The Upholstery Forum

John,

While watching your tuck and roll video you have a measurement of 3/8" allowed for shrinkage on the muslin.

I am planning on 1.50" pleats instead of the 2". How did you arrive at that measurement? Is it close enough for my 1.50" pleats or should I reduce that?

I keep re-watching the videos, but I haven't seen it mentioned. Did I miss it somewhere?

You'd probably get John's attention more easily by addressing your question to him @John

@Roothawg ,

I would sew a panel with what you have calculated and see if it fits.

Both good points.

Hi @Roothawg
I arrived at 3/8 after lots of experimenting. I took me a long time to come up with a reliable method to get the pleats to come out to a specified width. I haven't done it for 1.5" pleats.
You'll need to do some small test pleat panels on cheep fabric to dial it in. I think 3/8" will work but make sure to test it. If not try 1/4.

Sorry I'm not more helpful on this one. I rarely ever do cotton stuffed tuck and roll because its so time consuming and customers rarely ever want to spend the amount of money it takes to do them. Back when this method was very popular labor was much cheaper so time wasn't as much of a concern.

When I get my new shop up and running I will make an effort to experiment and create calculation sheets for different size tuck and roll pleats.

Thanks John. This is mainly what I am going to be doing, that's why I am curious. I mainly deal with traditional hot rods and customs.

@Roothawg , let us know how it turns out.