A versatile pleat maker by d.Anne Ruff
1100 Vagabond Lane Plymouth, MN 55447
Tel: 763-473-7565 ~ Fax: 763-473-2148
danneruff@aol.com
What's the secret to our Window Collection? It's the Pretty Pleat pleater. We developed this tool in 1983; since then it has become a staple item for miniaturists and doll collectors everywhere. With the Pretty Pleat pleater, you can pleat fabrics in a variety of ways for curtains, draperies, dust ruffles and doll clothes. The Pleater comes in three different sizes ... we think you'll want all three! Complete instructions are included.
This versatile pleater, which is available in 3 sizes is molded from natural hard rubber. This rubber pleating form is not affected by heat or steam , and can be kept clean by occasional washing with soap and water.
The pleating process is simple.
Fabric is pressed into grooves with rigid plastic cards and/or a wood
slat included with the pleater. The resulting pleats are held in place
by heat, steam , starch or a fusible backing.
Ideal for making draperies, curtains, bed ruffles,
dressing table skirts etc. Pleaters can also be used for making pleated
or tucked doll clothes or even wavy doll hair. Pleats and tucks for full
scale projects such as place mats, pillows, aprons and childrens' clothes
can also be made on the Pretty Pleater
Fax: 763-473-2148 danneruff@aol.com
Pretty Pleat Tiny (1/4")
Approximately 11 pleats per inch. Each pleat is approximately
1/16" wide and 4 1/2" long
Order Code PP1/4 Tiny Pleater 4 1/2" X 10 1/2"
Price: $16.95
Order Code DPP1/4 Double Size Tiny Pleater 9" X 10 1/2"
Price: $29.95
Order Code TPP1/4 Triple Size Tiny Pleater 13 1/2" X
10 1/2"
Price: $47.00
Pretty Pleat Mini (1/2")
Approximately 7 1/2 pleats per inch. Each pleat is approximately 1/8"
wide and 4 1/2" long.
Order Code PP1/2 Mini Pleater 4 1/2" X 10 1/2"
Price: $18.00
Order Code DPP1/2 Double Size Mini Pleater 9" X 10
1/2"
Price: $32.00
Order Code TPP1/2 Triple Size Mini Pleater 13 1/2"
X 10 1/2"
Price: $47.00
Pretty Pleat (1")
5 1/2 pleats per inch. Each pleat is approximately 1/4" wide
and 10 1/2" long.
Order Code PP1 1 Inch Pleater 6 1/2" X 10 1/2"
Price: $27.00
Order Code DPP1 Double Sixe 1 Inch Pleater 13" X 10
1/2"
Price: $49.00
- Tiny and Mini Pleaters
Press fabric into first groove by pushing plastic card down into fabric along the length of the groove. Hold card in that pleat to keep it secure while pressing fabric into the next groove with the other card. Continue until you have the amount of pleated fabric needed. - Pretty Pleat 1
Same procedure as above, except use the wood slat to hold pleat in place while pressing the next pleat with card.
Fabric Choices
There are no fabric restrictions for use in the pleaters. Whatever works is fine! Natural fibers like 100% cotton or silk work best, however. 100% polyester or nylon are somewhat difficult because they tend to be "springy." Most blends work well. Take care that fabric is not discolored by water or spray starch.
Good rule of thumb: Fabric that wrinkles easily, usually pleats easily! For projects requiring loose or soft folds, as in tie-back curtains or dressing table skirts, pleat a test piece of fabric to make sure it will hold a pleat. Projects having straight or firm pleats, which can be secured with a fusible backing can be made from almost any fabric.
Sheer Fabrics may be chosen from bridal or curtain departments of fabric shops. Observe special instructions for handling sheer fabrics.Ribbons or laces may be successfully pleated but take care not to choose those that are quite stiff or bulky.
Smaller scale projects require fabric that is as thin and smooth as possible; prints should be tiny and colors more subdued.
Additional Suggestions
Practice your pleating technique before beginning a project.