Pleats...How to make Perfect Pleats When Sewing

When shaping a garment, one might use Pleats.  Pleats are often found on skirts, pants, jumpers, dresses, jackets, and blouses. Pleats can be used to provide fullness in an area of a garment or can be used decoratively.

When sewing pleats first you will want to look at your pattern or design your own pattern. If you are following a pattern, this might be what pleats may look like on your directions.

In general a pleat is made by marking fabric in two places for each pleat.  One place where you want to pick up the fabric and the other place where you want to place the fabric.

On this pattern piece the solid line represents the picking up of the fabric and the dotted line represents where you want to move it too.

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Once you have your pleats in place pin them in place.

You want to "train" a flat piece of material to fold in a pleat.  So YOU have to "train" or "Make" it stay in place.

Another great idea is to "pound" your pleats in place.  This is great for collars and jackets too that you will make.  You simply get a piece of hard wood, make sure the edges are sanded and you "pound" the pleats with your block of wood. Do this on a flat surface or table not the ironing board.

Notice how well the pleats are holding on their own.  This is the professional look you will want to attempt when making your own clothes.