The process of creating soft folds in a piece of cloth by shortening its length along a line of stitching defines a fundamental technique in textiles. This method, often employed to add fullness or to join a wider piece of fabric to a narrower one, involves securing the desired length to a pre-determined measurement. An example includes creating a ruffle for a skirt or attaching a sleeve head to an armhole.
Its application offers both functional and aesthetic advantages. Functionally, it allows for the manipulation of fabric volume, accommodating design constraints or shaping garments to the body. Aesthetically, it introduces texture and visual interest, lending character to otherwise plain surfaces. Historically, this technique has been present across diverse cultures and eras, evident in historical garments where controlled fullness was integral to the silhouette and design.
