How to Baste Tucks in Sewing

Tucks and pleats add decorative detail to skirts and slacks.

Tucks are typically used in sewing to add a decorative detail or to make a pleat in fabric. Tucks are deceptive because they appear intricate but are actually easy to create. Whether you want to incorporate several small tucks to give a ruffled effect or just want to insert a couple of pleats in the waistline of a pair of slacks, you need to baste the tucks in place first before you can finish your project.

Things You'll Need

• Straight pins
• Thread, colored to match the material you’ll be working with
• Needle
• Scissors
• Dressmaker’s chalk
• Tape measure or ruler

Instructions

1. Mark the location of the tucks on the material with the chalk. Use the tape measure or ruler to make sure that your lines are straight and evenly spaced.

2. Fold the material, lining up your chalk marks to create the tucks. Secure the tucks in place with the straight pins.

3. Baste the tucks into place with the needle and thread. Make small stitches by weaving the needle in and out of the doubled thickness of the fabric using the chalk lines as guides.

4. Knot the thread and clip it with the scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Rather than sewing by hand, you can use a sewing machine to baste the tucks into place if you prefer.

• It will help the tucks lay flat and be easier to work with if you press them with a heated iron after basting.

References

• Home Sewing Projects: 10 Decorative Ways for Sewing Tucks
• Burda Style: Make Pin Tucks!

Resources

• Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers; Julie Christine Col; October 2008