Make a Pleating Jig For Quickly Pleating Face Masks
A pleating jig will help you quickly fold and sew pleats.
Are you trying to make face masks to help our first responders? Do you need help with pleating the fabric quickly? Read on and I’ll show you the jig I made to help me.
What is a jig?
A jig’s primary purpose is to provide repeatability, accuracy, and speed in the manufacturing of products.
I made the jig out of a piece of Pellon but you can also use a piece of card stock. The measurements are 6″ wide x 6 1/2″ long. Here is how to mark if for the folds. Starting from the bottom of the jig, the first fold is 1 3/4″, the second is 1 3/4″ above this, and the third is 1 1/2″ above this. You will fold the jig on each of these lines. Next, take the first fold from the bottom and fold it up to 1/2″ below the second fold. Do the same thing with the remaining two folds. The top fold will be about 1/2″ from the top of the jig. I’m using three folds in this mask style. The pleats are not always perfect. Have a safe and healthy day.
Make a tool for easily marking and folding the pleats for the face mask. I used 6″ wide buckram but you can use paper. Fold it into sections as shown on this template.
Watch the video describing how to make the folds on the jig. How to make a pleating jig for pleated face masks.
Would you like your own jig you can print and use to help you pleat your fabric quickly and accurately? Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll email the PDF template to your inbox. Be sure to ask for the pleating jig! Click here to sign up and receive a free PDF download.
We will get through this unexpected time in our lives. Stay well. Stay healthy!
Share this article
Meet Donna Cash – Your Trusted Sewing Mentor & Creative Guide
Donna Cash is the founder of Designs by Donna, an award-winning drapery and soft furnishings studio known for its exquisite custom pillows, bedding, drapery, and detailed embellishments. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Donna brings a rare blend of technical expertise, artistic flair, and warm encouragement to every maker she mentors.
A passionate educator, speaker, and industry leader, Donna has trained hundreds of DIYers and professionals alike, helping them master professional techniques while cultivating a calm, joyful, and balanced approach to their craft. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or running a workroom business, Donna is here to help you grow with confidence.
Through her blog, video tutorials, and vibrant online membership community, she shares time-saving strategies, fabric insights, and real-world solutions that make high-quality results feel achievable—and enjoyable. Donna’s mission is simple but powerful: to help you create beautiful things with fabric, one inspired stitch at a time.
Join the community and explore expert instruction at www.designsbydonna.com.
