How to Change Rod Curtains to Pinch Pleated Curtains

Pinch pleats work best with medium weight fabrics such as damask and cotton.

Pinch pleats, also known as French pleats, are an attractive curtain heading where the fabric is pinched into a set of two or three pleats at intervals, then fanned out above the pleats. The bottom of the pleat is often decorated with a button or bead to hide any visible stitch marks. The resultant curtains look elegant, formal and luxurious. Provided your current rod curtains are of a suitable width and weight, it is straightforward to turn them into pinch pleat curtains. Pinch pleats work best with medium-weight fabrics, as heavy fabrics make the pleats too bulky and light-weight fabrics give insufficient gathering.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Stitch cutter (optional)
• Scissors
• Iron and ironing board
• Pinch pleat heading tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Buttons
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Take down your old rod curtains and measure them. If they measure at least 2 1/4 times the width of the window and are of medium-weight fabric, you can remake them with a pinch pleat heading.

2. Remove the old heading tape. Working very carefully so as not to damage the fabric, use a stitch cutter or the point of a pair of scissors to cut the stitching. Work along the heading tape removing the stitching until the tape can be lifted clear. Repeat for the other curtain. Pick out any loose strands of thread with your fingers, and press both curtains.

3. Measure from the end of the curtain rod to the center of the rod, and add 2 inches to this measurement. Cut two pieces of heading tape to this length. Lay the tape across the top of the first curtain, pin it into place then machine stitch. Repeat for the other curtain.

4. Pull on the heading tape cords until the curtain gathers into a series of pleats. When all the pleats are gathered, knot off the cord and wrap the loose ends onto a bundle. Sew the bundle behind the heading tape with a couple of stitches. Repeat for the other curtain.

5. Hand sew a couple of stitches across the bottom of each set of pleats to gather them into a fan shape. Sew a button in a contrasting color over the stitches to conceal them. Repeat for the other curtain.

Tips & Warnings

• Pinch pleat heading tape is available in 4, 5 and 6 inch widths, depending on the length of the curtain, and in double or triple pleat styles. The longer the curtain, the deeper the tape should be. If you have very long curtains, you won't be able to use commercial tape but will need to make your own from buckram.

• If your old rod curtains are a little too narrow, you can make a false leading edge by joining on broad strips of a contrasting colored fabric. Pick out the color to complement the buttons to make a coordinated look.

References

• Ideal Home Magazine: How to Measure and Hang Curtains
• Alternative Windows: Lined Curtains Instructions

Resources

• BHS Curtains: Pinch Pleat Heading
• Anagram Interiors: Triple Pinch Pleat