Pattern Play

Pleated Peplum

Pleats require about three times as much fabric (a 1" pleat requires 3" of fabric).This style is similar to the ruffled peplum, except that the pattern needs to be slashed and spread until it reaches three times the finished waist measurement.

Slash and spread the peplum pattern template as previously instructed for the ruffled peplum. Add 1 1/2" to the pattern upper edge and cut out a new pattern piece.

Draw a horizontal line through the pattern center to divide the pattern in half lengthwise.

From the fabric, cut one peplum strip from the upper half of the pattern. Cut another peplum strip from the entire pattern.

Hem each strip lower edge: Double-fold each strip lower edge 1/4" toward the wrong side; stitch.

Mark each strip vertically into eight equal pieces. The distance between the marked lines is the pleat depth. Align two marked lines to create each pleat, fold and press. Baste along each pleat upper edge (10).

Construct the garment following the pattern instructions. Overlap the pleated tiers so the shorter tier is on top. Align the upper edges and pin or machine baste.

Stitch the pleated peplum to the bodice. Remove the basting.