A pleat is a permanent, regular crease, wave, or fold in a fabric that is made using steam heat, pleater tape, and pleater hooks. While there are numerous types of pleats that can be created, they all take a wide piece of fabric and make its width smaller while adding a three-dimensional, geometric structure. With each pleat that is put into a fabric, its width is measured out to ensure an even pattern thickness. Pleats can be implemented on drapery headers, valances, sofa backs, headboards, trims, and upholstery skirts. Examples of pleat types are pencil pleat, goblet pleat, cartridge pleat, and pinch pleat.
