Pleated Skirt Calculator
Calculate exact fabric measurements for knife or box pleated skirts
Calculate Pleated Skirt Fabric
Basic Measurements
Pleat Configuration
Skirt Dimensions
Waistband Configuration
Fabric Requirements
Skirt Fabric
Waistband Fabric
Formulas used:
• Knife pleat fabric per pleat: (waist ÷ pleats) × 2
• Skirt fabric width: 0.0 × 0 + 3
• Skirt fabric length: 0 + 2 + 3
Pleat Type Comparison
Knife Pleats
Uses 2x fabric per pleat, creates sharp, defined lines. More fabric efficient.
Box Pleats
Uses 3x fabric per pleat, creates fuller, more voluminous appearance.
Example Calculation
Classic Knife Pleated Skirt
Waist measurement: 70 cm
Number of knife pleats: 10
Desired skirt length: 60 cm
Seam allowance: 3 cm
Bottom hem: 2 cm
Calculation Results
Fabric per pleat: (70 ÷ 10) × 2 = 14 cm
Skirt fabric width: 14 × 10 + 3 = 143 cm
Skirt fabric length: 60 + 2 + 3 = 65 cm
Total skirt fabric: 143 × 65 cm
Sewing Tips
Mark Your Pleats
Use fabric chalk to mark pleat lines before cutting
Press Each Pleat
Iron pleats as you go for crisp, professional lines
Baste First
Baste pleats in place before final stitching
Choose Right Fabric
Medium-weight fabrics work best for pleating
Fabric Recommendations
Cotton: Easy to pleat, holds shape well
Wool: Professional look, excellent drape
Linen: Classic choice, natural texture
Avoid: Very stretchy or flimsy fabrics
Understanding Pleated Skirts
What are Pleated Skirts?
Pleated skirts feature decorative folds in the fabric that create texture, movement, and volume. The pleats are formed by folding fabric back on itself and securing it at the waistline.
Types of Pleats
- •Knife Pleats: All pleats face the same direction, creating a streamlined look
- •Box Pleats: Pleats are folded away from each other, creating a fuller silhouette
- •Inverted Box Pleats: Opposite of box pleats, folds meet in the center
Fabric Calculation Formula
For Knife Pleats:
Fabric per pleat = (waist ÷ pleats) × 2
For Box Pleats:
Fabric per pleat = (waist ÷ pleats) × 3
Total Width:
Width = (fabric per pleat × pleats) + seam allowance
Pro Tip: Always add extra fabric for testing pleat spacing and adjustments