Folded Pleated Ruffles-Sewing 101

 

Today we are going to talk about pleats:

I love pleats almost as much as pintucks.  Here are some pleated ruffle projects of mine you may have  missed:

Pleated ruffle cardi, Ruffled collar cardi,

Bird skirt, and Knock-off Wrap Dress

Are you ready for today's lesson?

 (check out the old lessons HERE)

 Step 1: Pick some fabric (my favorite part).  Measure your waist and the desired length of the skirt.  Cut 2 pieces of fabric:
waist meaurement (wide) and the desired length + 1/2 inches 


Step 2: Now please go follow the directions from week 3 to sew your skirt. Do not sew the bottom hem.

 Step 3: cut strips 4 inches wide (this will give you about 1.5 inch ruffle so adjust width according you your preference). Depending on the size of the skirt, you'll need 3-4 of these. 
(side note to all you seamstresses out there, feel free to cut your strips on the bias, but if your a newbie, we haven't even talked about "bias" yet so just cut as normal-I did and it turned out fine)

 Step 4: Sew the strips  (right sides together) so they make a super long strips.  Press seam open.

 Step 5: Fold strip in half and press.

Step 6:  If you are a perfectionist, with a sewing marker and a ruler mark every inch.  Then fold and pin.  If you are more a "close-enough" type person, feel free to "eye-ball it".  Pin to right side of bottom of the skirt.

 Step 7: Sew into place, but leave several inches open, where you will connect the ends.  I really hope this next part makes sense.

 Step 8: Unfold each end and sew (right sides together) the 2 pieces.  Press seam open.
 Step 9: Fold it in half and reform pleats.

It should look like this.

 Step 10: Finish ends.  If you don't have a serger, use a zig-zag stitch.

 Step 11:  Press seam towards the skirt.

Step 12: Very carefully top-stitch.

You are done!  Admire your work!

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