Machine Pleating
A pleat is a kind of fold that is formed by doubling a fabric back on itself and then securing it in place. It is used in clothing and upholstery to bring a wide piece of fabric into something with a narrower circumference. Pleats can also be categorized as pressed, ironed or unpressed (falling in soft rounded folds). Pleats can also be partially sewn flat and then allowed to fall open below. Small pleats that are sewn in place to their entire lengths are often called 'tucks'.
Machine pleating is a type of pleating technique that utilizes modern fabric machinery. Pleating machines are used in creating pleats on fabric, metal, paper and other materials. Many industrial pleating machines are used in the making of filter machines to produce a pleated filter material. Pleats are the Japanese technique of making accordion like configuration on any kind of material. Machine pleats have made the jobs of many people easier by creating high quality fabric pleats and at the same time lowering the down time of the creation for this kind of pleats.
Machine pleats are often used for practical reasons (more movement to the wearer) and also for stylistic matters. Shirts and blouses often have pleats on their back to allow for more freedom and movement in the arms especially in the area where the sleeve tapers and meets the cuff. Jackets that are designed for outdoor wear usually have machine pleats for more freedom of movement. Norfolk jackets for instance, have double ended box pleats at the back and chest parts. Skirts, kilts and dresses may also include pleats to add fullness at the hem or from the waist and allow for more movement as well. Modern kilts are often made with box or knife pleats. Learn more about our machine pleating services by giving us a call.