Pleats, pleats, pleats, we see them everywhere this season! From pleated skirts to trousers with a pleated waistband, blouses with pleated details, and so much more. Not only do they add an extra touch to your look, but they also often add volume to your silhouette. Learn about the different types of pleats in this article and discover valuable tips from our creative team for sewing pleats
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLEATS
- Knife pleats: all pleats folded in the same direction
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Box pleat: two knife pleats folded away from each other (the folded edges meet on the inside of the garment)
- Inverted box pleat: two knife pleats folded towards each other (the folded edges meet on the outside of the garment)
TIPS & TRICKS FOR SEWING PLEATS
Depending on your chosen fabric, some pleats are easier to stitch than others. Think, for example, of a topstitched knife pleat in a very flowy fabric, as we did with Fausta – it can be challenging. Usually, pleats are easier to sew when using sturdier and more structured fabrics. Flowy and slippery fabrics can make the process more difficult. You also have the option to press or not press your pleats, which can also affect the difficulty level. Discover valuable tips from our creative team below that will make your sewing a lot easier ?
- Pay close attention to the markings – nowhere are markings more important than when stitching pleats. Work with notches and tailor’s tacks to get the best results.
- Stitch to secure the pleats once they are nicely in place, so they will not shift during the rest of your sewing.
- If you want the pleats to lay flat, as with those on the Fausta, you can give them a good press. It is better not to slide the iron back and forth, just press the iron down onto the fabric. This will prevent the fabric from shifting.
- For flowy and slippery fabrics, it may help to hand-baste the pleats before pressing and stitching them. If necessary, use a special spray to stabilise your fabric (spray-on fabric stabiliser).
Now that we have unlocked the secrets of pleats for you, are we going to see you parading around in your me-made pleated skirt soon? Be sure to show us under the 'Your Creations' tab or share them on Instagram with #fibremood. We can't wait to see the result!
