A simple method for making pinch pleat curtains

I love the softness that drapery panels add to a room. I made panels for both my bedroom, and most recently for the breakfast nook. They were so quick and easy, and really complete these rooms.

This is a very simple method for sewing pinch pleat drapes. In my previous home, I had drapery panels professionally made. They did look fabulous, but they were pricey and you really can't tell the difference with the ones I sewed unless you were to look at the back of the panel.

I'll give you a step by step of how I sewed these panels.

Items needed:

*drapery fabric. Measure length needed and add approximately 6 inches for seams and hem. If using dummy panels (ie that don't close), one width of 54" fabric is fine. If you have very wide windows, use 1.5-2 widths together for a fuller look.

*drapery liner. I always line my panels as it is simple and inexpensive to do. I bought my liner online for $2/yard, but many people have blogged about using a cheap bed sheet which would be fine also. The dimensions need to match your drapery fabric.

*pleater tape. I bought mine at Walmart, but any fabric store should carry it.

*pleater hooks.

*drapery weights (optional depending on thickness/weight of fabric)

Step 1

With right sides of one length of drapery fabric and one length of liner together, sew around the top and two sides, leaving a 1/4 " seam allowance. Leave the 4th side (the bottom) open.

Step 2

Turn right side out and press well.

Step 3

-Cut a length of pleater tape to match the width of your fabric (should be 54" if using a single width of fabric)

-pin the pleater tape to the top of the back side of your panel. Make sure that you have positioned the tape correctly with the 'pouch' opening for the hooks along the bottom.

-sew the tape in place, ensuring that you follow the lines so as not to sew the hook pouches shut.

Step 4

-place a tong of each hook into the pleater tape pouch. Skip one pouch between hooks. I used 7 hooks each panel.

It should now look like this on the back

And this on the front

Step 5

-hang your panels

Step 6

-I prefer a hand sewn hem, so the stitching isn't visible on the front. I brought my iron to my window and hemmed them in place.

-turn under approximately 1/2" and iron, then turn under again, to your desired length. Hand stitch, ensuring that you only catch the liner with your needle and thread. If using weights, place one in each corner before sewing the hem closed.

Voila!  Told you it was quick and simple!!

{ps, do you know how hard it is to take pictures of a window with southern exposure, that is always bright and sunny??}

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