How to make pleated curtains
© Good Homes magazine
You will need:
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Curtain fabric
Pencil-pleat curtain tape
Curtain hooks
Scissors and sewing equipment
Matching thread
Pencil pleats are deeper and more regular than gathers and give a full - but not fussy - look. If you use curtain tape to make the pleats instead of hand pleating, this project is a quick and easy way to dress up any window.
Time to complete the job: Approximately two hours.
Approximate budget: Under £40, depending on fabric costs.
Tip: These curtains are unlined - ideal for kitchens or bathrooms because they're easy to clean - but you could always make or buy some detachable linings. Because of the amount of fabric used, this style is particularly suited to floor-length curtains.
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Step 1: Measuring and cutting out
Measure the window for the desired width and length of the curtains. For the finished curtain width, measure from one end of the curtain track to the other (adding the length of the overlap arm if necessary). The overall fabric width will be the final curtain width multiplied by 2.5 (the amount of fabric required for the pleats).
Add 16cm (6.25in) to the curtain length to allow for hemming.
Cut out the fabric.
Tip: Try gingham cotton or floral chintz for a fresh look. -
Step 2: Finishing the edges
Place material wrong side up. Fold over the long edges 2cm (0.8in) to the wrong side and press. Then fold another 2cm (0.8in) and stitch in place.
Hem the bottom edge by folding over 8cm (3in) to the wrong side, then another 8cm (3in). Press and hand stitch in place.
Finish the top edge by turning under 0.6cm (0.25in) to the wrong side. Press and stitch in place.
Repeat for the second curtain.
Tip: Use a slip stitch to make an invisible hem. -
Step 3: Preparing the curtain tape
Cut a piece of pencil-pleat curtain heading to the width of each finished curtain plus 10cm (4in).
Pull a 4cm (1.5in) piece of cord through the end of each piece of tape and tie. Trim the tape to 2cm (0.8in) beyond the knot. Fold the tape by the knot and press to the wrong side.
Position the knotted ends of the tape at the centre edges of the curtains 0.5cm (0.2in) below the top edge. Pin.
Pull the cords through to the front at the outer edges. Trim the tape to 2cm (0.8in) beyond the edge and fold under.
Tack, then stitch in place along both edges. Stitch across the short folded edges.
Tip: Make sure the cords are left free when you are stitching the edges. -
Step 4: Finishing
Pleat the curtains evenly by drawing up the cords from the outer edges. Pull until the curtains are the desired width.
Tie the cords together and wrap around a cord tidy.
Put in curtain hooks about every 7cm (3in) and hang on the curtain track.
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