Forming Knife Pleats

Forming Knife Pleats. Adding pleats to a sewing project is a great way to add a decorative feature and remove unwanted bulk from garments. There are many styles of pleat to choose from and use during the course of your fashion sewing, and each has a particular look and use.
The knife pleat (as demonstrated in this tutorial) can often be found on skirts, and its look and design is used to create many straight folds of fabric, all of which travel and form in one direction.
The knife pleat, especially when pressed, gives a sharp and crisp look.
Unlike the inverted pleat we looked at previously, knife pleats are used for basic gathering purposes.
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[@Yardenisrael]

The most helpful video I’ve found and it’s from nearly a decade ago 😂

[@colleenglea]

Thank you!

[@vijayadamodharan7035]

thank you Ms. Lea. it is very nice. beginners can easily understand how to sew the pleats. welcoming your other projects. daily i am spending a time with your blog.

[@colleenglea]

Thank you for your very kind comment.

[@mamalionness]

I have suddenly got the edge to learn how to sew as all stores these days do not cater for gallant ladies any longer. Yours was the 3rd video I watched within 20 minutes and I am in love with you already. Thank you for simplifying it for me.

[@srivatsaa.r.9936]

FORMING KNIFE PLEATS... RESPECTED MADAM INSTRUCTOR, JUST NOW I WATCHED YR ABOVE VIDEO AND MANY OTHERS ON THE SAME SUBJECT EARLIER. IN COMPARISON, I JUDGED YRS IS THE BEST BECAUSE U LEFT NOTHING FOR DOUBTS OR CONFUSION. WELL FOCUSSED VIDEO, CLEAR EXPLANATION TO THE POINT COVERING ALL DETAILS AND EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION MADE THIS VIDEO A TOTAL SUCCESS. YOU PROVED YR METTLE AS AN INSTRUCTOR WORTHY OF FOLLOWING. THANKS Vatsa, INDIA

[@colleenglea]

Thank you so much for your kind compliment Srivatsa, sew happy you enjoyed the tutorial and also thanks for following.

[@ElsaJohn-t8l]

Thank you you make it look so easy love sewing but never did a course I am older now but still over it .I make some things by trial and error have to make uniform skirt for my grand daughter. Again thanks .

[@colleenglea]

It's never too late to learn, when you are ready let me know and I'll help you on that journey. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@FashionAplenty]

Wow your instructions are so clear and this seemed so doable - thank you!

[@colettecribbin1377]

Love the hand sewing .. a calmer way to make ! Adjust! Redesign! Love it amazing ❤

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Colette! 😊

[@colleenglea]

Always do trial pieces before you start sewing. I highly recommend it.

[@mandyoliver3398]

Colleen, you have helped me immensely! I couldn’t figure it out and my mind was going blank. You’ve saved me so much time! I cannot wait to see how my outfit turns out! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@colleenglea]

Hello Mandy. Sew happy to be of help, I'm sure your outfit will look amazing.

[@rayomide5642]

Cute and simple lovely pleated. Thank you😘👍👍

[@colleenglea]

Thank you.

[@amberpehoviack8182]

Beautifully done!

[@colleenglea]

Thank you very much!

[@colleenglea]

It's true. There are some really dazzling effects that can really create some wonderful pieces of clothing.

[@colleenglea]

My pleasure. Always happy to help.

[@denisetymensky8922]

Thank you so much! This tutorial has enabled me to make a 1" pleated skirt that looks wonderful! Your teaching method is wonderful!

[@colleenglea]

You are so welcome Denise! Sew happy you enjoyed the tutorial, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@pamelashinmar5090]

Thank you for showing this video Great way to make pleats

[@colleenglea]

Thank you for commenting Pamela. I'm happy you enjoyed the tutorial.

[@pamelashinmar5090]

@@colleenglea Thank you

[@Mariaamira1]

Great video-very clear instructions. You are my favourite web based tutor for sewing techniques. Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge.

[@ponakaveena2496]

Ossum concept u taught I luv ur way of telling de subject abt pleats

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Ponaka

[@colleenglea]

You can sew either way. I've done it like this for years. Old habits die hard I guess :)

[@marcossoria3814]

Your video is literally the best your awesome teacher you made it look so easy to understand and i feel confident to try it out may you have a good year ❤️

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Marcos for the kind compliment, sew happy you enjoyed the tutorial. You can do it, and the same to you!

[@zuumuu]

Perfect, simple and to the point! Exactly what i needed thank you so much for this video! Happy holidays! :)

[@RaymondNok]

i am making a Dior-like dress and jacket with the help of your videos. I am on your channel at least once an hour every day. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@mdjuweelranarana7893]

সসস

[@nalini8693]

Purrfect Beads

[@fanny3848]

thank you ,every time i watch your vedeo ,i learn something , again you are the best

[@dragonflysridge9875]

Thanks for the tutorial, you made it very easy to understand. By the way, you have beautiful hands!

[@colleenglea]

+Dragonflys Ridge Thank you!

[@colleenglea]

It's something I may consider later this year. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@kabelomoahloli5474]

I like your videos they are short and straight to the point. 👌👌👌

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Kabelo Moahloli!

[@boonedog4460]

This is by far the best tutorial on folding and sewing pleats!

[@colleenglea]

Than you!

[@ChristineL2011]

Agree... I wanted to pleat a doll’s skirt (instead of gathering) and this worked perfectly. Thank you.

[@ajonesATX]

Oh my goodness - I've been trying to press the pleats as I form them (which seems impossible). This is SO MUCH EASIER!!!

[@colleenglea]

Yes I would have to agree.

[@lauradees4625]

Love this!! Thanks!! Adding to the peasant dresses!!

[@colleenglea]

Laura Dees no problem.

[@Synbihan]

Wonderful tutorial! Can't wait to use this when I make my skirt!

[@colleenglea]

Thanks for commenting Rinegade, I hope it goes well.

[@MarieS6060]

Gotta try this thanks, I'm learning so much from your videos

[@innocencyike5630]

This is what I am looking for. Thank you so much and God bless you. How do you know how much fabric that will be enough for your waist measurement. Thanks.

[@colleenglea]

One and half time your waist, depending on the fabric choices Innocency.

[@agnesardisson7140]

Great tutorial! Thanks a million times!

[@colleenglea]

Thank you so much.

[@loulindylou]

Thank-you for that. Just what I needed - great instructions xx

[@colleenglea]

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment.

[@colleenglea]

The beauty of innovation.

[@beethaankful8550]

I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@colleenglea]

Thank you!

[@montegogyal2]

Thanks for the tutorial. Could you please do a video on how to add lining to a maxi skirt?

[@wanderer296]

So well explained. Thanks

[@colleenglea]

You are welcome Rain!

[@keighleysadler1099]

Just what I was looking for. Great tutorial, thanks for the help!

[@colleenglea]

No problem at all. Thanks for your comment.

[@L_NKZ]

Oh my God thank you thank you thank you so much for this you have totally helped me God bless you Miss

[@colleenglea]

No problem L .L Thank you for commenting.

[@daisymeloora6501]

Very good tutorial. Thanks!

[@colleenglea]

Thanks Daisy Meloora

[@ishtarock]

you just saved my daughters skirts...thank you very much

[@colleenglea]

No problem! Glad I could help.

[@zoegirlshalom]

Thanks Coleen, could you tell me how this will be attached or made into a skirt, do you put your pattern over the formed pleats and cut or do you just attach this to the bodice? I also what do you ean by being professionally set

[@Sehara]

Thank you! As always very informative and to the point! I love your tutorials and looking forward to many more of them. ❤

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Sehara!

[@chantellea9938]

You make it seem so easy! do you have a tutorial on how to turn this into a skirt?

[@colleenglea]

The Creators creative Thank you. I don't have any tutorials as of yet re turning this into a skirt but it's something I may consider.

[@magdalenafranica8746]

How would you create horizontal pleats at the bottom of a skirt/dress , i.e pleats would go from left to right rather than from the top of a waistline down? By the way your videos are amazing, I am a novice in all this and find them very easy to follow and then replicate on my own. Thank you

[@ilovegurusahib]

Brilliant thanks a million from my wife.

[@colleenglea]

Happy to help Gurinder, thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@zenamorgan1754]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Your a genius!!!!!

[@colleenglea]

You're too kind :)

[@thewriter9506]

I am trying to create my own patterns...have any advice about the tools to use and where to get them?

[@grahampitt4380]

Thank you - just what I was looking for!

[@colleenglea]

No problem at all.

[@sandiesepulveda7351]

So far this is the easiest pleat tutorial I have found. great video !! I am reupholstering a chair, it had a knife pleat on the bottom, I have those quick pleat tools, but having issues, I have marked my fabric like you did I need a 3 in pleat. when you started to pinch did you end up with a 3 in pleat since you marked and pined at ea. 3 mark.??

[@colleenglea]

Yes. Whatever width your pleat is the pinching will always be that width.

[@TheeLaurenOLauren]

You did an amazing in job

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Lauren!

[@hlengymadonsela1292]

Very slow and engaging ❤️❤️ I just need to attempt

[@colleenglea]

Thank you, glad you found it helpful.

[@varshayakub7819]

you make it seem so easy! i love it

[@nevroth]

Is it possible to do any of the pleat techniques with circles? Say, instead of a circle ruffled, a PLEATED ruffle? **clog wheels turning** I recently sewed premade box pleated ribbon on the outside of a ruffle for a costume, and can't help but thinking how an entire pleated ruffle would look like :)

[@colleenglea]

Curtains use box pleats and inverted pleats mostly. I wouldn't rule out the knife pleat but I don't usually make home furnishings so wouldn't want to give you wrong information.

[@need2bme1]

Hi! I am trying to figure out what measurements I would have to go by in order to create 1 inch pleats?

[@colleenglea]

The skirt can be done either way. If your having many pleats, form them first and then cut out your pattern. If you're only having three or four, cut the pattern out first which will include the pleat measurements. Professionally set means they are creased permanently by a company and will remain aligned.

[@olubimpeolumakin6895]

Thanks for your help.can you show me how to sew knife pleats on a turban.... thanks for your response

[@colleenglea]

Yes I can help! You have to join my Patreon for that one-to-one. Here is the link - patreon.com/colleenglea.

[@sandracharles7920]

thank you this was very helpful for me

[@colleenglea]

Thanks for commenting Sandra.

[@technikolly]

what would you recommend as a good follow up to apply knife pleats? Skirts, which side is up and which is down! what styles would you recommend in applying these? beautiful explanation, simple, informative and gorgeous execution. thanks for sharing!

[@SuchaCaligrrl]

Hi Coleen, I've been wanting to make a dress with pleats however I want the pleats to go from the very top (neck) to the bottom (knee length)... How can I make a dress like that? One where the pleats will not lose its shape. Thank you.

[@colleenglea]

Phew! My pleasure.

[@rohanLuvsBaguetteMan]

This was really helpful!!!!

[@colleenglea]

I'm so glad!

[@aisyahlee2557]

what fabric is the best for this method?

[@colleenglea]

Most fabrics will can be pleated from cottons, silks, polyesters, wools etc...

[@SJUV1]

Hello amiga! Making Pleated skirt, a few inches from me I should start making plissee, ie the ward I seam to the zipper?

[@olgaangelicaheiko4740]

Hola! Si necesito un contorno de 70cm que largo de tela se necesita para hacer este plisado? Es para un cinturón de setenta de contorno. Gracias!

[@colleenglea]

Hello Olga. To make any size pleat, you need to double the width of the pleats to calculate the amount of fabric required.

[@colleenglea]

My pleasure.

[@moumer333]

hi colleen i love your tutorials...very easy and explained well, thanks.. the knife pleats? is this also the way to sew curtains?? can you do a tutorial about that.. thanks a lot

[@colleenglea]

They are just a variety of fabric weight that can be purchased over the internet of at good sewing stockists.

[@Funnything6789]

Great its an excellent thank you much👏😍

[@colleenglea]

You're welcome Nicel😊 Sew happy you enjoyed the tutorial, and thanks for commenting.

[@Funnything6789]

@@colleenglea 😍😘😍

[@colleenglea]

Thank you. Happy to help.

[@Som-Hanoolaato]

Thanks for sharing

[@colleenglea]

Thanks for watching!

[@lou-annrobinson2519]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@colleenglea]

Thank you for taking the time to comment Lou-ann Robinson.

[@eris9497]

this is a great technique..but how to take a measurement for fabric length to make knife pleat on skirt?

[@TishaDMyles]

i love your channel!

[@colleenglea]

Thank you so much Tisha!!

[@colleenglea]

Always try to calculate the type of pleats you're going to use and how much extra fabric they use before purchasing fabric.

[@colleenglea]

Yes it is possible to create a pleated ruffle. Just pleat your fabric first and then cut out the shape.

[@32steppin]

lovely...... how do you measure the material according to your waist when making pleats

[@tripletsplaytime]

32steppin yes would love to know

[@babygirlamy6014]

Hi okie so if u are doing 1inch pleats u times your waist measurement by 3 that's how much fabric u will need but also rmr to add a 2ich for seam and hem allowance

[@chenoashelton596]

Hello! I was just wondering how wide apart to do the markings. I want my pleats to be one inch wide so would I make the markings one inch apart? Thank you so much!

[@colleenglea]

Yes! Thanks for commenting Chenoa.

[@SewPaMc]

When making a skirt from scratch, how do you know how many more inches to add to create pleats?

[@blackbuttafly7]

love this video:-):-):-) can't wait to try on mynfaux leather skirt:-):-) thanx:-)

[@withlovestephaniedenise7024]

Thanks! Do you have a tutorial for box pleats?

[@colleenglea]

I do. Check out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-7e5J4ftiVZ6c

[@orabucheobianuju2822]

How do you know the quantity of fabric to use to make waist skirt with pleat

[@colleenglea]

It's twice the measurement plus garment ease, and give some consideration to the fabric you are using, I hope that helps Orabuche..

[@orabucheobianuju2822]

@@colleenglea Ok tnx dr

[@ciidrooble7351]

Thanks, happy your videos......

[@colleenglea]

Sew happy you found my video helpful Ciid.

[@shwetabaisa8972]

hi...thanks for the video...I had a question, will these pleats get spoiled after a wash in the machine...?

[@colleenglea]

Hello shweta. No but you will have to generally press the pleats again to regain the look of the knife pleats.

[@shwetabaisa8972]

Colleen G Lea - FSBTV thanks a million mam for taking out your time and replying...really helpful video...!!

[@rayomide5642]

How much material can I use for a pleated peplum blouse?

[@rayomide5642]

Many thanks

[@colleenglea]

Multiple three time.

[@thewriter9506]

you rock and I love the accent!!!

[@colleenglea]

Thanks

[@Shiannexxx]

Hi your tutorial was very helpful! what fabric do you use in this tutorial?

[@colleenglea]

I think it was a cotton satin mix.

[@grace-annmiller4127]

Great video I enjoyed it to the max...

[@colleenglea]

Thank you.

[@grace-annmiller4127]

You are welcome!

[@colleenglea]

Thank you.

[@LatinaDonut]

Can you make a video on loose pleats??

[@colleenglea]

I have this video> kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH6yY5qIr6Zmp68 that should help you out Claudia.

[@colleenglea]

You're very kind, thank you.

[@CanzoneEbella]

Thank you, very good demo. I will use this to create the sleeve that resemble the sleeve on the Snow White wedding dress costume from the movie Mirror Mirror. It will be a 2 layers

[@jenyurikouth4984]

Good one. Thanks😅

[@colleenglea]

No problem 😊

[@SheryWilchinski]

when you do it, it looks easy enough for me to do

[@colleenglea]

Haha, thank you.

[@himanyenierieg7508]

I have a pleat sewing foot (the square narrow foot), it seems more practical to use it, but don't know how to set up the guidance measurement, maybe I should do some trials at leftover materials?

[@ewelinagrabowska2030]

in love with your nails ♥♥♥♥

[@colleenglea]

Thanks

[@misswright411misswri]

what would be the procedure if there's a bigger pleat in the middle. For example there are three 1" pleats on either sides and a 3" between those

[@colleenglea]

Hello Miss Jaye, Form the big pleat first, and then create the smaller pleats on either side of the big pleat.

[@misswright411misswri]

Colleen G Lea - FSBTV Thank you! that's where I was going wrong I was doing one side of small pleats then the bigger then the other side. By the way your tutorial is the best I've seen so far #Goodjob

[@colleenglea]

Thank you Miss Jaye!🙂

[@colleenglea]

Make the pleats around 2" away from the zipper area. I think that's what you're asking.

[@nnanakinoa3212]

very helpful tutorial! thank you for posting it! :))

[@colleenglea]

No problem thank you for commenting!