe Cleaners
Rotary Cutter or Scissors
Self-Healing Mat (optional)
Wire Cutters

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This method is called the "Cruffle" method because it combines curling the ends with pinching and creating a ruffle. Curl+ruffle=Cruffle

STEP 1: CUT YOUR DECO MESH

I am using a 10″ poly deco mesh for this tutorial but any 10″ mesh will work. You will begin by cutting your deco mesh with a rotary cutter on top of a self healing mat. If you do not have a rotary cutter you may use scissors but it will be a little more difficult.

Cut your mesh into 28” pieces. I use this measurement because it guarantees you will get 12 pieces in one 10 yd roll of mesh. We are using 2 different colors of deco mesh for this wreath so cutting 12 pieces of each color will give you the 24 pieces you need to go all the way around.

We are attaching our deco mesh to a 14″ wreath form with 24 chenille stems, here on in referred to as ties. (4 in each section). If you don’t have a wreath form that comes with ties, you can use a regular 12-14” wreath form and add chenille stems to make the twist ties. Visit the tutorial Work Wreath Form-Single Layer Cruffle Method to learn how to make this.

Placing a weight on the mesh makes it easier to cut.

You may need to use measuring tape to measure out your 28″ pieces.

Cut with a rotary cutter on top of a self healing mat for an easier and straighter cut.

STEP 2: MAKING THE CRUFFLES

To begin your cruffle, lay the cut piece down on your table where it naturally wants to curl up on itself. Use something heavy to hold one end. Start by making a small curl on one end. Roll the mesh about 2-3 times making sure that the cut end is completely hidden inside the curl. This helps with the fraying that naturally occurs when you run anything across the cut end.

You can attach a chip clip or clothespin to the middle of the curl to hold it in place.

Use a weight to hold one end down while you make your first curl.

Curl your end about 2-3 times. Make sure the cut end is completely hidden in the curl.

Use the chip clip or clothespin to hold one end while you curl the other end.

While your clip is holding the first curl turn your mesh around to the other end and begin curling that side. Once it is curled, pinch the deco mesh in the center going from one end to the other. Place a weight on the opposite end to make it easier to stay in the center.

Start pinching your mesh in the center from one end all the way to the other end.

Remove chip clip and finish your cruffle.

STEP 3: ATTACHING THE CRUFFLES

Attach your cruffles vertically to your wreath form with the curl side up. If you will be adding ribbon and tubing to the wreath, twist the tie only 1 or 2 turns after placing your cruffle down. You may need to adjust your deco mesh a little to make sure it is centered when you place it down so just give it a little tug on each side.

Repeat process for each cut piece of mesh and add to each tie on the wreath form. Since we are using two different colors for this wreath, alternate between the red and white.