How to Measure Windows for Pinch Pleat Drapes

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By Jeanette Simpson ASID
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Pinch-pleat Drapery

Pinch pleat draperies are a practical as well as an elegant window treatment. Pleats are created by gathering and securing, or “pinching”, a trio of folds together at evenly spaced intervals along the top of the drapery. Precise window measurements are essential in ensuring a custom look.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

25-50 ft steel tape measure (3/4" wide)
Paper (graph paper is helpful)
Pencil

Step 1

Measure and Record

Make a quick sketch of the window and surrounding wall. Show other projections into the room or openings in the wall as well as the floor and ceiling lines. Use this sketch to record your measurements and also to determine placement of the pinch pleat draperies.
Step 2

Measure the window opening, width and height, using a 16-25 foot long steel tape measure. Record the measurements on the sketch, noting in inches instead of feet. This measurement is necessary to calculate drapery “stack back” or space drapery occupies on the wall when it is open. Measure the wall space around the window, recording dimensions from top of window to the ceiling, bottom of window to the floor and sides of window to other openings or projections.
Step 3

Drapery Placement

Decide where you want to place the draperies on the wall. They are generally placed 4” above the window opening to ensure hooks and pleats will not be seen from outside, but may be installed higher. Installing at the ceiling creates a more dramatic effect. Extending the drapery past the window frame makes the window appear larger and exposes more glass when the draperies are open.
Step 4

Rod Width

Determine rod width by adding your measurements of glass width plus stack back, making sure to include both sides for center draw and one side for one-way draw.
Step 5

Add Returns to Width

Establish drapery finished width, i.e. measurement of finished drapery as it hangs closed on the window, by adding rod width, returns on both sides and center overlap. This is generally a 12” extra allowance in addition to the end-to-end rod width. Standard returns are 3” deep and 6” if an under-drapery is used.
Step 6

Drapery Length

Determine drapery finished length or length of finished drapery when installed on the rod.
Measure window length in three places, side – middle – side, using shortest measurement for floor or sill length draperies. Shorter draperies that do not extend to the floor should end ½’ above the sill or 5-6” below the apron.