although i have tailoring men's suits off and on for more years then i care to say i'm still finding new ways to do things
on the subject of pleating i cam up with a fast and easy way to make sure you pleats are dead on

i make a tag board that's like card stock to the non artistic of you.
in the shape of the pleat. then cut it out i punch several sets of hols with a card punch so that i can pin it to the fabric. place it on the tartan at the appropriated position. fold and pin every thing in place and stitch along card board lower edge. make sure that the fabric is not wavering back and forth under the edge. or you can us the card board to thread bast or even draw a chock line. but i find chock
to be a bit inaccurate as its hard to get a thin precise line
any way im sure you all have some good trick too if any one wants to offer them up im game

now if any one can tell me how to fix my aging atal brain so i don't do dumb things that i know vary good and well not to do i would be ever so grateful
Paul