How to Make Pleats

Fabric pleats are an easy way to add style to many different items. Pleats are especially prevalent in skirts and window coverings. Items with pleats have an attractive, tailored look. It is simple to make fabric pleats for a variety of sewing projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Ruler
• Iron

1. Determine the width of your pleats and the distance you would like between each pleat. For best results, each pleat should be the same width and the same distance apart.

2. 
   The red lines represent the pleat line, while the blue lines represent the points that will be brought over the pleat line.

   Lay a ruler along the edge of your fabric and make a mark where each pleat will begin. Pin each point in the fabric that will be brought over to the pleat line.

3. Bring each pin over to each red line and pin the fabric layers together to form pleats.

4. 

   Lightly press the pinned pleats with an iron. Stitch a basting line across the top of the pleats to hold them in place.

5. Press the pleats again, taking time to make sure they are neat and crisp. Use the iron's steam setting for the best results.

6. Stitch across the basting line with a standard stitching line to permanently secure the pleats.