re-pleating knife pleats? is this best done by the dry cleaner? (UPDATED W/PICS)

Hattysattic

Hattysattic

VFG Secretary
i have a gorgeous evening dress by modern couture (poss barbieri design?) that is heavily sequined on the boned bodice, and would have been pleated to varying degrees all around the floor length skirt. some of the pleats have become less defined, and the centre front definitely needs to be re-done. the skirt is a heavy nylon or other manmade fabric (yet to look closely, but suffice it to say i am a little wary of applying too much heat)
has anyone attempted pressing this type of thing themselves? not too sure about taking it to the cleaners as it's possibly one of my favourite ever dresses, and is currently otherwise pretty perfect with no missing sequins or damage...

i'll try and get some pictures done later but am currently trying to finish my backlog of ebay listings. thank you ! :)


here you go, only a day or so later..








:)
 
I don't know!

In the past if it was just one or two pleats, I would press it with the pants presser or (under a towel for safety) just apply low heat.

Or I would just leave as is if the rest of the dress or skirt was great and that one pleat wasn't glaringly prominent.

I hope someone has a more definitive answer :)
 
Just beautiful!! My favorite color, too.

I think I have actually tried to press knife pleats with pretty good success.
 
sorry.. busy day yesterday! Yes - [/b]how[/b]linda? i haven't yet steamed it - it's up there with a few other things waiting to be 'dealt with' at the moment (am just deciding which others to steam myself rather than dry clean, so i can get a good group together before i lug out the giant steamer!). i think i'll try a distant steaming as i don't want to discourage any pleats still present. or is that silly?
the bit the requires the most attention is the paler green under-section centre front of the skirt. this should have been a slightly larger pleat as far as i can see, but still very crisp.
 
You might consider using one of these pleater aids:

<a href="http://www.clotilde.com/cl/product_group.asp?listtype=search&searchterm=pleater&dept_name=Search+Result%3A+pleater&g_id=532015V" target=blank>Original Perfect Pleater</a>

<a href="http://www.clotilde.com/cl/product_group.asp?listtype=search&searchterm=pleater&dept_name=Search+Result%3A+pleater&g_id=532070" target=blank>Extra Long Perfect Pleater</a>

It will be a time intensive project, but I think using the right sized perfect pleater would make it easier.

Laura
 
Knife pleats aren't that difficult to press. Your dress is gorgeous! If you don't have time to press your gown, a dry cleaner is a logical alternative.
 
thanks laura and missymia! it's more about me lacking in skill.. was in the drycleaners yesterday and she has tried to reassure me about doing what she'd paid too. she's very nice as i think she understands my over the top caution about my precious dresses - lol!. am going to 'test' her skill first with a pleated 50's day dress, but i think i might let her do this one in the end as there are just so many pleats to do! :)
 
I'd trust this to the cleaner's too, being that my "skill" at knife pleats is nil.... I get one right, but mess up the next one over! That dress is stunning, Harriet, and I don't blame you for not wanting to try the pleat pressing yourself (esp. if you iron like I do!)
 
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