Knife Pleating
A knife pleat is a kind of sharply pressed pleating (e.g. skirt kilt) where all the folds are turned into a single direction, with every pleat being three layers thick. Knife pleating is famous as ever in kilts and school uniforms, or for individuals who are searching for that 'vintage look' in their skirts.
Also considered as one of the basic kinds of garment pleating, knife pleating is popularly used in skirts and gowns these days. Its first documented existence can be traced back in the 16th century although earlier use may be for basic gathering purposes. Smocks were often gathered to neckbands using this kind of pleating. Skirts and petticoats were also gathered to waistbands. There are also big hanging sleeves that are gathered to an armscye utilizing this fashion.
Knife pleats usually produce a smooth line down from its gathering point. In simpler terms, a knife pleated skirt doesn't necessarily spring out from the waistline but falls down from it. The classic knife pleats usually has a drop ratio of 3:1, meaning three inches of fabric can make an inch of finished pleat. It really won't matter how narrow or wide your pleats are, as long as they adhere to the ratio mentioned above. There were also 16th century gowns that used deeper knife pleats. The depth was usually two, three or four pleats deep. This allows fabric to be pleated to a bodice or band and result to a fuller skirt. It will also make for a beautiful and bulkier seam.
It can be hard to do knife pleats on your own, so it would be best to leave it all the experts. Regal Originals offers knife pleating and other types of embroidery services such as applique, hem stitching, pin tucking, pearl edging and so much more. See our catalogue now and get a free quote!