I have one big issue with pleat instructions in sewing patterns. They instruct you to construct pleats from the right side of the fabric, but we usually mark crease lines on the wrong side of fabric.
That’s a recipe for inaccuracy.
But there is an alternative and I’m here to share it!
Mark crease lines in chalk on the wrong side of the fabric. Then thread trace the lines, ideally in a silk thread. (Silk thread is super slippery, which makes it much easier to remove the basting.)
Pleats are usually marked with a row of small dots that is brought together to meet a row of large dots. Replicate this distinction by using different coloured threads for each set of dots. Yellow thread for small dots; pink thread for large dots.
Flip your work over to the right side. See how easy it is to see the pleat lines? Now, you can press them into place from the right side, as instructed, and machine baste. You’ll have perfect pleats set in place for the rest of your project construction.
I promise this makes life easier!
This is great. Thank you! (I love that fabric. 😍)
I’ve been looking at doing pleats on a neckline, so this is super helpful! Thanks!
Such a great tip. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips and beautiful fabric, look forward to seeing finished garment.
Cool tip! Can’t wait to see this made up, the neckline looks super interesting!
Thanks for that!
I love tips gained from real life experience! Thanks for this.
Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this!
I love pleated skirts, they are probably my favorite thing to wear but I definitely shy away from sewing them because I have such issues making sure the pleats are even! I will definitely use this next time I sew a pleated skirt!
This is an absolutely brilliant idea!
Thanks for the tip. The neckline on your garment looks most interesting and so does the fabric. Can’t wait for the reveal!
Fabric is amazing.
I’m looking forward to seeing the finished item. The pleat detail and fabric look beautiful
I am really slapdash at transferring marking so tend to thread trace and tailor tack everything. It makes life so much easier and although it takes a bit more time upfront it saves an awful lot of ripping out. Your pleats are stunning and that is such an interesting neckline. The fabric is stunning. Can you tell us what pattern you were using or do we wait for the big reveal? Can’t wait to see how this looks made up. Xx
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I’m totally saving this tip for later 😀
Wonderful tip – makes me realise I should be sewing more complicated patterns for myself not just quick and easy . ( made my 3 year old grandson a pair of jeans recently but wouldn’t do for myself!)
Looking forward to seeing your finished garment.
Different COLORS???? That is some kind of Hogwarts magic right there.
Great tip! I’ve often looked at that myself and often forget about tacking! Tailors do this all the time and when I get into sewing a lot of silk I do tacking all the time because I’m afraid any of my markers will leave a stain but I forget it about it otherwise. A great reminder. I too LOVE your fabric here. Gorgeous 🙂
Fab tip, can’t wait to see what you’ve made. I’m kicking myself for not buying that fabric from TMOS!
I can’t believe I never thought of that! This is going to revolutionize my sewing!
It is amazing how the simplest ideas can be the best solution. Thanks for sharing
Brilliant! Lovely neckline – can I ask the pattern?