How to Sew Pinch Pleat Drapes

Pinch pleats add an elegant look to windows.

Give your windows a bold, dramatic look by hanging pinch pleat drapes on them. The pleats on pinch pleat drapes consist of two or three smaller pleats gathered into one larger pleat, across the top of the drape. You can make the pleats either by installing pleater tape along the top edge or by folding each pleat by hand and stitching in place. Sewing your own pleats allows you to choose the exact thickness of each pleat and gives you greater freedom in designing your drapes.

Things You'll Need

• Home decor weight or drapery fabric
• Lightweight muslin for lining
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Disappearing ink pen
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Hand needle

Instructions

1. Cut your fabric to fit in your window. You will need two panels of fabric for each window. Each panel should measure twice as wide as the window, plus 4 inches for the hems. The length of the panels should be from the top of the window to the floor, plus 8 inches for the curtain rod pocket and bottom hem. Cut the lining fabric so that it measures twice the width of the window plus 2 inches and the length from the top of the window to the floor plus 6 inches.

2. Lay one drapery panel on the floor or other large work surface. The wrong side should face up. Place one lining panel on top of it with the right side up. Arrange the lining panel so that it is centered on the drapery panel, 1 inch from each edge and 2 inches from the bottom of the drapery panel. Align the tops of both panels.

3. Fold over each side of the drapery panel 1 inch and press. Fold each side over 1 more inch, concealing the raw edges of the lining and the drapery panel. Press and then pin in place. Stitch along the edge.

4. Fold the bottom of the drapery panel up 2 inches and press. Fold over another 2 inches so that you hide the raw edges. Press, pin in place, and then stitch along the edge.

5. Turn the drapery panel over, so that the right side faces up. Measure 8 inches down from the top of the panel and 6 inches in from the side. Draw a 1-inch vertical line with a disappearing ink pen. Draw a second line a half-inch away from the first line. Draw a third line a half-inch away from the second line. Draw one more line, a half-inch away from the third line. Measure 6 inches away from the fourth line and draw another 1-inch line, then three more lines, each a half-inch away from the previous line. Continue making groups of four lines, spaced 6 inches apart, across the width of the panel.

6. Have a straight pin ready, and pinch each set of pleat marks together. Bring the second line over so that it touches the first line. Push the fourth line over so that it touches the third line. You will form two small bumps that stick out of the back of the panel. Push the two bumps together so that a bump forms in the center. Insert the straight pin through the pleat and repeat until all pleats are pinned. Thread your hand needle, and hand-stitch each pleat in place.

7. Fold the top of the panel down 1 inch on the wrong side and press. Fold the top down another 3 inches. Press and pin in place. Stitch along the edge. You now have a pocket at the top of the drapery panel. Hang your panel on a curtain rod. Repeat all the steps to make as many drapery panels as you need.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want wider pleats, add more space between your marks.

References

• Sew Mama Sew: Learn How to Make Pleats
• Decorator's Secrets: Glossary