All about smocking pleaters | Highly requested video

[@yoshclements6951]

Thank you for being so informative and so real in all of your personal opinions. I've never used this Amanda-Jane pleater I bought years ago with the intention of learning it but when I bought it, the written instructions were the only way to learn from. I thank you alot for putting up this video. I've subscribed AND really looking forward to actually creating something as my boys are now teenagers but I can use it for my 12 year old niece.

[@cincen5242]

Sarah you could use a piece of rubberized shelf liner to prevent the pleater from sliding or moving around.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

oh.my.goodness. You are brilliant. I will give that a try -- thanks.

[@cincen5242]

Your welcome.

[@onemercilessming1342]

I would highly recommend that, if you're buying a pleater (and I did), you go to a REPUTABLE sewing machine center. They don't usually keep them in stock (not much call for smocking pleaters--especially in So Cal), but they will order one, insert the needles for you, and they almost always have a few pleater needles (brand name) in stock. If you need to replace ALL your needles (I have had to do that when my son-in-law stepped on the pleater when I left it to use the bathroom; yes, I do my pleating on the floor), you will have to order them. I checked on eBay and some of the reviews of the seller were, well, less than flattering when the needles were SUPPOSED to fit a particular machine and did not.

[@catreid1019]

I just got an Amanda Jane from ebay and am so excited to not have to do the dots anymore (they are hard to find these days as well). I think I've watched this video ten times at least. Thank you for demystifying them for me!

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Hahaaa of course, happy to hear that.

[@leetingchin9216]

It was from your earlier video that I learned about Amanda Jane pleaters, that they are one of the best and made in Australia. Sadly they are no longer in production and that was why I bought a used Super Amanda from a lady who bought it direct from the very man who built these pleaters in his own workshop! Anyway, great informative video as usual, keep it up! :)

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Oh wow, lucky you! Yeah, I've heard a couple of the other brands have gone out of production, too. Didn't realize the Amanda Jane was in that group. Thanks Lee :-)

[@onemercilessming1342]

Slowvannah Sewing: It is quite discouraging that these pleater companies are halting production of pleaters. It seems that, now that Martha Pullen has retired, the needle arts are only practiced in the deep South. Where I live in So Cal, there isn't an heirloom shop within over 100 miles from me. They are rare out here--I order most things from shops in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The shop I frequented moved several times and appears to have gone out of business (The Smocking Bonnet).

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

For those in the UK, Princess pleaters are still in production.

[@maryz7432]

Another alternative for holding your thread is to put thread on bobbins and run bobbins through a dowel or rod. Mount the dowel on the end of a board. I have done this and it works very well. No measuring thread length, just cut it off when done pleating. I have done a lot of pleating over the years and the convenience of having this mounted is a God-send! I might add that mine is a 16 row Read Pleater. Have never found a need for a 24 row. No problems with it whatsoever and have never had to replace my original needles.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

I have heard of that method before, but I haven't tried it. I guess I thought you'd have to fill your bobbins all the time, no?

[@maryz7432]

No, I rarely had to refill my bobbins. I had kept the bobbins from my old Kenmore sewing machine and they are quite large. You really aren't using that much of the thread each time you pleat. Red thread is my standard color.

[@lindafranklin3990]

Mary Z how to keep thread on pleater after completing project

[@lindaking5639]

Would you be able to send a picture of how you put the bobbins on? I have used a knitting needle to hold mine and it is much too slippery. I really need help with that.

[@Delphiniumfantasia]

I am going to try and make a thread box for my pleater. I am going to try putting sticky velcro on my box and see if that keeps my pleater from moving like you said. Hoping for tangle free pleating in my future.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Hmm yeah, I'd be interested to see if that works. Good luck :-) A thread box is such a big difference, you'll love it.

[@Claudenice20]

Boa tarde! Tudo bem? Gostaria de comprar a máquina para smock! Qual valor é frete para Brasil? Serei grata pela atenção!!!

[@scmom745]

Thank you so much! Very valuable information.

[@terrymaffitt4012]

I purchased an Amanda Jane off eBay based upon your recommendation. Years ago, I had a pleater and cannot find it or a knitting machine after a move. I also ordered 12 needles from Etsy because the seller said some of the needles were missing (there are 18 showing in the picture). The pleater has been in a storage unit for some time. What should I do to clean it up to ensure everything works smoothly? There is a book, homemade wood thread box and a two piece dowel rod that is coming with the pleater. There is also a book called English Smocking Step by Step by Sandy Hunter. What books do you recommend. I have a 4 month old grand daughter who is petite so I would also appreciate suggestions on sizing. She is 6 hours away.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Hey there Terry, I hope you love your Amanda Jane as much as I love mine. I would look over the needles and make sure they all have the same basic profile. When I first got mine, I was told to run some wax paper through it to kinda lubricate the needles, etc, but I only did that once and it's been 7 or so years now, so I'm not sure if that's just an old wives tale. I've never cleaned mine and all has worked great. I broke a few needles when I was learning smocking way back when and I haven't broken one in ages. As far as books, the A to Z series are pretty informative. I'm not much of a reader, though, so I tend to just google/pinterest/youtube my information. As far as sizing, I've found the Children's Corner patterns to be quite true to size, but I haven't used every pattern company. Creations by Michie run a bit large I've found. I'd give her parents a tape measure so they can send you the main measurements so you can go from there. Hope that helps - have fun :-)

[@tamaffitt]

Thanks Sarah

[@maryz7432]

I have books and plan to quit smocking after doing it for so many years. If you are interested, not sure how to contact me. If you do facebook, you could friend request me...Mary Davis Zink or send me a note through facebook messenger. I am assuming this is not soliciting. Otherwise I plan to sell them on ebay.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Good luck, and have you tried selling through the destash fb group? facebook.com/groups/1329702793774012/

[@2XxeveryxX6]

@@maryz7432 do you have a pleater for sale still?

[@lizwest4086]

What kind of thread should I use withe the pleater.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Hand quilting thread

[@bevdyrdek7778]

Thank you:) As always you are very helpful.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

So glad to hear that, thanks.

[@doligirl1]

Thanks ! I think I will. But is there any difference really between the Super Mary Jane model and the one you have?

[@sarahclassicsewing]

+Sandy just size I think, same quality.

[@doligirl1]

Hi there. What do you think about the super Amanda Jane smocking pleater? This will be my first pleater.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

+Sandy have fun :-) I have the regular Amanda Jane and love it. I've heard from others that the Amanda Jane is their favorite, too. It's no longer in production, so I'd grab her while you can.

[@judyhowell6742]

Thank you!

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Of course, thank you Judy :-)

[@janemendesguilherme7756]

Hi, I m from Brasil. I really like your vídeos. You know where I can find this machine. Could be anywhere, any contact. Thank you

[@susanaelsacuevas7521]

Hola alguien que pueda decirme donde puedo comprar esa maquina de fruncir ayudadme por favor

[@xochitlpalomero5700]

De donde eres

[@miacu11]

yuo are amazing, i like it all videos!!

[@sherrydobner6537]

What is Farmhouse?

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Only the best fabric store ever ;-) farmhousefabrics.com/

[@DLowryVA]

I love your DIY pleater box. My husband doesn't. I'm sure you can guess why. "Hey, will you please make me a pleater box honey?"

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Lol poor hubby. Just get a soldering iron and poke the holes yourself, it's super easy.

[@Seekknockask]

Hi Sarah, What is your thoughts on a Martha Pullen Doctor Joe's pleater. I can't find any reviews on the internet.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Hey there, sorry but I have no experience with that pleater. Sone fb groups may be able to help. Good luck

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Oh but make sure you can still buy needles. That may make the whole conversation pointless. I know she sold her company a few years back so I'm not sure if replacement needles are still being made.

[@lindafranklin3990]

I have a Dr. Joe's pleater. It does a great job and it is a used one. I was able to buy new needles online and they do well. I just can't find any inc o on how to keep thread on needles after completed project. If anyone's knows how please post.

[@lindanelson360]

Linda, if you have several pieces prepped, you can keep taking them off the needles and keep them together until they’re pleated. Then you have to pull them off with lots of thread for each, then cut apart. I did that once for small projects like Christmas ornaments. Not really worth it though. I just bite the bullet and retread.