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Curtains with Perfect Pleats
If you are like me you may think that gathered
curtains or draperies look so much better if each pleat is uniformly equal.
Accomplishing that is easier than you may think. There are actually three
different ways to approach the problem and I guarantee that, one way or
another, you can achieve it. Sometimes even pleated draperies need coaxing
if the fabric is springy or stiff and, of course, the best way is to pick a
soft pliant fabric in the first place. This is not always possible so lets
talk about how to create perfect pleats regardless of what fabric is used
even including lace curtain fabric or a stiff antique satin.
If the curtain or drapery material is fairly pliable
the easiest first attempt would be to install the window treatment, pull
each panel to one side and physically arrange the pleats evenly. Then tie
them back fairly loosely both near the top and at the bottom hem. Once this
is done you can spray the front and back of the pleats lightly with a
solution of water with a small amount of alcohol added. Do this using a very
fine spray without soaking the fabric. You just want a mist on the surface.
You might also rub your fingers lightly on each pleat while they are still
moist forming them into a nice round shape. Leave them for a couple of days.
The shape of the pleats will greatly improve hopefully to the point that
they are fine without further fussing.
If the pleats are still flaring the next approach is to
use what in the drapery trade is known as "shot tape" or in fabric stores as
"leaded weight tape". It consists of a long very small diameter cotton tube
that is filled with a single line of approximately 1/8 inch lead balls to
form a continuous cord. Place this cord in the bottom hem (If there is no
bottom hem proceed to the next solution) from one side of
the panel to the other. That adds weight to the curtain. You can now arrange
the pleats much more easily. Once you have arranged them evenly they tend to
stay where you have placed them because of the additional weight and the
relative unwillingness of the cord to straighten out.
If you still have a problem with flaring my final
suggestion works no matter what. The solution is what we call a "memory
stitch". As a professional decorator I have had to use this method more than
once. Pull the panels back to the sides and again tie them in place. You
then just run a clear poly thread through the back side of the bottom hem of
each pleat making sure that the thread is long enough to reach when the
curtain is fully extended in place. This forces the back side of each pleat
to stay to the rear. You can even fasten the thread on each side to the
window jam and pull it taut additionally forcing perfect pleats. This is my
final answer and it always works. Check out curtains on our web site to see
how attractive a well pleated curtain can look.
We wish you the best of luck in your decorating
endeavors
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Allen
Nelson, the author brings to these articles 30 years of experience in the
interior design field including custom window decorating design, fabrication and
installation. His specialties involve all types of window decor including custom
made curtains and draperies, ready made lace curtains and macrame ring lace as
well as blinds, shutters and shades. His designs have been used in a variety of
settings in many beautiful homes throughout Southern California.