Drapery Pleating Instructions

Make pinch-pleat draperies to add interest to your panels.

Drapery pleating dresses up otherwise ordinary panels. Pleating tape allows you to create pinch-pleats on drapery panels with minimal work. Use no-sew pleating tape for foolproof draperies. Because pinch-pleats require more fabric than other draperies, make sure you understand the measurements before you buy your fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Drapery fabric
• No-sew pleating tape
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Iron
• Drapery rod
• Cord or rope

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the drapery rod. It should run beyond both sides of the window about 6 to 8 inches on either side. The panels need to cover the entire length of the rod when they're open.

2. Divide the length of the rod by two. Each panel will need to measure this length when finished. Pleating tape requires double the fabric, so your cutting length is two times the finished length. Buy fabric for these specifications.

3. Cut the pleating tape to the length of the panels, plus 2 inches per panel.

4. Fold the fabric over the top 5 inches. Sew 4 inches from the top and 1 inch from the top to create a hem and a rod pocket.

5. Pin the pleating tape to the hem. Fold the ends under 1 inch.

6. Use a pin to pull the cords out of the pleating tape.

7. Iron the pleating tape, taking out a few inches of pins as you go. Let the drape sit for at least two hours.

8. Put the drapery rod hooks into the pockets in the pleating tape. Pull the hooks together and hang it on the drapery rod. The hooks will cinch the pleats.

9. Tie each drapery panel around the middle and toward the bottom with a cord or rope. Leave them like this for two days to set the pleats.

References

• "Simply the Best Home Decorating Book"; Simplicity Pattern Co.; 1993