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Instructions for the Super Amanda (Same for all models)

The SUPER AMANDA smocking pleater is superior in design and workmanship to similar products and we, the manufacturers, are confident you will be satisfied and proud of your purchase. It is our aim to assist you in the production of your beautiful pleated garments.
You will find the SUPER AMANDA both smooth and simple to use, with replacement parts readily available. We wish you every success and many hours of smocking pleasure with your new investment.

We have kept our instructions as brief as possible, as we are confident that when you become familiar with your machine, you will soon utilize your own skills and expertise to your full potential.
The SUPER AMANDA smocking pleater requires little maintenance.
Needles may be replaced by removing Left and Right Hand Locating Pins which hold the Top Front Roller in place. Roll out the roller and place the needles, point first, into the appropriate locating needle grooves. Replace the Top Front Roller, and re-install the locating pins.

For fine smocking the needles need to be kept in every groove of the machine or for the width of the fine smocking being done.
For normal smocking, it is recommended that 24 needles are left in place at the 10mm width spacings. (Every second groove) or for the width of smocking being done.

PLEATING PREPARATION

Check that all needles to be used are correctly in place. If there are any needles that are bent or are incorrectly placed, remove them according to the directions above, and replace.
Thread the required number of needles to be used with a strong gathering thread.
The threads should be of sufficient length to allow tying off on completion of the pleating operation.
Some operators may find it advantageous to use different coloured threads to make it easier to pick up smocking points.
If it is desirable to elasticise a garment, use shirring elastic instead of threads.
It is advisable to thread two or more needles than the actual number of rows required.
This holds the first and last rows more evenly, and can be used as a guide for sewing on the yoke.

FABRIC PREPARATION

Original fabric width should be approximately three to four times the width of required pleated product (depends on weight of fabric).
Wash new fabric to remove sizing: stiff fabric should be ironed with a damp cloth. Remove selvages from any fabric thicker than batiste.
Place the fabric smocking side up on the table, attach it to a dowel stick (alternatively a plastic coated curtain rod). Roll the fabric smoothly and evenly onto the rod.
Do not cut out armholes or neckline until smocking is completed - preferably, mark to outline of where the cut will occur, and smock to the mark.

PLEATING

Insert the rolled fabric into the back of the pleater and ensure straight tracking.
It is normal to insert the amount of fabric to be pleated from the left hand end with unpleated (and therefore unmarked by needles) fabrics protruding on the left. Avoid bunching of unpleated fabric by assisting the feed through the left hand upright whilst pleating the required section. Failure to do this can result in bunching of the fabric and consequent needle breakage.
Feed the fabric squarely between the two back rollers and turn the knob slightly to just catch the fabric. If the fabric is off grain or puckers, reverse the knob to release the fabric and start again.
DO NOT REVERSE THE KNOB AFTER THE FABRIC IS ON THE NEEDLES.
When the needles are full of pleated fabric, ease it gently on to the threads. Do not feed more fabric through until the needles have been cleared. The pleats will stay more even if they are kept drawn together.
When all fabric has been pleated, cut the threads close to the eyes of the needles, and knot them at the required length of your completed smocked section.
Clean the rollers of any threads and dust in preparation for later use.

HANDY HINTS

If in doubt about the ease with which a fabric will pleat, test strip of both washed and unwashed fabric before you start. Don't rush into any pleating until you are confident.
Be sure to remove the adhesive tape (or equivalent) before feeding the last of your fabric through the machine - pleated tape is both difficult to unpick, and does not feed through easily.
If you are not pleased with your initial product, pull out the pleats and start again - the extra effort and time taken is well worth while.
When the pleater is not in use, cover it and store in a dry place - remember the needles may rust. You may even prefer to remove them and store in a moisture proof container.
Your machine will give you years of service.

Amanda Jane Pleater