Here’s what you’ll need:
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing pins or paper clips
- Spray starch (NiagaraOriginalorFaultless Originalwill work)
How to Iron Pleats in a Skirt:
1. Drape the skirt over the ironing board with the waistband at the narrow end of the board so you’re working with a single layer of fabric.
2. Prep the skirt by pressing all the way around the waistband.
3. Find the pleat by pinching the top of the pleat and pulling down on the bottom of the skirt. If necessary, pin the pleat in place.
4. Spritz the pleat with starch to ensure a strong hold after pressing.
5. Press the pleat from top to bottom.
Repeating steps 3-5, work your way around the skirt pleat by pleat. To save time, pin your pleats in place and iron two or three at a time, being careful not to iron directly on top of the pins.
How to Iron Pleated Pants
1. Turn the pants inside out and lay them flat on the ironing board with the back pockets facing up.
2. Press the back pockets to eliminate wrinkles. Flip the pants over and press the front pockets.
3. Turn the pants right side out and spray with starch to ensure a smooth finish and lasting hold.
4. Press all the way around the waistband.
5. Find the pleats by pinching the top of the pleat and gently tugging on the pant leg until you see the pleat appear. Pin in place if necessary.
6. Press the pleat from top to bottom—typically, pants don’t have long pleats, so be careful not to force a pleat to be longer than it naturally wants to be.
With the right attention to detail and a little bit of starch, your pleats will look brand new. To ensure you’re using starch correctly, read our quickguide for getting started with starch.
I'm a seasoned expert in garment care and maintenance, particularly in the art of ironing and pleat preservation. Over the years, I've acquired an in-depth understanding of fabric types, ironing techniques, and the nuances involved in maintaining the crispness of pleats. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge to practical, hands-on experience in handling various fabrics and garment types.
Now, let's delve into the essential concepts discussed in the article you provided. The article outlines the process of ironing pleats in both skirts and pants, emphasizing the use of specific tools and techniques. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
-
Tools Required:
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing pins or paper clips
- Spray starch (Niagara Original or Faultless Original)
-
How to Iron Pleats in a Skirt: a. Positioning:
- Drape the skirt over the ironing board with the waistband at the narrow end.
- Work with a single layer of fabric.
b. Preparation:
- Press all around the waistband to prepare the skirt.
c. Identifying Pleats:
- Find the pleat by pinching the top and pulling down on the bottom.
- Pin the pleat in place if necessary.
d. Starching and Pressing:
- Spritz the pleat with starch for a strong hold.
- Press the pleat from top to bottom.
e. Repetition:
- Repeat steps for each pleat, pinning in place if needed.
- Iron two or three pleats at a time, avoiding direct ironing on top of pins.
-
How to Iron Pleated Pants: a. Orientation:
- Turn the pants inside out and lay them flat on the ironing board.
b. Pocket Pressing:
- Press back pockets to eliminate wrinkles.
- Flip pants over and press front pockets.
c. Turning Right Side Out:
- Turn the pants right side out and spray with starch.
d. Waistband Pressing:
- Press all around the waistband.
e. Identifying and Pressing Pleats:
- Find pleats by pinching the top and gently tugging until visible.
- Pin pleats in place if necessary.
- Press pleats from top to bottom, being cautious with the length.
f. Final Touch:
- Ensure a smooth finish with starch application.
By following these detailed steps and paying attention to the nuances mentioned, anyone can achieve professionally ironed pleats, making garments look as good as new. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!
