Make Goblet Pleat Drapes

Goblet pleat drapes bring a luxurious and rich note to any décor. Sewing the goblet pleats by hand is more complicated and time-consuming than using goblet pleat tape, but the end result is a just reward for the work you put into forming and sewing the goblet pleats. Add trimmings, such as buttons, to the goblet pleat drapes to further enhance the rich appearance of your living space.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Drape fabric
• Lining fabric
• Curtain buckram
• Scissors
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Hand-sewing needle
• Straight pins
• Tissue paper
• Pin hooks

Instructions

Calculating Amount of Fabric

1. Measure the length of your curtain rod in inches. Divide by two. This will be the finished length of each drape. You will have two drapes to cover your window. Add 4 inches to this number.

2. Decide how many goblet pleats you want on your drape. A general guideline is six to eight pleats per yard. Divide the previous number by how many pleats you want. Round this number up to the nearest 1/8 of an inch if necessary. This is the width the spaces between the pleats will be. This is also the amount of fabric that will go into each goblet pleat.

3. Multiply the last number by the number of pleats, then multiply that number by two.

4. Add 3 inches. This is the width of curtain fabric you will need for each drape.

5. Subtract 7 inches from the last number. This is the width of lining fabric you will need for each drape.

6. Decide how long you want your drapes to be. Add 8 inches. This is the length of drape fabric you will need.

7. Add 4 inches to the desired length for your drapes. This is the length of lining fabric you will need.

Assembling Drapes

1. Cut the drape fabric to the size calculated above. Cut the lining fabric to the size calculated above.

2. Fold the bottom edge of the lining up 2 inches. Iron flat. Fold the bottom edge up 2 inches again. Sew in place on the sewing machine.

3. Fold the bottom edge of the drape fabric up 3 inches. Iron flat. Fold the bottom edge up 3 inches again. Iron flat.

4. Lay the drape fabric face up on a flat surface. Lay the lining fabric face down on the drape fabric. Place the top edge of the lining 2 inches below the top edge of the drape fabric.

5. Line up the raw edges of the fabric and lining along one side. Sew ½ inch from the raw edge. Begin sewing at the top of the fabric and end at the top of the hems. Do not sew through the hems. Repeat on the other side.

6. Turn the drape right side out. Fold 1 inch of drape fabric under on either side. Iron flat.

7. Fold the bottom hem of the drape fabric up, covering the bottom hem of the lining. Slip-stitch in place.

8. Cut the curtain buckram to the same width as the drapes are at this point and to the same length that you want the top portion of your pleats.

9. Insert the buckram into the top of the drape, between the drape fabric and the lining, with the top edge of the buckram lined up with the top edge of the lining. Baste the buckram to the lining.

10. Fold the top edge of the drape fabric down 1 inch. Iron in place. Fold the top edge of the drape fabric down 1 inch again. Iron in place. Slip-stitch the drape fabric to the lining fabric.

Creating Goblet Pleats

1. Lay the drape right side down on a flat surface. Begin marking the pleat spacing at the top left corner. Measure half of the pleat width and mark the spot. Measure a whole pleat width from the first mark and mark the spot. Continue measuring and marking whole pleat widths until you are left with only half of a pleat width on the end.

2. Match the first mark up with the second mark with the wrong side of the drape together. Pin the goblet pleat with the right side of the drape facing out. Match the third mark with the fourth, and so on, until all goblet pleats have been pinned with the right side of the drape facing out.

3. Sew down the length of each pleat on the sewing machine, with the right side of the drape facing out.

4. Fold the fabric just below the end of the machine sewing on each goblet pleat to form three smaller pleats. Hand-stitch the pleats, placing the stitching on the side of the small pleats halfway horizontally between the edge of the small pleats and the machine stitching. These stitches should not show from the front of the drapes, and should be placed on the same vertical level as the bottom end of the machine stitching.

5. Attach a pin hook at the back of each pleat.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach buttons or other decorations to the bottom of the goblets.

References

• Alternative Windows: Goblet pleated handmade curtain headings
• Alternative Windows: Lined Curtains Instructions