Pleat maintenance

[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.