A Pin Pleating Tutorial

A Pin Pleating Tutorial | HistoricalSewing.com

When I first started making pleated ruffles for my historical ensembles I used straight pins and a ruler. I didn’t know any different. You’ll find a variety of ways to make pleats, but this one worked well for me. And I’ll still use it when it’s the look I’m going for.

So when you don’t have a Perfect Pleater, reach for your pins for a simple method to make gorgeous pleats.

Let’s get started!

You’ll need:

  • Straight pins with metal or glass heads (not plastic and certainly not cheap bead heads or they’ll melt)
  • Ruler – I use my clear ones at 12” and 18” but a seam gauge or tape measure work too
  • Steam iron set at the hottest temperature your fabric can handle

Marking pleat width | HistoricalSewing.com

Pleats pin marked | HistoricalSewing.com

Bringing pins together to create pleats | HistoricalSewing.com

Pleats folded and pinned | HistoricalSewing.com

Lightly pressing the pleats | HistoricalSewing.com

Tips to remember:

  • Cut your fabric or ribbon 3 times the length of your finished trim placement (add a bit more for just-in-case circumstances, especially when making many yards of trim)
  • Hem FIRST
  • Place pins at the same measure for more exact sizing between pleats
  • Press lightly after each pleat folding
  • Baste for a secure hold before mounting to your garment

Finished knife pleats | HistoricalSewing.com

Is this a method you use when creating knife or box pleats?

3 thoughts on “A Pin Pleating Tutorial

  1. Megan says:

    Thank you for the tutorial, it’s very timely. I’m going to be box pleating a ruffle on a bustle dress this month, and this method will probably save me lots of time and heartache. 🙂

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