How to Measure, Cut & Hem Pleated Curtains

Pleated curtains are easy to make.

Curtains can act as a functional piece to block out unwanted light or an aesthetic piece to add an accent to your home. They are available in different colors and styles; however, pre-made curtains can be expensive to purchase and may not match your decor. If you have curtains custom-made by a professional, you can control the finished product, but you will likely spend even more. Luckily, you can make your own curtains at home for little money and time.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Iron
• Fusible web strips
• Sewing machine
• Pleater tape
• Straight pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Curtain rings
• Curtain rod

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the window your finished curtains will decorate. Add 5 inches to your length measurement. This will allow for a 1-inch hem on each end as well as a few extra inches to allow the completed curtain to hang below your windowsill. Add 2 inches to your width measurement to account for a 1-inch hem on either side. Multiple that measurement by three to allow for pleating and fullness of your curtain.

2. Choose your curtain material and cut the panel to your determined measurements from Step 1 using fabric scissors. Make sure the top edge of your fabric is even.

3. Place your fabric face down on your work surface. Fold the selvage edge of the fabric over 1/2 inch. The selvage edge is the finished edge of the fabric, as opposed to the raw edge, which is the cut edge that will fray. Press the folded edge using an iron. Fold the edge another 1/2 inch and press it again. This will completely hide the selvage edge.

4. Use fusible web strips to adhere your hem. The strips should be the length of your hem. Place the strip under the hem and fuse it according to package directions. Most strips require heat, such as that from an iron, to fuse.

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with all three remaining sides of the fabric. For the corners, fold them at right angles before applying the fusible web strips.

6. Use your sewing machine to permanently secure the hems. For best results, backstitch the beginning of each hem a few times.

7. Cut a strip of pleater tape the width of your fabric. Use straight pins to pin this strip of tape to the top of your panel on the back. Use your sewing machine to permanently attach the strip in place, sewing along the hem you made in Step 5. Remove the pins.

8. Determine the number of pleats you would like your curtain to have. Lay your curtain out, face down, on your work surface and use a straight pin to mark your pleats locations out on the curtain at equal spacing. In general, pleats are spaced at 4-inch to 6-inch intervals. When you figure in the length of fabric to make each pleat and the space between, you will need 10 inches of fabric for every pleat and the space between.

9. Pull the string in your pleater tape. Use your fingers to form the pleats into two or three fold groupings at your designated spacing. Secure the pleats using a needle and thread.

10. Attach curtain rings to your completed curtain. Use curtain rings with hanging clips. They should be spaced every 5 to 6 inches. Place your curtain rings on a curtain rod and hang your completed curtain.

References

• Dummies: Using Curtains and Draperies in Your Home
• Saavy Seams: Curtains in an Evening
• Denver Fabrics: Curtain Window Treatments