How To Pencil Pleat Curtains

Do you want to give your windows a makeover with some gorgeous pencil pleat curtains? You know, those curtains that have neat and even pleats that look like pencils? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to show you how to hang them like a pro. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Pencil pleat curtains are a great choice for any room, as they create a classic and elegant look. They are also versatile, as they can be hung on poles or tracks. Plus, they come in a variety of fabrics, colours 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:

• Pencil pleat curtains (duh!)
• Curtain pole or track
• Curtain rings or gliders
• Curtain hooks
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Stepping stool or ladder

How To Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains On A Pole

If you have a curtain pole, follow these steps to hang your pencil pleat curtains:

1. Measure the length of your pole and double it. This is the width of the curtains you need. For example, if your pole is 2 metres long, you need curtains that are 4 metres wide.
2. Remove one end of the pole and slide on the curtain rings. Use an even number of rings for each curtain. For example, if you have 20 rings, use 10 for each curtain.
3. Tie the cords at one end of the heading tape (the top part of the curtain that has three cords) into a knot. This will prevent the cords from slipping out when you gather the fabric.
4. Hold the loose cords at the other end of the heading tape and pull them gently to scrunch the fabric into pleats. Use your other hand to smooth out the pleats as you go. Keep pulling until the curtain is half the length of the pole. For example, if your pole is 2 metres long, scrunch the curtain until it is 1 metre long.
5. Tie the loose cords into a slip knot and tuck them into the pocket between the curtain and the heading tape.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the other curtain.
7. Attach an even number of curtain hooks to each heading tape at equal intervals. The hooks should point downwards so they can hook onto the rings easily.
8. Hook each curtain onto the rings, starting from the outermost ring and working your way inwards. The outermost ring should be between the bracket and the finial (the decorative end of the pole) to prevent the curtain from sliding across the window.
9. Reattach the end of the pole and adjust the curtains as needed.

How To Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains On A Track

If you have a curtain track, follow these steps to hang your pencil pleat curtains:

1. Measure the length of your track and double it. This is the width of the curtains you need. For example, if your track is 2 metres long, you need curtains that are 4 metres wide.
2. Attach an even number of gliders to your track at equal intervals.
3. Tie the cords at one end of the heading tape into a knot.
4. Hold the loose cords at the other end of the heading tape and pull them gently to scrunch the fabric into pleats. Use your other hand to smooth out the pleats as you go. Keep pulling until the curtain is half the length of the track. For example, if your track is 2 metres long, scrunch the curtain until it is 1 metre long.
5. Tie the loose cords into a slip knot and tuck them into the pocket between the curtain and the heading tape.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the other curtain.
7. Attach an even number of curtain hooks to each heading tape at equal intervals. The hooks should point downwards so they can hook onto the gliders easily.
8. Hook each curtain onto the gliders, starting from one end of the track and working your way across.
9. Adjust the curtains as needed.

FAQs

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

Q: How do I measure my windows for pencil pleat curtains?

A: To measure your windows for pencil pleat curtains, you need to measure both the width and drop (length) of your windows.

For width, measure either your pole or track from end to end (excluding finials). Double this measurement to get your required curtain width.

For drop, measure from either below your pole or above your track to where you want your curtains to end. This could be the sill, the floor, or somewhere in between. Add 3 cm to this measurement to allow for the heading tape.

Q: How do I wash my pencil pleat curtains?

A: To wash your pencil pleat curtains, you need to check the care label on your curtains 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 pole or track and untie the cords at both ends of the heading 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 pencil pleat curtains?

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

Before ironing, you need to unhook your curtains from the pole or track and untie the cords at both ends of the heading 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 heading 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 heading tape or the pleats.

That’s A Wrap!

And there you have it, girlfriend! You now know how to hang pencil pleat curtains like a pro. 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.