How to Pleat Drapery Panels

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By Patrice Campbell
eHow Contributing Writer

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Pleated draperies soften the look of windows, while at the same time giving the room a formal look. The wide variety of materials, colors and textures available for draperies assures the perfect match for any decor.
Inexpensive drapery panels can easily be converted into pleated panels with pleater tape. Drapery pleater tape has an advantage over sewn pleats in that by simply removing the hooks, the draperies will be flat for easier cleaning.
Pleating tape is available is sewing supply stores and comes in a variety of pleat options, from goblet pinch pleats and smocked pleats to cartridge pleats. The corresponding drapery hook will also be available.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pleater tape 4-prong drapery hooks (for triple pinch pleats) Single-prong drapery hooks

Step 1

Cut pleater tape one inch longer than the panel width.
Step 2

Place the tape, right side down, along the seam on the back of the panel. The pocket openings should be facing down.
Step 3

Align the end of the tape to the end of the drapery panel by tucking the tape under.
Step 4

Pin the tape into place.
Step 5

Baste the pleating tape to the drape panel.
Step 6

Sew the tape, top and bottom edge, to the panel, making sure the pocket openings are left free.
Step 7

Insert each prong of the four-prong drapery hook into adjoining pockets.
Step 8

Skip one or more pockets before inserting the next hook, making sure the pattern is consistent across the drape panel.
Step 9

Continue inserting the hooks in the established pattern across the width of the panel.
Step 10

Insert single-prong hooks at the ends of the drapery panel.