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Member since 11/10/07
Posts: 28
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Posted on: 11/23/07 3:36 PM ET
I'm new to this forum - finally getting back into some sewing after not having time for many years!

I'm making 6 pairs of lined drapes, using buckram in the header. (Creative Window Treatments - Creative Publishing as a reference.) In order to tack the pleats I need to go through 6 thickness of the drape + lining + buckram Yikes! I can't seem to do this neatly. When I push the needle through all these layers, it does not go through straight, and the stitches are all uneven and messy. Not to mention stabbing myself.

Can anyone recommend a technique for tacking through multiple layers neatly?

Thanks!
  
Member since 4/26/03
Posts: 272
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Posted on: 11/23/07 3:42 PM ET
In reply to NEDayNow
It can be a bear to get through all those layers! What I usually do is "cheat" just a wee bit, by tacking the pleats just below the buckram. That helps things a bit; I will also keep a pair of pliers at hand to help push/pull the needle through. Use a thin, strong needle and a doubled thread, preferably something sturdy like upholstery thread or, my favorite, Rice's Silamide (available from Atlanta Thread Supply).

As for keeping things straight and even, I will sometimes use a bulldog clip to keep the pleat folds in place while I sew them. But, most of the time, I remind myself that the pleat will be pretty far above eye level and won't ever be seen close up, so a few less-than-perfect stitches will honestly never be noticed.

I start stitching by burying the knot between the folds of the pleat. I'll take maybe four stitches through the whole pleat, and then end by bringing the needle out through the pleat fold and burying the knot there.

Good luck!

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View my sewing projects: http://thereshesews.blogspot.com
  
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