Laatikkolaskos

Laatikkolaskos, or box pleat, is a type of fabric pleat used in clothing and textiles. It creates a rectangular, box-like fold that projects from the fabric, formed by two parallel creases that fold the fabric toward each other. When the top edge is stitched, the upper line remains flat while the boxed section provides fullness below, yielding a clean, structured look.

Construction and variations: To create a laatikkolaskos, mark two parallel fold lines at the desired width. Fold the fabric along both lines toward the center, so that the outer edges meet and the central portion forms the box. Press the folds and stitch along the upper edge to secure. Adjacent box pleats are spaced evenly to maintain uniform fullness. A single box pleat corresponds to one boxed section, while multiple pleats can be placed in sequence. A related variation is the inverted box pleat, where the folds face outward and create fullness on the outside of the fabric.

Uses and properties: Box pleats are commonly used in skirts, dresses, school uniforms, and curtains where evenly distributed fullness and a tidy, tailored line are desired. The construction allows regular rise and fall of fabric across a panel, providing a predictable shape that holds well with laundering and wear. Depending on width and spacing, laatikkolaskos can range from subtle to pronounced.

See also: pleat, box pleat, inverted box pleat.