Replies

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 18, 2007 01:38am | #1

   Are your pleats topstitched all the way down on the outside of the garment? I like to topstitch pleats on the inside. It helps them keep their shape and they hang nicely.

1. 
   deni | Mar 20, 2007 09:29pm | #2

     I took out my topstitiching on the outside to see if my stitching was the cause.  (I have six panels 3 for front and 3 for back.  There are only 4 large pleats on front and back. ) I am now in the process of taking out my hem. 

    I didn't know what else to do.This is a labour intense project.  I believe I have just created more work for myself. This the my first pleated skirt I made in at least 20 yrs Do you have anymore suggestions.. I appreciate any advice.    Thank you

1. 
   Teaf5 | Mar 21, 2007 01:16am | #3

   If you topstitched the pleats with an overly tight pressure foot tension, it would stretch out the edge of the pleat and make it curve. Try lightening that adjustment on your machine and use a longer stitch and looser thread tension on a long sample piece of fabric. Topstitching is decorative, so it doesn't need a tight stitch, which might be causing the problem.

1. 
   deni | Mar 21, 2007 11:02am | #5

   I might have my machine tension wrong.  MY stitch length was only 2.5 .  I have to think about what I will do next  I have already removed my hem.  Probably a big mistake. Thanks for your advice. 

2. 
   Thimblefingers | Mar 21, 2007 06:14am | #4

   Here's a trick I learned in Tailoring and I've never had problems with pleats.  at the bottom of the pleat (hem edge), measure out 1 cm towards the part that's folded under.  Draw a line up to the to of the pleat and this becomes your new fold line.  It actually increases the top of the pleat by a smidge and decreases the under part.  Works like a charm and keeps the pleat from curling out (because with the extra bit of fabric, it is out).  I also agree about the top stitching, that this could definitely be contributing to the problem or causing it.

1. 
   deni | Mar 21, 2007 11:09am | #6

   Can I make a new pleat when I have finished the entire top of my skirt. I already have the top stitching on the top of my skirt.  I suspose I could make a new fold line starting at the bottom.  Your suggestion makes perfect sense Thank you