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Member since 8/6/03
Posts: 1490
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Posted on: 5/23/05 11:40 PM ET
I have seen several skirts featuring 'stitch-down pleats' lately, and I think the look is more flattering than the regular-old-pleated skirt patterns I own. Is a stitch-down pleat simply a matter of stitching down the top of the pleat? Or is there a whole different method of creating the pleat?
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 5/24/05 2:10 AM ET
A stitched-down pleat really does give a smoother look. Yes, you sure could convert your pattern just by stitching the tops of the pleats.

You'll want to make sure that none of the 'wearing ease' is built into these pleats. If you've made up the pattern before, you could pin the tops of the pleats down on that skirt, and try it on, just to make sure the pattern doesn't need to be enlarged at little.

If you haven't made the pattern up before, you could pin the pleats into the pattern and then fit the pattern on you to double check it.
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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 1/1/03
Posts: 2737
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Posted on: 5/24/05 8:23 AM ET
Where pleats fall over curves you have to strive for consistency in dividing the needed fullness over the number of pleats. E.G. a pleat that is 1" deep at the waist of a skirt and is stitched 3" down might be only .5" deep by the time it is released from the top stitching. It depends on your body's measurements.

A good place to start is to buy a stitched down pleated pattern and study the pleating lines and instructions. I have seen a study of proper pleating somewhere on line so I'm hoping our wonderful minds and resources (ohhh, Els....) can come up with a link for you. I hate to leave you hanging but I've got to go to work, **now**! Good luck, and let us know what you come up with!
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http://www.thesewingdivas.wordpress.com
  
Member since 1/1/03
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Posted on: 5/24/05 12:15 PM ET
Scroll down to "waist line" discussion

I played with stitched down pleats in this review, breaking all rules but getting the result I wanted: Sculpted Pleats Review

I hope I've helped a tiny bit
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http://www.thestitchery.wordpress.com
http://www.thesewingdivas.wordpress.com
  
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