Replies

1. 
   Myrte | Nov 17, 2007 01:21am | #1

   I've looked for a pleating machine for years, and never found one. I even tried making one. I'm trying Clothide's perfect pleater now, but at first sight it doesn't seem to be as effective as a pleater in the industry works, which is not entirely surprising. I've only tried once, perhaps I need some practise.

    

1. 
   solosmocker | Nov 17, 2007 05:37am | #2

   Are you referring to a pleater? Sometimes people call them pleating machines but they are actually pretty simple little objects, nothing like Clothilde's pleater. The pleater I am referring to is readily available and different brand names are Amanda Jane pleaters, Dr. Joe pleaters, the Read pleater, and maybe more. Many heirloom companies carry them and they are easily googled. One company that carries most brands is called the Tosca Company, NAYY. Are you thinking of taking up smocking? If you are not sure you will like smocking, there are companies that will pleat your fabric for you or you can buy pre pleated garments. Martha Pullen company sells prepleated and constructed garments. Hope this helps.As far as preference, I have a super Amanda Jane which I love. I suggest you get at least a 24 needle pleater, preferably with half spaces thruout. The half spaces are very handy and help accuracy and not all pleaters have them. If you are looking for something industrial, then I have probably just given you tons of unnecessary info. (:(.solo

   Edited 11/16/2007 9:40 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   quiltbrain | Nov 17, 2007 09:06am | #3

   I had been wondering how many needles, so thanks for that input.  I've been looking up the different brands.  I have a tendency to get obsessed with things like this.  Have you tried brands other than Amanda Jane?  Thanks so much.

1. 
   solosmocker | Nov 18, 2007 02:17am | #4

   I haven't but have taken a class where the instructor had a different type and said she wished she had mine because to remove the brass roller, which you do often, you merely had to pull a couple of pins with the Amanda Jane but with hers you needed to unscrew the roller with a small phillips screwdriver. Wish I knew which pleater it was. solo