How to Turn Pocket Curtains Into Pleated Curtains
- 1). Place the curtain panel face down on a worktable. Measure the top of the curtain. Add 1 inch to this measurement and transfer the measurement to the buckram. Buckram is a header tape that comes in many styles of pleats. Choose the tape you want for your pleat type.
- 2). Cut the buckram with scissors. Pin the buckram 1/2-inch below the top edge. Fold each end under 1/2 inch. On the right side, pull the cords so they don't fold under. On the left side, tie the ends of the cords together.
- 3). Sew the buckram to the curtain panel, sewing from the left side to the right, using a sewing machine. Sew above the top cord. Sew the bottom edge of the buckram to the curtain panel. Sew from the left side to the right to prevent puckering of the fabric. Sew along each side. Some header tapes have areas between the cords that should also be sewn. Some do not use cords.
- 4). Place your left hand near the right side so your palm is over the cords. Use your right hand to pull on the cords while sliding the fabric to the left with your left hand. This will gather the header into pleats. Continue all the way to the left side of the fabric. Gather to the finished width you need, typically a little more than one-half the window width.
- 5). Tie your right-side cords in a knot to prevent the fabric from moving. Wrap the loose cord into a small coil, and pin the cords to the back right side of the buckram. When you launder the curtain, you can release the cords for a cleaner curtain. Turn the fabric face up and sew a tacking stitch along the bottom edge of the buckram from the front of the drape. The tack stitch will join the bottom folds of the pleat together. Use a needle and thread to sew the tacking stitch.
- 6). Use a prong-style drapery pin if your buckram doesn't use cords. These pins have four long prongs that slide into pockets along the bottom edge of the buckram. Two prongs form a fold, and three folds form a pleat. Space your pins approximately 4 inches apart for an attractive pleated appearance.
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