Pattern · 2 pieces
Pleated Skirt
Crisp knife pleats from a single rectangle, folded down to the waist measurement.
① Measurements
② Fabric & layout
0.71 m
length at 140 cm wide
1.07 m
buy (+waste)
Pieces stay upright so the grainline runs along the fabric — that keeps the garment hanging right. Turn on rotation only for non-directional fabric. Cut through several layers for multiples; “on fold” pieces go against a fold. Buy a little extra for your first make.
Suggested fabric
Polyester crepe · Wool suiting · Cotton-poly gabardine · Tightly-woven cotton twill
160–280 gsm (4.7–8.3 oz/yd²)
crisp with body
Knife pleats need a fabric with enough body and a stable weave to hold a pressed crease — fabrics that take heat-setting (wool, poly blends) keep the pleats sharp.
Avoid: Loose rayon challis, Slinky jersey, Loosely woven gauze
③ Place a motif
Preview where a chest print, pocket or embroidery will sit before you cut — then print it as a placement guide.
④ Print & cut
Print at 100% / “Actual size”. Measure the 50 mm test square before cutting. Tape pages by row & column, then cut along the dashed line (it includes seam allowance) and sew along the solid line. Watch the grainline arrows — auto-arrange may rotate a piece to save paper.
Atelier notes
- 01Mark every pleat fold carefully — accuracy here makes or breaks the look.
- 02Press each pleat with steam and let it cool before moving; crisp folds need patience.
- 03A firm fabric (cotton drill, wool suiting) holds pleats far better than something soft.
Panel is 3× the waist across both, pleated down to fit. · Seam allowance 12mm.