Textile technique

Pleated texture

Pleating folds an existing fabric into a repeated three-dimensional shape.

Also searched as: Pleating, Pleats

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A symbolic surface study. This technique has no single fixed pattern; this is not a construction diagram or photograph.

How it is made

Folds may be formed in fabric before cutting or in an already sewn garment. Industrial methods can use heat to set suitable fibers into the desired shape.

How to recognize it

Look for repeated folds that change depth or open as the cloth moves.

Common uses

  • Skirts
  • Pleated tops
  • Scarves

What to distinguish

Pleats describe fabric shaping, not a weave; their permanence and care requirements depend on the specific product.

Sources & further reading

Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.

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