I am not sure if this is the proper place to post this but thought the professionals might have run across this in repairs or remakes.

I am using two Pendleton wool skirts to make a new skirt for "costuming" purposes. The two skirts had machine sewn pleats that I have removed but there are "holes" where the stitching was. At this point I have not attempted any methods of removing them or the pressing from the pleats. It wouldn't hurt the fabrics to have a wash and I am not opposed to that.

Any ideas to get these fabrics back in shape?