How to Make Cartridge Pleated Draperies
Buying drapes is sometimes a huge investment in the décor of your home. If you have any sewing ability at all try making draperies on your own. Read some books on the basics of sewing draperies, purchase whatever fabric you desire and you can save yourself a ton of money as well as be proud of yourself and the work you accomplish. Cartridge pleated drapes may sound a little intimidating, when in fact the process for sewing the pleat is easier than you can imagine with the help of pleat tape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Drapery fabric
- Lining fabric
- Cartridge pleat tape
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of your windows down to where you want the curtains to hang. Add 6 inches to allow for the top casing and the bottom hem. Measure the width of your window and double it for each panel (most windows need two panels per window). Multiply this by however many windows need drapes.
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2
Purchase the necessary amount of both drapery and lining fabric. Cut the fabric to the necessary lengths and widths.
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3
Cut off 3 inches of each lining panel to ensure that it will not show under your drapery fabric. Turn under the raw edges at one end of each of the lining panels. Use pins to hold in place and sew straight across.
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4
Lay one panel of your drapery fabric right side up on a large, flat surface. Top with one panel of the lining fabric. Pin the fabric together around the top and the sides. Sew around the three sides.
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5
Turn under the raw edges of the drapery fabric after you attach the lining panel. Use pins to hold the fabric in place and sew straight across.
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6
Fold down the top edge of your drapery panel 4 inches. Hold the fabric in place and sew straight across at 1 1/2 inches and 3 1/2 inches to allow for a 2-inch wide drapery rod.
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7
Read through the manufacturer’s instructions for using the cartridge pleat tape. Cut a length of the cartridge pleat tape that measures the same as the width of your drapery panel. Pin the tape to the drapery panel just under the rod casing and sew across.
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8
Pull the threads of the pleat tape to form the cartridge pleats. Repeat with the other drapery panels.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjust the measurements a little bit if you want a drapery rod wider than 2 inches. Cut your drapes a little bit longer and then fold down the fabric for the top casing accordingly.
You can use cartridge pleating for more than just drapes. Many old-fashioned costumes use this method to create full skirts and even shirts.
