Pleat Maker Jig UPDATED for Fabric Face Masks - Covid-19

thingiverse

If you download this thing, please like or collect it. Check out my other designs here: https://www.thingiverse.com/tonyyoungblood/designs Video instructions and demonstration: https://youtu.be/cL9JP6YUnBA -------------------------------------------------- Sewing face mask patterns such as the Deaconess and Pocket Mask can be tricky, especially when it comes to pleats. This tool helps you fold them perfectly. How to use: Decide whether you want a STANDARD (73mm / 3 inches wide) or SLIM (49mm / 2 inches wide) version and download the corresponding STL file. Refer to Print Settings for recommended print settings. This video explains it better than words: https://youtu.be/cL9JP6YUnBA Place the part with the measuring lines on a sewing table, with the measuring lines facing away from you. Lay down your fabric and align the top edge with one of the lines. You'll need to experiment to find which line works best for your pattern. Place the other jig on top. Align the fins. Use your fingers to hold the bottom jig in place on the top corners and use your thumbs to push the top jig in, creating folds in the fabric. If the folds are too high or too low, try a different measuring line. At this point, I straighten the folds slightly with my hands. Then I move both layers of the jig to one side of the fabric while I iron the other side. I repeat on the other side. You can either keep the fabric in the jig while sewing it, remove the jig and pin/clip the folds, or remove the jig, press the fabric with the iron, and sew without pins or clips. I usually do the third option. This is a rebuilt-from-the-ground-up remix of Jonathan Wigger's pleat maker, available here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4259706 --------------------------------------- Previous updates: Update (May 12, 2020): The new fin design works great, so I'm deprecating the old version. I'm also removing the widest version since it's unnecessary, takes longer to print, and makes ironing harder. The SLIM version is now STANDARD, and the ULTRASLIM is now SLIM. All files now have the new fin design. Update (May 11, 2020): I added an experimental Ultra Slim version (49 mm wide) with deeper-angled fins. I haven't tested it thoroughly yet, but most likely, this will be the best version. If you print lots of these, this is probably the one to use. If anyone can help test these, I would appreciate it. Update (May 7, 2020): I made the standard version a bit less wide and removed the "face up" and "face down" lettering. The measuring lines on the down side make it easy to orient the pieces without the lettering, and it saves some printing time. I also changed the spacing between waves from 0.8mm to 1mm to allow for slightly-thicker double fabric. I made a few other minor updates to ease of use. The STANDARD version is now 95mm wide (3.75 inches). I also created an experimental SLIM version that should print much faster. That version is 75mm wide (2.95 inches). Update (April 20, 2020): I completely overhauled this thing. It now prints in one piece* without supports. (*Well, two pieces since there are two jigs in a set.) The "wave" shape of the new version leaves more space for two layers of fabric and just works better.