Looking to give your curtains a makeover that screams sophistication and style? Look no further! Box pleating is the secret to achieving that crisp and tailored look you’ve been longing for. With its rectangular folds of fabric evenly spaced along the top, box pleats add depth, dimension, and a touch of elegance to your windows. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a sewing pro or have a fancy toolkit to master this technique.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, so you can transform your curtains from ordinary to extraordinary. So grab your fabric, tape measure, pins, scissors, thread, and sewing machine, and let’s dive into the glamorous world of box pleating! Ready? Let’s get started!
How do you box pleat curtains?
How to measure your window and your fabric
The first step is to measure your window and your fabric. You will need enough fabric to cover the entire width of your window, plus some extra for the pleats and the seam allowances. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure the width of your window and multiply it by 2. This will give you the fullness ratio for your curtains. For example, if your window is 100 cm wide, you will need 200 cm of fabric for each curtain panel.
- Decide how many pleats you want to have on each curtain panel. You can have as many or as few as you like, depending on the look you want to achieve. For example, if you want to have 5 pleats on each panel, you will need 10 folds of fabric for each panel.
- Decide how wide you want each pleat to be. You can make them as wide or as narrow as you like, depending on the look you want to achieve. For example, if you want each pleat to be 10 cm wide, you will need 20 cm of fabric for each fold.
- Calculate how much extra fabric you need for the pleats by multiplying the number of folds by the width of each fold. For example, if you have 10 folds of 20 cm each, you will need 200 cm of extra fabric for the pleats.
- Add some extra fabric for the seam allowances on both sides of each curtain panel. You can use any seam allowance you prefer, but we recommend using 1.5 cm for this project. For example, if you use 1.5 cm seam allowance on each side, you will need 3 cm of extra fabric for each panel.
- Add up all the measurements to get the total width of fabric you need for each curtain panel. For example, if you need 200 cm of fabric for the fullness ratio, 200 cm of fabric for the pleats, and 3 cm of fabric for the seam allowances, you will need 403 cm of fabric for each panel.
- Measure the length of your window and decide how long you want your curtains to be. You can make them as long or as short as you like, depending on the look you want to achieve. For example, if you want your curtains to touch the floor, measure from the top of your rod or track to the floor and add some extra fabric for the hem allowance.
- Cut your fabric according to these measurements. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter and a cutting mat for this.
![BB Pinch Pleat Curtains Two Panel Jacquard Blockout Fabric (Stone) [BB-260] | Lazada PH](https://lzd-img-global.slatic.net/g/p/d1ede8ffc3170484eb324c06d66671fa.jpg_720x720q80.jpg)
How to hem your fabric
The next step is to hem your fabric. You will need to hem both sides and the bottom edge of each curtain panel. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fold over 1.5 cm of fabric along one side edge of each panel and press it with an iron.
- Fold over another 1.5 cm of fabric along the same edge and press it again.
- Sew along the inner folded edge with a straight stitch and a matching thread.
- Repeat this process for the other side edge and the bottom edge of each panel.
How to mark and fold your pleats
The next step is to mark and fold your pleats. You will need to mark the fold lines and the placement lines on the wrong side (non-print or inner side) of your fabric using a fabric pen or pencil and a tape measure. Here are the steps to follow:
- Mark half of the width of the pleat along one edge of your fabric. For example, if your pleat is 10 cm wide, mark 5 cm along the edge.
- Mark another half of the width of the pleat next to the first mark. For example, if your pleat is 10 cm wide, mark another 5 cm next to the first 5 cm mark.
- Repeat this process until you have marked all the fold lines for the pleats. You should have an even number of marks along the edge of your fabric.
- Mark the placement lines for the pleats by measuring the distance between the fold lines and dividing it by two. For example, if the distance between two fold lines is 20 cm, mark 10 cm in between them.
- Repeat this process until you have marked all the placement lines for the pleats. You should have one less placement line than the number of pleats.
- Pinch and fold the fabric right along the first fold line and bring the fold over to the first placement line. Pin it in place.
- Pinch and fold the fabric right along the second fold line and bring the fold over to meet the first fold at the placement line. Pin it in place.
- Repeat this process until you have folded all the pleats. You should have a series of rectangular folds of fabric that are spaced evenly along the top of your curtain panel.
How to sew your pleats
The next step is to sew your pleats. You will need to sew along the top edge of each curtain panel to secure the pleats in place. Here are the steps to follow:
- Sew along the top edge of each curtain panel with a straight stitch and a matching thread, making sure to catch all the folds of fabric in your stitching.
- Sew across each pleat with a straight stitch and a matching thread, making sure to sew close to the edge of the fold. This will help to keep the pleats flat and neat.
- Press your pleats with an iron to set them in place.
How to hang your box pleated curtains
The final step is to hang your box pleated curtains on a rod or a track. You will need some eyelets, rings, or hooks that attach to the top of your curtains and then to the rod or the track. Here are the steps to follow:
How to hang your box pleated curtains on a rod
A rod is a metal or wood pole that is mounted on brackets on the wall above the window. It has rings that allow the curtains to slide along the pole. To hang your box pleated curtains on a rod, you will need some eyelets, rings, or hooks that attach to the top of your curtains and then to the rings on the pole. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert eyelets, rings, or hooks into the top of your curtains, spacing them evenly along the top edge.
- Thread the rod through the eyelets, rings, or hooks.
- Adjust the length of the rod by twisting it until it fits snugly between the brackets.
- Hang the rod and your curtains on the brackets.
How to hang your box pleated curtains on a track
A track is a metal or plastic rail that is mounted on the ceiling or the wall above the window. It has gliders or rollers that allow the curtains to slide smoothly along the track. To hang your box pleated curtains on a track, you will need some hooks that attach to the top of your curtains and then to the gliders or rollers on the track. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert hooks into the top of your curtains, spacing them evenly along the top edge.
- Slide gliders or rollers onto the track, spacing them evenly along the length of the track.
- Hook each hook onto a glider or roller behind each pleat.
FAQs
What is a box pleat?
A box pleat is a type of pleating that creates rectangular folds of fabric that are spaced evenly along the top of the curtains.
Why should I box pleat my curtains?
Box pleating your curtains can give them a crisp and tailored look, as well as add some depth and dimension to your windows. Box pleats can also make your room more elegant and sophisticated, as they create a classic and refined style.
How much fabric do I need to box pleat my curtains?
The amount of fabric you need to box pleat your curtains depends on how wide and long you want your curtains to be, how many and how wide you want your pleats to be, and how much seam allowance and hem allowance you want to use. You can use our formula above to calculate how much fabric you need for each curtain panel.
Wrap Up
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to box pleat your curtains and elevate your window game to new heights. By following our simple steps, you’ve added a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space. The crisp and tailored look of box pleats has given your curtains that wow factor, creating a stunning visual impact in your room.
Now, every time you enter your space, you’ll be greeted by the exquisite beauty of your box pleated curtains. The depth and dimension they bring to your windows are sure to impress both you and your guests. And the best part? You accomplished it all without needing any special sewing skills or expensive tools.
