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From: Bsalet
Date: 09-10-2006, 12:26 AM (1 of 13)
Im starting to make another dress  Using the same pattern as practice...but I want to make the bottom half of the dress with pleats. So my question is how much more of the fabric do I cut out. For example the dress size is 7 but because Im planning on putting in pleats should i cut out a size 9? Hope this isn't too confusing Thanks! |
User: Bsalet
Member since: 08-09-2006 Total posts: 43 
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From: MartySews
Date: 09-10-2006, 03:00 PM (2 of 13)
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You do not need to go up to a size 9 from a size 7 because then the dress won't fit in the neck and shoulders. To add pleats is where math comes into play. You need to decide how wide you want each of the pleats and double that figure to find out how many extra inches you need for the width of the pattern. Math was never my strong subject in school and I'm sure others may be able to explain it more clearly. Hope that this may help you a little. Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-10-2006, 11:04 PM (3 of 13)
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I know if your pleats are box pleats and the pleats meet in the center of each part, you'll need 3X the width of a straight skirt. Box pleats have creases on both sides of the pleat and are often seen in cheerleading skirts. I was thinking that knife pleats took less, but when I try to figure it, I really think that it is pretty close to the same amount. knife pleats all go the same direction and are typically smaller than box pleats. You have to figure that you have the fabric on top + fabric folded under + fabric out of the pleat = 3 times. Basically, knife pleats requre the same amount. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Bsalet
Date: 09-11-2006, 01:30 AM (4 of 13)
Thanks! I was trying to figure it out myself and sort have winged it  Im putting in knife pleats in which I would rather have put in box. I found that I am only able to put so many pleats on eachside in order for it to still fit. The fabric I chose wasn't so swell either. It's pretty thin, but well see..thats what practice is for Thanks again for the help, I'm sure I'll have more questions later 
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User: Bsalet
Member since: 08-09-2006 Total posts: 43
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From: Bsalet
Date: 09-11-2006, 01:59 AM (5 of 13)
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Well heres another question When pressing, would startch be something useful to keep the crisp clean look?
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User: Bsalet
Member since: 08-09-2006 Total posts: 43
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From: paroper
Date: 09-11-2006, 07:22 AM (6 of 13)
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Spray starch doesn't usually hurt anything but it does coat the fabric so it can show. When first pressing the pleats, I carefully measure and pin them shut at the bottom (in the industry they baste across the bottom of the pleats to keep them shut). Anyway, I use a pressing cloth (usually a diaper or piece of muslin, somethig of that type), lightly dampen it and press it inside and out to make sure that all the creases are set. I do not remove my pins until the garment has had time to fully dry from the steam set. If you find yourself making a lot of pleats, there is a great item to purchase. It is expensive. It is a pleated "board" that comes in several sizes called a "Perfect Pleater". You just "stick your fabric in the folds of the board, press and pin. When you remove them you have perfectly formed, perfectly measured pleats. If you happen to be using pins with plastic heads, be sure you don't press them...they can melt! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Bsalet
Date: 09-17-2006, 03:30 AM (7 of 13)
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Okay guys thanks again for all your help Here is my 2nd dress... The fit was a little off since I used the other pattern but altered it so that I could put in pleats First time for everything The ribbon is off too, I pinned it http://picasaweb.google.com/Bsalet525/Dress202?authkey=1Zzq16N-3JCcid-K4U7swXBI3oE Off to a new project...Shirts |
User: Bsalet
Member since: 08-09-2006 Total posts: 43
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-17-2006, 08:59 AM (8 of 13)
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Beautiful. I like the colors. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews
Date: 09-17-2006, 03:37 PM (9 of 13)
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The dress is real cute. I couldn't tell that anything was off but will take your word on it. Congratulations! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: sweetpea1
Date: 09-18-2006, 02:11 PM (10 of 13)
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Besalet, What a cute dress! Your creative juices are definitely flowing. SweetPea |
User: sweetpea1
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 56 |
From: Bsalet
Date: 09-18-2006, 05:55 PM (11 of 13)
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Wow thanks everyone again for the great replies They sure keep me motivated
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User: Bsalet
Member since: 08-09-2006 Total posts: 43
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From: esrun3
Date: 09-18-2006, 08:28 PM (12 of 13)
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Cute dress! You did a great job! I don't see anything "off" either.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: keljo60
Date: 09-19-2006, 09:09 PM (13 of 13)
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Doesn't look "off" to me!
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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