If you are making a pleated version of the Kelly skirt, this post is for you! (Don’t worry, if you are choosing gathers, that post is up next). This pattern uses inverted box pleats, so that’s what we will go over today. But if you want to play around with different pleat styles, we would love to see it! Ok, let’s take a look at these pleats…
First of all, these are where the pleats are marked on your pattern pieces and how they will work. There are three notches for each pleat. The red notches are brought into the blue notch. Make sure you have your sizes correct notches.
Transfer those notch markings to the right side of your fabric.
With right side of the fabric facing up at you, grab the first notch all the way to the left…
Fold along that first notch, and bring it to meet the middle notch.
Pin in place.
Now pick up the notch all the way to the right.
Do the same thing – fold along that notch, and bring it to meet the middle notch, right up against the other side of the pleat you just did.
Pin in place. That completes one pleat.
Repeat the process for all four pleats.
This is what the pleats look like from the wrong side of the fabric.
Stay stitch the pleats in place just under 5/8″ from the raw edge, and press them flat. You’re ready for the waistband!
LOOKING FOR MORE KELLY POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Kelly Tutorials:
- ewalong: Pockets and Side Seams
- Sewalong: Placket
- Sewalong: Pleats (this post!)
- Sewalong: Gathers
- Sewalong: Waistband
- Sewalong: Elastic Back Waistband
- Sewalong: Buttonholes and Buttons
- Sewalong: Hem
- Hack: Closed Ruffle Tier Hem
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
