Box Pleat
A box pleat is a symmetrical pleat formed by folding two equal sections of fabric away from each other on the front, creating a flat, box-like panel on the outside and inverted folds on the inside. This technique produces a tailored and structured appearance while still allowing room for movement. Box pleats add weight and dimension, and can be used as single design details or repeated in sequence for a decorative, rhythmic effect.
Main Properties
- Resistance: Good to very good.
It is stronger when it’s closed or when adding a topstitch. - Versatility: Very good.
It is suitable for almost any fabric (woven and knit). It could be too thick and stiff when using heavy-weight fabrics. - Flexibility: Regular.
- Elasticity: Regular to poor.
- Cost: Low to medium.
Common Uses
- Skirts and pants.
- Children wear.
- Back yoke of shirts and blouses.
- Inner back of lined outerwear.
- Patch pockets.
- Bags and accessories.
Related Seams
Step By Step
Step 1
Stitch
Fold the fabric facing the right side out and sew along the edge of the folded side.
Step 2
Fold Up
Fold-up the upper layer of the fabric according to the width that you wish for the pleat. Then Press.
Step 3
Repeat
Repeat the process on the other side.
Step 3
Final
Facts
- It’s a type of pleat.
- When it’s open, it gives volume to the fabric. And when it’s closed, it reduces the volume.
- Reversible: when using the back-side facing up, it’s called “Inverted Box Pleat” (group D112), and it looks flat and clean.