Instructions for Box Pleated Draperies
Window treatments in our homes serve to block out sunlight and give privacy, but also add decoration to our rooms and windows. The type of window treatments you choose speaks to your decorating style. Box pleated drapes are a classic style window covering. By making your own drapes, you can assure the colors and patterns match your style and your home decor.
Instructions
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1
Measure the width of your window. Multiple this number by four. This is the total width of the material you will need. Half of this number will equal one panel.
Measure from approximately two inches above the window to the floor for full length curtains, or to the point on the wall you wish your curtains to reach. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement. This will be the length measurement for your material.
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2
Divide your material in half to begin your first panel.
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3
Fold over 1/4 inch of material along all the edges. Iron the fold flat and then sew a seam around your entire piece at the edge of the ironed fold.
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4
Begin at the top of the length of your material. Measure 7 inches from the left edge and place a sewing pin. Measure 2 1/2 inches from your first pin and place another pin. From your second pin, measure 5 inches and mark with a third pin.
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5
Fold your material so that the first pin meets the second. Fold the third pin back also to meet the second. Align the first and the third folds and pin into place. This is your first box pleat.
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6
Measure 7 inches from the seam of your first box pleat and place a pin. Repeat the 2 1/2-inch and 5-inch markings described for the first pleat. Fold again as you did previously. Repeat this process until you have pleated all the way across the top of your material.
When you reach the end, if you do not have appropriate space to complete another pleat, leave plain. This area can be gathered at the point your draperies touch the wall for a curved rod, or in the center as a gap closer for a straight rod.
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7
Sew a heavy seam across the top of your curtain 1/2 inch from the edge. This will secure your pleats in place.
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8
Tie and trim off any loose threads. Hang curtains using drapery hooks through the boxed areas.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish to add a lining to your curtain, you will need to hem the lining to your material during the first seams. The lining will need to be folded into the box pleats in the same manner as the material.
If you choose to use heavy duty drapery material, you will need to purchase special needles for your sewing machine. Regular needles will break due to the thickness.
