How To Pinch Pleat Store Bought Curtains

Do you want to upgrade your windows with some chic pinch pleat curtains? You know, those curtains that have neat and elegant folds that look like pinches? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to show you how to pinch pleat store bought curtains with minimal sewing. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Pinch pleat curtains are a great way to add style, sophistication, and structure to your space. They are also versatile, as they can be hung on rods or tracks with rings or clips. Plus, they come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your decor.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• Store bought curtains (duh!)
• Pinch pleat tape
• Short neck pleater hooks
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Stepping stool or ladder

How To Pinch Pleat Store Bought Curtains

If you have store bought curtains that have a simple casing at the top where you insert the rod or hang with clips, you can easily transform them into pinch pleat curtains by following these steps:

1. Measure the width of your curtain rod or track and divide it by two. This is the width of each curtain panel you need. For example, if your rod or track is 3 meters long, you need curtain panels that are 1.5 meters wide each.
2. Measure the length of your curtain rod or track from the floor to where you want your curtains to end. This is the length of each curtain panel you need. For example, if you want your curtains to touch the floor, measure from the floor to the top of your rod or track.
3. Cut your store bought curtains according to the width and length measurements you need. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter and mat for this step. Make sure you leave some extra fabric for hemming the edges.
4. Hem the sides and bottom of your curtain panels by folding the fabric over twice and sewing along the edge. You can use a sewing machine or a needle and thread for this step. You can also use iron-on hem tape if you don’t want to sew at all.
5. Sew on pinch pleat tape along the top of your curtain panels, leaving some space at both ends for the hooks. Pinch pleat tape is a special tape that has pockets for inserting pleater hooks. You can find it online or at fabric stores. Make sure you align the tape with the top edge of your fabric and sew along the dotted line on the tape. You can also sew along the sides and bottom of the tape for extra security.
6. Insert short neck pleater hooks into the pockets of the pinch pleat tape, spacing them evenly. Short neck pleater hooks are metal hooks that have a short neck and three prongs that create three folds in the fabric. You can find them online or at fabric stores. Make sure you insert them from the bottom of the tape and leave some space between each hook.
7. Hang your curtain panels on your rod or track with rings or clips. Hook each hook onto a ring or clip, starting from one end and working your way across. Adjust the pleats as needed to make them look even and neat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about pinch pleat curtains:

Q: How many pleater hooks do I need for each curtain panel?

A: The number of pleater hooks you need depends on how wide your curtain panel is and how much space you want between each hook. A good rule of thumb is to use one hook for every 10 cm (4 inches) of fabric width. For example, if your curtain panel is 1.5 meters (60 inches) wide, you need about 15 hooks.

Q: How do I wash my pinch pleat curtains?

A: To wash your pinch pleat curtains, you need to check the care label on your fabric first. Some fabrics may be machine washable, while others may require dry cleaning or hand washing.

Before washing, you need to unhook your curtains from the rod or track and remove all the pleater hooks from the tape. You also need to remove any weights or accessories from your curtains.

If your curtains are machine washable, use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Do not tumble dry or iron your curtains, as this may damage the fabric or the pleats.

If your curtains are dry clean only, take them to a professional cleaner and follow their instructions.

If your curtains are hand washable, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not wring or twist your curtains, as this may damage the fabric or the pleats. Rinse thoroughly and hang them to dry.

Q: How do I iron my pinch pleat curtains?

A: To iron your pinch pleat curtains, you need to check the care label on your fabric first. Some fabrics may be ironable, while others may not.

Before ironing, you need to unhook your curtains from the rod or track and remove all the pleater hooks from the tape. You also need to remove any weights or accessories from your curtains.

If your curtains are ironable, use a low to medium heat setting and a damp cloth. Iron on the reverse side of the fabric and avoid ironing over the tape or the pleats.

If your curtains are not ironable, you can use a steamer instead. Steam on the reverse side of the fabric and avoid steaming over the tape or the pleats.

That’s A Wrap!

And there you have it, girlfriend! You now know how to pinch pleat store bought curtains with minimal sewing. I hope you found this guide helpful and fun. Now go ahead and enjoy your beautiful new window treatments!

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.