Pinch Pleat Instructions
Pinch pleated drapery is a way of decorating your windows. It emphasizes the notion of privacy and also acts as an efficient energy-saving method. These draperies prevent cold from coming into the room, thereby reducing the consumption of heat energy. They let in just enough light and are perfect for creating that dim atmosphere. These drapes reflect a blend of contemporary and traditional styles. The special effect is created by grouping small pleats together at intervals to give the drape extra volume and charm. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Drapery fabric
- Lining fabric
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pleating tape
- Pleating hooks
Instructions
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1
Measure the window from the outside edge of the left side to the outside edge of the right side. Double the window width to get the width of the drape. Measure the length of the window from the drapery rod to the floor. Add an extra 6 inches to the measurements of all sides for hemming.
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2
Spread your drapery and lining fabric on a wide table and mark the aforementioned measurements. Cut the materials, including the additional 6 inches.
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3
Place the fabric back to back and fold 3-inch hems on its two sides. Sew the hems using a sewing machine. Pin the same sized hems on the bottom and the top, but only sew the bottom one, as the top will be used for the drapery rod.
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4
Turn over the panels and iron them right side out. Be sure to iron the edges of the hems as well.
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5
Place the drapery panel in front of you back side up. Fold the upper edge of the panel at the width of the pleating tape.
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6
Take the pleating tape and position it on the drapery panel. Fold its every edge for half an inch to finish off the edges. Fit the tape so that the pleats are positioned as you have planned.
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7
Iron the folded upper edges and the pleating tape. Sew them up together using a sewing machine. Sew along all four edges of the pleating tape.
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8
Take the pinch pleat hooks and insert them in the pockets of the pleating tape. Decide on your own on the intervals between the pleats. Arrange the folds between the pleats and sew them together.
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9
Hang the drapes by attaching the pleat hooks to the top of the pinch pleat drape panel. Attach the hooks onto a drapery rod.
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Tips & Warnings
Add pennies to the inside of the panel to make it fall more gracefully.
A more complicated way to make pinch pleated drapes is to sew them up on your own without using the pleating plate.
Be careful when using the sewing machine; if misused it can lead to injuries.
Get someone to help you position and hang the drapes to avoid falling.
