Pleat maintenance

[The Wizard of BC]

You are correct. The words in my post may be read in a misleading way. I am sorry.

I guess I should have worded it more like "Steam has less effect on synthetics than it does on wool so steam is used in a different way, or for a different reason, than it is used on wool."

Because wool fibers are softened by the steam we can use the steam as an additional tool.
But synthetics are softened by steam less than wool.

We still use a damp pressing cloth - but with wool, the damp pressing cloth serves three purposes. Protect the fabric from the hard metal sole plate - create steam as the primary, controlled, heat source - and soften the fibers.

On synthetics the damp pressing cloth is used to protect the fabric from the hard metal sole plate - and to protect the fabric from excess heat.

[Katia]

On synthetics the damp pressing cloth is used to protect the fabric from the hard metal sole plate - and to protect the fabric from excess heat.

Okay, thanks. That was what I originally thought would be the case, but I want to make sure to do it right! (Foolishly put skirt in dryer, narrow box pleats no longer as crisp as they were, came here to see if there were instructions on basting box pleats. Skirt is cheap but non-replaceable-- not bought in U.S. and I am now stuck in U.S.-- and I really like it, so am hoping to salvage the pleats. But I am an ironing novice... haven't ever even been brave enough to have a go at basting my kilt...)

[The Wizard of BC]

If you have an industral steam iron (or what are sometimes called 'pressing systems') you do not even need to touch the fabric with the iron soleplate. So would not need a pressing cloth.

Shoot jets of steam into the fabric to heat it and then use a wooden "clapper" (that will not leave a shiney spot), to press down, setting the creases.

Steam is a marvolous thing. It is almost a lost art and one of a kiltmakers most important tools.

Fabric, and especially wool, can be molded and shaped into almost unimaginable three dimensionable shapes with steam. And steam is a very controlled and predictable temperature so is far safer around fabrics than a hot iron soleplate.

Here is Barb T. using an industral steamer and clapper to set the pleat creases.

[The Wizard of BC]

Here is the bottom edge showing the form of box pleats.



The purpose of basting is to temporarly hold the pleats while you press. Sort of like pinning without leaving the bumps pins leave.

There is no one 'correct' or 'proper' way to baste. Just as long as the pleats will not move around under your pressing cloth.

But please remember that a kilt or skirt, where the upper portion of the pleats are tapered, will no longer lay totally flat.

You must lift the upper, tapered area, and allow the pleated area to lay flat, with the pleats straight and parallel.