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Member since 3/16/04
Posts: 2235
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Posted on: 4/9/04 8:15 PM ET
how do i go about doing this? i know i can take my fabric to a place to have it pleated... but can i just iron it myself? is that a terrible idea?? :confused:

any advice is welcome

maria
  
Member since 10/5/02
Posts: 2292
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Posted on: 4/9/04 9:47 PM ET
Is your organza silk or some synthetic blend?  In order for pleats to be permanent you have to have more than 50% synthetic.  I suppose you could do your own, but you have to reach a certain temperature for the pleats to be permanent in synthetic fabrics.  When it is done professionally they put the fabric between 2 layers of paper and pleat the paper, and then basically 'bake' it.  It is heat set.
Sorry I don't know what the temperature it has to reach to be permanent (assuming synthetic organza).  Its worth experimenting with a scrap if you want to see if your fabric holds a pleat.
If your fabric is not synthetic you can press your pleats, but the pleats wil have to be basted everytime the garment is cleaned.  If it is done by your drycleaner it can be big bucks.
It all depends on what your item is, and how much time and money you want to invest in it.
  
Member since 3/16/04
Posts: 2235
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Posted on: 4/10/04 12:42 PM ET
yep, it is synthetic organza... but i think my best bet is to have it done professionally. this for my prom dress that i ll need in 2 months, i cant afford to mess it up 50 times.
thanks

maria
  
Member since 3/6/03
Posts: 635
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Posted on: 4/15/04 7:24 AM ET
My grandparents owned/operated a pleating factory for over 50 years.
The pleating that came out of their factory was PERMANENT.  You never had to worry about the pleats falling out when the garment was washed.  I can't imagine that the work involved in pressing your own pleats would be worth saving the money of having it done preofessionally.
The rule of thumb-make sure your cut fabric is triple the width of your final product.  Add generous seam allowances, as you have to match up the pleats when stitching side seams.  You should also pre hem the fabric, unless you want the look of the pleats openeing at the hem.
Having said all that, it's getting harder and harder to find places that do good quality pleating for the private dressmaker market.
Good Luck on your project!!
  
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