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If your room is in need of privacy, but you still want to be able to see the view outdoors and let the sunlight in at certain parts of the day, a pleated window treatment is one of the best types of window covers to use.
Make pleated headers to make pleated curtains. Make the fold or pleat for every 4 to 5 inches of fabric with a space of 4 to 6 inches in between. It takes approximately 10 inches to add a pleat. In order to figure out the size of the pleat, pinch the header of the panel curtain. Pinch a double or triple pleat to see how many pleats it would take for the size of your fabric. If it takes 5 inches of fabric to make a pleat, then you would need 30 inches to make six pleats. Take the measurement of the distance from the overlap of the panel to the return pins, then subtract the pleat allowance and divide it by four. The result will be the measurement of the spacing in between pleats. -
Pinch Pleated CurtainsIn order to make pleated window curtains the materials to use are fabric, tape measure, scissors, sewing machine, needle, thread, pleater tape, mounting brackets and hooks. For box pleats, in addition to the materials mentioned here, you would need a piece of lumber cut into three pieces and connected together as hanging frame and a staple gun.
A type of pleated heading used commonly is the pinch pleat, which is a group of three small pleats spaced at regular intervals. In order to give a fuller look, allow 2 1/2 to 3 times the width of the window. Pinched pleated window treatment is best for covering wider windows and sliding doors. This type provides more coverage and great for privacy and light control.
Another type of pleated header is the pencil, which derived its name from the way the narrow row of fold resembles that of a row of pencils laid down side by side. To create a pencil pleat, sew a pleater tape to the heading of the curtain and allow 2 to 3 times the track length for fullness. This is an excellent choice for bedrooms for better coverage to address privacy and to soften the overall look.
The box pleat is another type of commonly used window treatment, especially when it is in a fixed position. To make a box pleat, fold the fabric to the back side of a pleat and allow 3 times the track length for fullness. Staple the finished product onto a lumber frame assembled in a U-shape by stapling the edges on top from end to end. This type of pleated window treatment is great for kitchens, sunrooms or any room that does not need too much privacy. This is also a great to use as window valance to accompany sheers and drapes.
The cartridge pleat has cylindrical shaped pleats and used as an alternative to pinch pleat. Like the pinch pleat, use 2 1/2 to 3 times the width for fullness. The cartridge is excellent for wider windows, similar to the pinch pleated window curtains.
The goblet is quite similar to pinch pleat, however, there is no need to bring the top together in a triple fold. Add stuffing with interlining on the top of the goblet and allow 3 times the track length to give it a fuller look. This is an excellent choice for a contemporary design and can make the room look brighter.
Finally, the smocked pleat makes use of standard hooks placed in one or two rows of hook pockets. For a simpler method to create a smocked pleat, use a pleater tape. Provide 2 to 3 times the width for fullness. Similar to pinch pleated and cartridge curtains, the smocked pleat can provide maximum coverage. -
Pleated ShadesPleated shades do not make use of tracks used by curtains; instead, they have a different mounting hardware. Manufacturers of blinds are the ones that make pleated shades. They gather the materials used to create the pleated shades together horizontally using a cord, which is also used to pull up or down the pleats. For high or odd-shaped windows, the pleated shades are ideal to use. There are pleated shades that have remote controls for easy operation of hard to reach areas. One can have a pleated fan-shaped shade for an arched window custom-made to filter the light and provide privacy.
