Making Pinch Pleat Drapes

Pleater Tape

Pinch pleats are the traditional heading for draperies. Sewing pinch pleat drapes is easier if you use pleater tape for making the pinched draperies. This eliminates the complicated task of measuring for the pinch pleats. A pinch pleat is actually 3 small pleats grouped together at equally spaced intervals. The pleater tape for pinched pleats has evenly spaced pockets woven into it. Four-pronged hooks inserted into these pockets and draw up the pleats.

Measuring

Before cutting your fabric or tape, you will need to pre-pleat the tape. This will help you determine the finished width of the draperies and the pleat position. Lay the pleater tape on the table and insert 4-pronged pleater hooks into your pleater tape. Once you have a length of hooks in the tape, place your pleated tape on the curtain rod and adjust pleats if necessary. You want to place the last pleat of the panel at the corner of the rod return. Fold ends under 1/2 inch; this will be your hem for your sides. Once you have your tape the width you want, remove the pleated tape from the curtain rod. Remove your hooks. You now have the width measurement for your drapery panel. Measure your length for your panel. Add 2 to 4 inches for the hem of your panel; this will be your choice on how much hem you want. Measure the width of the pleater tape and double it. Add that to the length of your panel; this will be the top of your drapery where your pleater tap will be sewn on.

Sewing Drapes

Cut the fabric length. Using the pleater tape as a guide, cut your width. Sew your hem on the bottom and sew your hem on your sides of the panel. Turn under a double-fold hem on the top of your drape. Use your pleater tape as a guide for the width of the hem. Attach the pleater tape to the wrong side on the top of your fabric. Stitch the top, lower edge and the sides of the tape to your fabric. Once sewn, you are ready to insert your hooks. Push the prongs all the way up into the pleats. Adjust the fold between the hooks, if needed. You now have one finished panel. Repeat the process for your second panel.

Resources

• Fabric store