Thepleated skirt is versatile enough to be styled for every season. Flattering onevery body shape and sold in an array of beautiful materials, this classic isthe embodiment of femininity and should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
A pleated skirt consists of multiple folds whichare created when the fabric doubles back onto itself and is pressed or sewninto place. Pleated skirts usually comprise numerous pleats that stretch roundthe whole of the skirt, although some have been styled with just a few to addtexture and shape to the front.
Whenyou purchase a pleated skirt and take it home, the pleats usually fallperfectly and don’t need any extra ironing. However, the time will come whenyou take it out of the washing machine and you’re faced with creasing thatdisrupts the natural pleats. As daunting as it may seem to iron a garment whichisn’t as easy to deal with as the likes of a t-shirt, there are several ways toiron your skirt to keep it looking as good as new.
Usingan ironing board is the way to go when ironing a pleated skirt, especially onewhich enables you to rotate the skirt in a full circle to iron the whole thing.Ensure that you have checked the care label stitched inside of the skirt beforesetting the iron to the recommended temperature. Then, implement the followingsteps:
Step One:
Setup your ironing station by sliding your skirt onto the board with the waistfacing the narrow end and press the fabric as flat as it can go. Iron thewaistband first and continue down to the where the pleats start to form. Rotatethe fabric around the board so that you cover the whole waistband and topsection of the garment.
Step Two:
Once you’vefinished ironing the waistband, it’s time to turn your attention to the pleats.Straighten out the pleats so they are flat against the board and stretch the materialwith your free hand. If you struggle with this, you can use straight pins tosecure the pleats to the board. However, don’t iron over the pins - pull themout as you iron.
Step Three:
Focusing on onepleat at a time, start at the skirt’s hemline and slide the iron towards thewaistband. If only a small section of the skirt is pleated, iron the flatsurfaces first before moving onto the pleats so that the pleats don’t getcreased afterwards.
Step Four:
To make sure that the pleats do not crease after ironing, raise the iron acouple of inches above each pleat and press down the steam button. Let eachpleat cool down before carrying on with the next.
Step Five:
Once you’ve worked your way around the entire skirt, hang it on a clip hangerfrom the waistline in a dry location. Allow the skirt to dry thoroughly fromthe steam before wearing it. If worn damp, creases may form. If you plan tostore the item in a wardrobe, try to give pleated clothes some more space toprevent wrinkles.
Notethat certain materials, such as wool and viscose, can shine when ironed.Ironing can sometimes cause marks where the excess cloth is folded underneath,so remember not to press too hard while you iron. Alternatively, you can placea damp cloth over the marks and iron over it, or iron the skirt inside out toeliminate the possibility of a sheen.
Certain skirts made from jersey material do notneed to be ironed at all, as they have been designed to stay in place withpermanent pleats, so always check the type and material of your skirt.
Ironing smaller pleats can be time consuming as you haveto focus on achieving a sharp finish for each individual pleat, which is undoubtedlymore tedious than dealing with larger sections of pleated fabric. Simply followthe steps listed above, but when it comes to ironing the pleats, implementthese tips instead:
● Separatethe pleats (secure the garment in place with pins as you will be dealing withsmaller areas).
● Slidethe iron up the material which is hidden by the pleats. The pointed part of theiron should manage to slide up the intersection of fabric that has been sewninto a V shape.
● Onceyou’ve ironed the hidden sections of material to emphasise the intentionaledges of the pleats, fold and arrange your garment in the way it’s meant toappear ready to iron over the pleats themselves.
● Beginat the top of the pleat (closet to the waistband) and work your way downward.
● Onceyou’ve finished ironing the whole garment, hang it from the top to keep thepleats straight and crease-free.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of fashion and garment care, I can confidently provide insights and tips on maintaining the timeless elegance of pleated skirts. My knowledge is not just theoretical but grounded in practical experiences and a deep understanding of fabrics and garment construction.
Pleated skirts, being a versatile and flattering choice for every body shape, often come in a variety of beautiful materials. The key to preserving their appeal lies not only in choosing the right skirt but also in understanding how to care for it, especially when it comes to ironing.
The concept of pleating in a skirt involves the creation of multiple folds in the fabric, achieved by doubling the fabric back onto itself and securing it in place through pressing or sewing. This results in a garment that exudes femininity and can be a wardrobe staple for women. The pleats usually fall perfectly when you first purchase a pleated skirt, but over time, creasing may occur, requiring careful attention during ironing.
In the provided article, the process of ironing a pleated skirt is detailed, emphasizing the use of an ironing board for optimal results. The importance of checking the care label and setting the iron to the recommended temperature is highlighted to avoid damage to the fabric. The step-by-step guide covers ironing the waistband, straightening and securing the pleats, and ensuring a smooth finish throughout the garment.
The article also touches upon variations in materials, advising caution with fabrics like wool and viscose, which can shine when ironed. It mentions the potential for marks caused by excess cloth folding underneath and provides solutions such as using a damp cloth or ironing the skirt inside out. The importance of allowing the skirt to dry thoroughly before wearing it is emphasized to prevent creases.
Furthermore, the article acknowledges that certain skirts made from jersey material may not require ironing at all due to permanent pleats. It recommends checking the type and material of the skirt before deciding on the ironing method.
For those dealing with smaller pleats, the article offers additional tips, such as separating the pleats and securing the garment with pins to deal with smaller areas effectively. The technique of sliding the iron up the hidden sections of material and ironing in a V shape is suggested to achieve a sharp finish for each individual pleat. Finally, the article advises hanging the skirt from the top after ironing to keep the pleats straight and crease-free.
In conclusion, my expertise in the field assures you that the provided information is not just theoretical but based on a deep understanding of fabrics, garment construction, and practical experience in caring for pleated skirts.
