pleat

A pleat is a fabric fold created by doubling the fabric back upon itself and securing it at the base or along the fold line. Pleats produce a structured, often vertical, arrangement that can expand to add fullness while maintaining a neat profile when pressed. Pleats can be permanent or temporary, depending on how they are formed and treated.

Common types include knife pleats, where a single fold runs in one direction; box pleats, formed by two opposite folds that meet at the center to form a rectangular face; inverted pleats, where two folds are brought together at the top and open outward; and accordion or fan pleats, which alternate direction to create a zigzag pattern.

Manufacture involves precise folding and securing, either by hand or by machine. In modern textiles, pleats can be pre-pleated, heat-set to lock the crease, and then sewn into garments or used as drapery. Some pleats are stitched at the top to hold them in place; others are left to be gathered or pressed to maintain fullness.

Uses include clothing such as skirts, dresses, kilts, and school uniforms; as well as upholstery and drapery, theatrical costumes, and certain architectural textiles. Pleating allows fabric to appear structured while providing controlled fullness and movement.

History and care: Pleating has ancient origins and has appeared in many cultures. Care depends on fabric but generally involves gentle handling, steam for reshaping, and low-heat pressing with a pressing cloth to protect the fold.