Uploaded July 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Feeling frustrated by pleats? Do they feel overwhelming? In this video, I teach how to sew an easy, no-math pleating system for historical fashion, which are called cartridge pleats or gauging.

I love using these in many of the garments I make, and you see them especially often throughout the Victorian era, especially the first half, though into the later half as well.

This system makes how to sew pleats simple, and offers up a beautiful, full-bodied effect that can be done completely with hand sewing.

Cartridge pleats are one essential technique I recommend if you plan on making historical clothing or starting historical costuming.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. Please let me know if you have any questions about cartridge pleating.

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