Cartridge pleating

[LadyShadow]

Oh god... I just realized that maybe I should throw my machine out the window.... I DON'T KNOW SQUAT!!!

I agree.  I'm confused now.  *Although thats not a real hard thing sometimes.*

[operafantomet]

Oh god... I just realized that maybe I should throw my machine out the window.... I DON'T KNOW SQUAT!!!

I agree.  I'm confused now.  *Although thats not a real hard thing sometimes.*

Was it something I said? 

[WaywardWench]

Blue- Not knowing is no reason to throw your machine out, we were all there at some point. Many of us still are there and the rest will learn something new from another from time to time, even if it is that we don't know the only way to accomplish the the same thing. Reading forums and other sources of sewing information has broadened my skillset over the years. So take each thing as it comes, start easy and move up as you feel able.

Asking the questions and sifting through all the answers is the fun part of the discovery of creating. I consider myself an artist when I create garb. I didn't say a great artist, but an artist none the less. It's that frustrating and rewarding process that keeps me going back and even halts me in the beginning and middle sometimes.

LadyShadow - Confusion is a good thing! It makes you wonder and everyone else confused as well. LOL


Sew... er... so... let's recap...

Cartridge pleats- (so far....) an alternative to gathering, box or knife pleats
Even spaced rows of running stitches along the top width, pulled to create loops of pleats to make lots of fabric fit into the size of a smaller base. (not an official definition, just an off the cuff one.)

Methods:
1- Mark spacing intervals and sewing rows (at least 2, eh?, usually 3 or more
2- Use gingham check fabric strips or other evenly spaced item as guide to sew running stitches
3- Use drapery pleating tape (pencil- not normal 3 pleat with a gap between)

A layer of padding or interfacing helps make the pleats stand out, not squish into gathers.
Use sturdy thread to hold the weight of the fabric.

An online source I use for information all the time is http://www.elizabethancostume.net/
There is a tutoral there: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/cartpleat/index.html

What did I miss? 

[Marietta Graziella]

That was an excellent recap! 

Now, I have a question.

What's the difference between "pencil pleat" and "regular"?

I made a skirt (kind of hack job, just to try it out) using the rather thick drapery pleat stuff with the 3 strings.  Thought it worked fine.  Of course, I have never done it another way so I don't know the difference. 

OK, I have 2 questions...

When using the checked fabric, how do you decide where to make your stitches?  I mean, how far apart from one to the next, now between rows 1, 2, and 3.

[LadyShadow]

Thank you that helped with some of the confusion.  I have only ever gathered.  So all the pleating stuff is taking me for a spin at the moment.  Although I hope to figure it out and beable to use it soon

[WaywardWench]

That was an excellent recap! 

Now, I have a question.

What's the difference between "pencil pleat" and "regular"?

I made a skirt (kind of hack job, just to try it out) using the rather thick drapery pleat stuff with the 3 strings.  Thought it worked fine.  Of course, I have never done it another way so I don't know the difference. 

OK, I have 2 questions...

When using the checked fabric, how do you decide where to make your stitches?  I mean, how far apart from one to the next, now between rows 1, 2, and 3.

There are many different 3 cord pleating tapes in the drapery section. They pull into different combos and styles of pleats. The most common drapery is a pinch pleat, we've all seen them, three pleats that the hook goes into and then a flat space. That could be the cause of some of the "wonky pleats" that folks are talking about. Pencil pleat is an even spacing all the way across, no flat spots in between. Look at the pictures on the box or pull the threads a little ways to see the pattern if you can't tell. Make sure the tape is over fashion and lining or you can't pull the pleats, my girlfriend found that out the hard way, when she sandwiched it betwen the fashion and lining. LOL.

I'll let the ladies that use the gingham explain it. From the tip I remember I think it was 1 x 1 inch, running stitch 1 block, and one block between rows using 1 inch check gingham. 

[Kate XXXXXX]

I started sewing when I was five or so...  47 years ago now.  I STILL learn new stuff every week.  It's lovely!