GCSE Textiles Rescue - Knife Pleats

Ages 14 to 16

This practical video introduces knife pleats and explains how they can be used to add controlled fullness, structure and decorative detail to textile products and garments.

The demonstration guides students through identifying knife pleats on commercial patterns, measuring and marking the fabric accurately, folding each pleat in the same direction, pinning the folds securely and checking the finished arrangement. Examples show how the technique can be applied to products including shirts, skirts and trousers.

The eight minute video can be used to introduce the technique, support a classroom demonstration or help GCSE students develop accuracy and confidence when creating evenly spaced pleats in fabric.