How to Accordion Pleat Fabric

Accordion pleats are useful with bandannas.

Using an accordion pleat on fabric is an effective way to drape a window scarf or to prepare the fabric for another type of project. The accordion pleat style is not an arduous task if you fold the material evenly along the entire piece. This creates a neat appearance and shows off the fabric design well. Once you master this type of pleat, it is a quick and uncomplicated way to use the material.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Iron (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay the fabric down on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your hands.

2. Pick the size of your pleats. This is often based on the size of the fabric or how much area you want the pleats to cover.

3. Measure the size you desire for the pleats on the fabric. Do this on the fabric closest to you with a ruler. Fold the fabric up under the edge to that measurement. For instance, if you want your pleats to be 4 inches wide, fold the edge of the fabric closest to you under 4 inches. Do this all the way across the width of the fabric.

4. Lay the ruler on each end and the middle of the fold to ensure it is the right measurement. It is important that the first fold is even to ensure the remainder of the folds are as well.

5. Grab the fabric at each end with your thumb and index fingers, holding the length you folded under.

6. Fold this section up over the fabric another 4 inches (or whatever size you chose) for the pleat. Repeat this until you reach the end of the fabric, folding it up and under repeatedly. Once you are finished, the fabric resembles the stretchy middle section of an accordion instrument.

Tips & Warnings

• If the fabric has many wrinkles, press it with an iron before beginning. Do the same with material that doesn't crease well with the accordion pleats -- press the pleats down with an iron. This makes the pleats drape neatly. Set the iron to the temperature appropriate for the material. Use steam if necessary to create neat creases.