I made that bustle at Costume College a few years ago, but bec. of the time limit, the ruffles didn't include the ruffles. The Truly Vic. ladies said that w/the ruffles, it doesn't need a petticoat, but we would have to either tack on the ruffles after construction or make a separate petticoat to wear over it. I'm going the later route (seems easier as I hate fussing w/things post-construction; it's why I hate hemming pants I buy from the store ;-).