https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/lady-skater-with-pleated-skirt • Posted by Heather B
Knit dresses are a wardrobe staple of mine and my favorite pattern in the Lady Skater by Kitschy Coo. You can purchase this pattern here http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women. This pattern lends it's self to all kinds of style tweaks. In this version I've added small box pleats to the waistline to give the skirt a different look. Sample is sewn in a sweater knit.
Knit dresses are a wardrobe staple of mine and my favorite pattern in the Lady Skater by Kitschy Coo. You can purchase this pattern here http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women. This pattern lends it's self to all kinds of style tweaks. In this version I've added small box pleats to the waistline to give the skirt a different look. Sample is sewn in a sweater knit.
To add pleats to the skirt trace the pattern and label the CF.
From the CF measure over to mark the placement for your first pleat. I used the distance of 2 1/4"
From the first pleat placement mark, measure over another 2 1/4" and mark for the second pleat.
Use the pleat marks to draw two lines down through the length of the skirt.
Cut along these lines from the waist almost through to the hem. Leave a little paper hinge at the hemline.
Place some scrap paper behind the skirt pattern and start spreading open the cut areas. These will be your pleats. I decided to make my pleats the width of 2 1/4" as well.
Measure at the waistline edge and tape down the skirt pattern when the cut areas are as wide as you want them.
In the pleat area measure down 2" from the waist edge and draw in a parallel line. This is the bottom of your pleat.
Mark the center of the pleat both at the top edge and at the bottom edge of the pleat. In my example the middle is 1 1/8". Draw a line to connect them.
On the bottom edge of the pleat measure out from the center mark (1 1/8") to mark the outside edges of the pleat. Connect these marks with the top cut edges of the pleat area. Now you have a nice box pleat marking. The pleats will be folded to the center so you can draw arrows to remind yourself of this.
Fold the pleats closed, like how you will sew them, pin in place.
Cut the excess paper off across the waistline. Remove the pins and flatten out your pattern again.
Down at the hem you'll need to "true" up the curve a bit because there will be small lumps from the adjustment. Add a little extra paper and draw in a smooth hem curve.
Trim off any excess paper and your pattern is done.
The garment pictured also has had the neckline changed to a boat neck. Refer to the Boat neck tutorial for directions on how to modify the pattern.