How to Use Pleater Tape for Goblet Drapes
The traditional method for folding goblet-style pleats in drapes requires careful calculations and measurements. Using pleater tape makes the job much easier and achievable with only basic sewing skills. Be sure to purchase pleater tape specifically labeled for goblet pleats, as it comes in a variety of styles. You also need curtain hooks labeled for use with goblet pleater tape. These instructions require curtain panels that have already been measured to fit the window and have lower hems and side seams already sewn.
Things You'll Need
- Goblet pleater tape
- Curtain hooks
- Curtain rod
- Two curtain panels
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Spread the curtain panels out on a flat surface with the right sides of the fabric facing you. Place a strip of pleater tape along the top edges of each curtain panel on the right side of the fabric with the hook pockets facing you.
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2
Position the tape so that the upper edge of the tape is one inch below the upper edge of the fabric panel and there are one inch gaps between the short sides of the tape and the side edges of the panels.
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3
Pin the strips of tape in place and sew them to the curtain panels using straight stitches along the upper and lower edges.
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4
Fold and press the top edge of each curtain panel over to the wrong side by half-an-inch. Fold the heading section over to the wrong side, starting half-an-inch below the lower edge of the pleater tape.
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5
Sew along the lower folded edge of the heading section. This forms a heading with the pleater tape on the back of the curtain panel.
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6
Take the cords at the side of the pleater tape and pull them all together. You should see the fabric panels start to gather and form goblet pleats at equal intervals. Continue to pull until the panels are your desired width and the gathering is to your liking.
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7
Knot the cords close to the edge of the tape and tuck the ends out of the way. Place curtain hooks at regular intervals in the pockets on the back of the tape and mount the curtain panels. Readjust the pleats by pulling the strings if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
If your curtain fabric is light-colored, use a light-colored or transparent pleater tape.
