How to Make a Pleat in a Purse

Choose crisp fabrics such as linen to make pleats in purses.

Pleats can give the illusion of fullness without the need for more fabric. They can add style and elegance to fashion like skirts, blouses and even purses. To create that pleated look -- like a tapered pleat -- all you need are a few supplies and some sewing savvy.

Things You'll Need

• Purse
• Tailor chalk
• Ruler
• Pins
• Thread
• Needle
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose a proper purse pattern and material to create tapered pleats. The purse should be made of a fabric that can be folded easily and crisply like cotton or linen.

2. Decide the width of the pleat itself and space between each pleat on the purse. Each pleat should be of equal width and distance apart.

3. Lay the fabric for the purse on a flat surface. Mark the points where each pleat will begin with tailor's chalk, using a ruler. Fold the pleat using a ruler and hold in place with pins.

4. Press the pinned pleats with an iron. Stitch a basting line with a needle and thread across the top of the pleats to hold them in place.

5. Press and crease the pleat again with an iron. Secure the pleat by stitching over the basting line with a sewing machine. Cut excess thread with scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many types of pleats that can be used on purses like butterfly and accordion, to create different looks and styles.

• Slippery fabrics like silk or satin don't work well with pleats.

References

• Bolsa Chica: Pleated purse tutorial
• Sew, Mama, Sew!: How to Make a Pleat