How to Make a Simple Pleated Skirt // Retro Sewing Project

Today I'm showing you all how I would make a quick and simple pleated skirt, using an iridescent taffeta of course!
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First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@angelkeith4767]

FYI: the ripping technique of fabric also works quite well in the emergency room when you have a critical and/or drunken patient who needs to be out of their clothes RIGHT NOW if not sooner. A little snip at the bottom of the jeans leg, a slight tug and separate in one move and these jeans are HISTORY!!!!!!

[@beatricewhitcombe]

Me watching lookbooks: Bianca is so pretty, she’s utterly perfect, and total #goals Me watching how-to videos: Bianca is the most real, relatable human being e.v.e.r.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You are too kind to meeee!

[@Trystanstar19]

The full blue ensemble, with the peplum out and the brooch on the top gave me star trek vibes for some reason lol love this skirt :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Surely Starfleet have holiday office parties no? I'm not well versed enough in Star Trek to know unfortunately! ;)

[@pennydreadfull]

Taffeta should be an everyday thing! Clothes are for wearing and enjoying! It's fabulous!!

[@MissMVintage]

I totally love the chatty voiceover. Perfect balance of sewing info and whimsical meanderings. I love how easy that skirt seems to be! I think I could maybe do that. I’m usually a pattern only sewist, but that seems achievable. Also, love how it looks with the pleats pressed all the way down, and with that matching top!? PERFECTION.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It was really poofy before I pressed it, too much glam volume even for me ;)

[@chaeburger]

From what I understand of The Algorithm (as mysterious as it is), it loves to recommend cleaning/organization/KonMari videos. So, if you wanted to turn you cleaning your sewing room into Content, I bet people would watch it. (I certainly would). I found both Bernadette Banner's and Morgan Donner's channels that way.

[@Ivi942]

oh those are my fave type! id watch 20 of these from u honestly

[@juliabetts9801]

Yes me too, my sewing room needs organising. I don’t mind you flying over to the uk for you to film sorting my room out too 🤣

[@PolyvoreThea]

Ohhhhh peplum out!!!!!! Those knife pleats!!!!! Gorgeous!!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thea!

[@sarahc1804]

I can't wait for the Ravenclaw lookbook! 🦅💙

[@mimzyriepensell1423]

You made putting a zipper in look so easy, I can't wait to try your method.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Years of fighting with them led me to just doing it this way and it has saved me a lot of frustration!

[@jaznz53]

My daughter wanted to sew her own ball gown, but zips were difficult for her and me. So she went to show the high school sewing teacher how she was having problems. She asked Kelly if she could explain and show her where she was going wrong. Kelly happily passed over the long dress and her teacher sewed the zip inn perfectly. The teacher hadn’t realised that’s exactly what Kelly wanted her to do so the dress would be perfect. Kelly thanked her for the lesson and brought the dress home to hem. Your skirt is beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ah yes, a tricky but excellent method there ;)

[@MotherHemCreations]

Oooh! I love the idea of using twill tape! Especially since I'm plus size so there is A LOT of weight on my skirts due to excess fabric.

[@jori7398]

The jazz is so soothing as I learn how not to ruin 5 yards of Summer weight woven Italian mohair for a bias cut pleated skirt with pin tucks… a project I’m completely unqualified to make. Is it Vince Guaraldi Trio, Bianca? Sounds so familiar! Hope you’ve been well this last year and happy 2024! ❤️ I got a job in a new field and haven’t sewn a thing in 14 months, sigh.

[@Taracostello6]

OH MY GOD THAT LAST OUTFIT!!! *makes grabby hands*

[@JoanHolloway1931]

Never realised how satisfying watching someone iron pleats is 🤓

[@AndromedaCripps]

I've been meaning to make a full pleated skirt in light wool or similar-weight cotton for MONTHS and this video is a sign from the heavens that it's HIGH TIME 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Do it! ;)

[@e_viola]

Ripping woven fabric is so satisfying! Then you can get perfectly on grain pattern pieces.

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

Reinforced Waist Band with twill tape, sturdy. Lapped zipper was brilliant. Writing finds me too, usually at 3 am.

[@Lamdennison]

Absolutely love it, and I always pick up little tricks and tips when watching your sewing videos. Here's to Mood Fabrics sponsoring you in the future.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leigh-Anne!

[@mandycollins8795]

Oooo! I love this one! I didn't realize these types of skirts weren't overly complicated. I'm a novice at sewing, so I haven't tackled anything like a skirt yet, but hopefully soon, I'll be able to! Thank you for sharing this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amanda! You'll be sewing skirts in no time!

[@josie8581]

*immediately goes to find that one length of fabric so I can finally make something with it* 💙 It's really cool to keep hearing how your writing is going, it's like I'm listening to a friend while I'm sewing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie!

[@parnamaloumi1355]

the quality, effort and sheer creativity and talent that goes into your videos are beyond astonishing - I'm really surprised that this channel does not have millions of followers - thank you very much regardless, for endless hours of fun, entertainment and knowledge that you provide for us Bianca

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Parna!

[@evelynhearnsberger660]

I hope you realize how talented you are! Designing, sewing, writing, vintage clothing knowledge! You are an amazing person and I hope your friends and family tell you often!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Evelyn! You are most kind

[@sarahlongshore2605]

This is just beautiful!!! Watching those pleats go in was like magic!!! I love all of the looks. Especially the top you made to go with it!!! You truly have worn everything I wish I could wear!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@bitterrsweet1616]

i've recently fallen down a rabbit hole of watching how to draft and sew skirts, especially styles from the 1950's to the 1850's, and your channel is absolutely AMAZING for this. i've found at least two new projects for after i've completed my walking skirt :)

[@deltaflute03]

Yes, OG Harry Potter website. She had a cup of tea on her desk as I recall.

[@tammyjohnson8150]

This skirt is just beautiful!!!!! Being new to sewing I couldn’t be happier to have found this tutorial! It was recommended by someone on Reddit who had made a lovely red skirt. I was so excited when she posted this link. I think I have to add some fabric to my Mood cart today lol! Beautiful work. Easy to follow instructions too. Thank you so much 🦋

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tammy!

[@peggyr9623]

I thought the skirt looked beautiful on you, plus the peplum was very flattering. It's amazing that you did that with no pattern! It gave me more confidence to experiment with my own sewing. Thank you for that! Black tights or black stockings, pantyhose also would add to the vintage look you like. A very versatile make! Congrats...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@ritasemones9865]

Loved it with the peplum top not tucked in. Beautiful color on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rita!

[@Sudenveri]

Tearing fabric is sooooooooo satisfying. I love it when I have a project I get to do that with!

[@AlexStaddon]

This was an excellent example of how to pleat! I've been struggling to work out how to pleat down a skirt for a dress project I want to return to (I'm in the process of moving house at the moment, so it's stowed away), but I feel much more confident having seen your approach. That skirt looks wonderful with all your pairings, I especially liked the kimono top - is it a dress, is it a mix 'n' match? She'll never tell! I can't wait to see what your Harry Potter fabric project is... I know it won't disappoint :) - Alex

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alex!

[@llamabean529]

I just found this as I was looking to make myself a pleated skirt and now you have convinced me to look for some taffeta the next time I go to Green street

[@amandajpuryer8286]

love the jazz in the background, relaxing.

[@shawnagoddard4999]

The comment about writing is so relatable. Plot bunnies can be so relentless.

[@juliemeanor6531]

Beautiful skirt. Loved the music, I listen to a jazz station when I sew.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julie! Gotta love jazz

[@charliechristie9916]

More taffeta! You deserve it! Every time us OG HP fans have to confront the problematic things that JK says we should get to do it in house themed evening wear (if we so desire). Just to prove that fandom is doing just fine without her.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charlie! The fandom as a whole rallying and being like "nope" has been encouraging, cause yikes!

[@charliechristie9916]

@@TheClosetHistorian it's kind of like a class action divorce, isn't it? We, the aggrieved parties, declare our split from the estate of JKR.

[@AdirondackRuby]

Lovely shade of blue. And who doesn't love a pleated skirt? Can't wait for the lookbook.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Daniellaofsweden]

Pinning the pleats to the ironing board before pressing the pleats just blew my mind. The idea never crossed my mind. So smart. Thanks! :D

[@ellenhubbardoldenburg6033]

I remember JK Rowling’s desk! Fun days. I am such a Harry Potter fan! My kids and I went to at least the last 4 book release midnight parties at Barnes and Noble. And then proceeded to steal the lone hardcover book back and forth until everyone had read the whole thing at least twice ( my youngest was never a good reader so I ended up reading the entire series aloud to him... more than once...) I absolutely love the skirt with the blue taffeta top most of all!! Wow!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ellen! My youth was filled with many a midnight book and film release :) I remember when the last book came out I read straight through from around 1 am until finishing it about noon the next day!

[@Shannon-Townsend]

This makes skirts and peplum tops look so easy and tempting to try out! Loved it! And you're right, those pleats were satisfying to watch!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shannon!

[@charliewiseri]

Bianca you’re incredible, oh my lord I love everything you do. This skirt is stunning 🥰 Although I have to admit when your machine goes over the pins my teeth grate 😂 How do you ensure that they don’t break the needles?! Teach me!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! But I'm afraid the pin thing is pure magic, I can't account for not hitting them?! I will hit them super rarely, so I know it CAN happen, it's just so rare for me that I don't consider it a real risk. Like, sure a pin could break, or a hurricane could come through my studio, seems to be the same odds ;)

[@amytuite7449]

OMG, I love the commentary. MORE PLEASE!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha thank you Amy!

[@dianavoermans]

That blue is sooo pretty! Must have something in that, too 🤩💙💙💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana!

[@sianvaladian8574]

I have an insane amount of fabric to pleat into a waistband rn so this makes me feel much more confident

[@giaalvarado2063]

Wow this is beautiful! 😍 can’t wait for the ravenclaw video. I’m a ravenclaw. Also. Completely understand there being so many projects and so little time. But I want to see what you make with the happy potter fabric. When you get to it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gia!

[@TanikAkinat]

This looked so much easier than I expected! I already have a dark blue taffeta skirt (lol what a funny coincidence right), so now I also need it in more colors! Also, I find that my taffeta skirt works great with a nice knit sweater. It makes a dressy but not formal outfit.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Would be lovely with a sweater too right! And could be made more formal with glittering jewelry and fancier shoes for evening easily

[@kyasarin131]

Your narrations make me laugh so hard, I love how real you are! The skirt is absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@MotherHemCreations]

Loving that fabric! I need so many more skirts in my closet.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! This fabric was great to work with

[@theeblakester002]

this is really well explained; ive been wanting to try making a skirt for a while and i feel like i could follow this tutorial

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! You can do ittt!!

[@peggydid]

The blue taffeta outfit is simply lovely! I enjoyed watching you make it, too! Hugs!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@ginalou5774]

I’ve just found this one! Very spectacular colour on you. I think I’m too late to this channel for this comment but meh I’ll say it anyway…wear those gorgeous taffeta skirts anywhere you want…shopping, walking the dog, collecting the mail…..anywhere. If you look that fabulous in them we, the people, deserve to see and appreciate it😊

[@thecrazyrealvintagethrifte3508]

I really enjoyed the make. I loved the green skirt you restyled so have been on the hunt for the right taffeta. when i looked at the Mood site i thought maybe the green was to flat but seeing how the blue looks i am going to order the green.Thanks as always for inspiring me to tackle new projects.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I want to try other colors of the fabric in the future

[@tsimkins1960]

Years ago, when knit fabrics were not that common in fabric stores, (yeah, I'm old, LOL), I worked in a fabric store. We used a machine that you ran the selvedge through and it measured the fabric for you. When you reached the amount purchased, there was a lever you pressed and it made a little cut. We then tore the fabric. I still tear my woven fabric.

[@TheCovenHats_HQ]

*Spoiler alert* That evening two piece. AMAZING! You look so glamorous ☺️!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emily!

[@ElanorKella]

I love the idea of pinning into ironing board, it's perfect :)

[@dreams4tears]

omg i had forgotten about JK's desk blog. Ahh simpler times. Also this skirt is gorgeous, and I've been looking for something like it to buy. But this looks totally doable for a beginner like myself. IT's beautiful! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! You can do it I promise, I feel like the hardest bit is figuring out how much to put in each pleat, and those better at math than me can work that out with numbers ;) I just pleat twice until it works!

[@sherrydurham2220]

Beautiful! I have an redish/orangie rusty color taffeta I believe an started making this skirt along with you! Decided to press the seam of the 2 panels and melted it! Iron was definotely too hot lol just cut the seam off and re-sewed it so I lost about 4 inches in circumference. Oh well, at least it was a quick fix! I've been sewing all day so it will have to be finished tomorrow! Thanks for sharing this, it's truly lovely! Share the matching top and I'll make it as well! I am making it for a Christmas skirt!

[@cjmantel6026]

I would love to see how you made the matching blouse. I love the peplum look over pleats.

[@evelyneca7454]

After watching this I'm in the mood to make a pleated skirt. You make it look so achievable!

[@a.k.v.3042]

Having struggled with zippers before I think your method seems easy-ish and also gives a good "invisible zipper" vibe. I can't wait to try it! Thank you! (ooo. HP licensed potions fabric. I love it! I hope you DO get a chance to make something of that!) (also the whole blue taffeta outfit is super cute. I love the way the skirt turned out, and I agree it might not work with a petticoat - the fullness under might stretch out the pleats in unattractive ways). Looking forward to a taffeta skirt in antique gold (unless you go full on bright yellow, which is also valid, I just thought a darker gold might work just as well) for the 'Puffs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Not gonna lie I have my eye on a really fun yellow one, but it's selling out fast and kinda pricey so it may not happen!

[@lynnekingham8754]

Given me great ideas to add to my ever-growing list. A beautiful skirt and top. You look gorgeous. Really looking forward to the Ravenclaw Lookbook.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!

[@jenniferwelch9911]

Your final look with the peplum top caught my breath! I think this was one of the most satisfying and drool-worthy sewing vids Ive ever seen

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@anm8rchick]

as a ravenclaw i can't wait for this look book

[@guineverecassidy4855]

Absolutely love the new taffeta outfit tucked and un-tucked... Simply divine!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@crystallionaire]

This color is beautiful on you! And i love the matching top you made ❤ super cute!

[@glenmckenzie3243]

So beautiful, also gorgeous the skirts and jacket at beginning of video. Love it!

[@danazaruba268]

wow! This is stunningly beautiful. I love the rich colour and your sewing technique is lovely. Well done.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dana!

[@TeganM.C.]

KZbin recommended your videos to me and I am glad. Your channel is interesting and creative!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tegan!

[@leahpinault1617]

i think im falling in love with pleats.

[@homewithjess852]

Thank you for showing the sheen of the fabric. I have a few color samples in my cart and wasn't sure about them. Ordering online is a bit tricky.

[@leslieinadress]

Hand finishing is where it’s at! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@MotherHemCreations]

omg first time I tore fabric it was super scary xD. My sewing teacher was quite amused

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Same, I was like "you want me to do what now?"

[@louiselill1528]

Skirt looks gorgeous . I like the rebellion in you lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Louise!

[@paisley293]

You're rockin' that pear shape! Love it!!

[@tippylaroux3137]

Beautiful!!! Love it with the kimono top.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@SupaStylishPsycoS]

You had me at no pattern needed. 💕 Lovely, thank you for sharing! ☺️

[@lesleyharris3198]

Lovely skirt and you look great wearing it, inspiration comes when it comes, and if you have it you must write, how else am I going to get to read your books.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lesley!

[@Midlife_Manical_Mayhem]

thank you for sharing this! i was just googling this the other day. i'm thinking about taking on my first sewing project in several years.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Do itttt!

[@anita-rw3mx]

Loved the vid, felt safe and at home for the jkrolling-critique.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

What a stunning outfit the way the light hits that blue wow

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beverley!

[@melanie1006s]

Gorgeous! Can’t wait for your lookbooks and I hope you do a vid for that precious top.... you rebel😎🤩

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melanie!

[@annettebroomhall8617]

You can sew in the zip before unpicking the large stitches. Line up the teeth of the zip with the seam line, pin, stitch and then remove basting stitches

[@LivingVintageAndHandmade]

I have loved taffeta since I was little. I definitely need to make a few of these. Excellent tutorial!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tifaniethomas3828]

Yessss, I'm so excited to give this a try! All of these skirts have looked so beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Tifanie!

[@inesmenge1741]

Well done girl! You look great in it! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@0hermitworm]

I learned so much from watching this and you look stunning as always. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Wonderful vlog.. Your skirt fabric color is beautiful.. Skirt looks beautifully done & the blue ensemble totally perfect.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@redcupidbowlips3793]

Such a talented lady. I love this outfit. The colour really suits you 🥰❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@madeleinena5476]

Thanks for showing how you sew a zipper without a zipper foot. I am new to sewing, and i use an antique machine, my selection of feet is limited to strangely frivolous ones.

[@meamela9820]

Oh, yeah, I remeber that web site! I had forgotten about it until you mentioned it! Those were very innocent days (mostly because I was a child/teenager then). I like your way of doing zippers. I avoid zippers when I can, but I really like your method… Maybe I schould embrace zippers more often. You do not need excuses to wear fancy things! Wear them whenever you want! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I always recommend grabbing a few zippers if/when they go on sale and practicing a couple different methods on scrap fabric and then you may just find a way to conquer them yet!

[@bettyvargas3138]

Totally beautiful outfit. Make me want one just like it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Betty!

[@minettegrocott4018]

I love taffeta as a fabric. Great skirt. Thankyou

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@LikeEmmaWithaT]

Ooo this might give me the courage to try making a pleated skirt. As always, wonderful video. Thanks!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Temma! Do it!!

[@Gandellion]

Oh hey I got a whole load of my friends to do the MBTI quiz I sent you and it was sooooo fun

[@JenSutton2023]

Your videos are mesmerising-in a good way. Love your voice overs. I will get some taffeta, you have convinced me of its properties. Thank you. Great fun too!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennet!

[@Historical_Seamstress]

Absolutely stunning! Love the fabric and color!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sharonne!

[@vdubborero1999]

Love that color,outfit looks great.very pretty.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ArcaneMistress]

Love love love 💕 the colour!

[@angellacoombs2801]

Wow! Love that blue. 👍👍👍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Angella!

[@tracieeaton1082]

Beautiful! Gorgeous colour, gorgeous shape and looks amazing on body.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tracie!

[@tracieeaton1082]

@@TheClosetHistorian You're welcome Bianca.

[@pauladavitt2744]

What a stunning shade of blue, I love the style of skirt. I’m off to see what fabric I have in m6 stash...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Paula!