How to Hang Jabot Style Curtains

Jabots are window treatments that decorate the top of the window. The jabot is a piece of fabric that has been sewn and hung for display in such a way that no obvious seam lines, hooks or mounting hardware is visible. The jabot allows the window to be dressed with fabric as the main decorative feature. The jabot can be made from lightweight or heavyweight fabric. If you use a heavyweight fabric, you will need to install a heavy-duty rod, because the jabot has a series of folds that causes it to become heavier than a traditional valance or curtain.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Rod holders
• Pencil
• Level
• 1-inch screws
• Drill
• Parallel drapery rod

Instructions

1. Measure the distance you want your jabot to hang from the top of the window. A typical height of a jabot will place the rod 2 inches above the window frame. If you want the eye to be drawn upward or want to create a higher appearance for your window, hang your jabot higher.

2. Mark the location on each side of the window to indicate where to place the rod holders.

3. Place the rod holders on the marks. Mark a dot in each screw hole of the rod holder. Place a level at the top screw mark, and extend it to the opposite top screw mark. Look at the level to make sure the bubble in the level is in the center of the tube, indicating that you marked your dots evenly. Remove the level.

4. Position one rod holder over the dots so the dots are lined up with the screw holes. Place a screw tip in the hole, and use the drill to insert the screw securely. Repeat this step for the remaining holes and the second rod holder.

5. Place a pair of jabots on the parallel drapery rod by removing the decorative end cap on one end of the rod. Insert the rod about 3 inches into the curtain rod pocket on the back of the jabot.

6. Remove the decorative corresponding end cap of the parallel rod. Insert the swag of the jabot on the end of the rod about 3 inches deep. Continue to move both sections of the jabot up both rods simultaneously. Allow the jabot to maintain its lengthwise pleated appearance.

7. Place the parallel rods on their holders.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase the texture of the room by using two swags on either side of the jabot.

• If your jabot does not hang in a pleated fashion, remove the jabot and rehang it.

References

• Sewing: Drapery Types: Winning Window Treatments