How to Make Double Pleat Curtain Designs

Measure the width of the window and determine how full you want the curtains to be. Double the width or add one and a half times the amount of fabric and make allowances for seams. For instance, add 4 inches to each panel for the side seams. This will give you a 1-inch seam on each side, but you can customize the actual measurements according to personal taste.

Measure the length of the window and make allowances for seams. For a 3-inch bottom hem and a 1-inch header, add 8 inches to the length of the curtain panel.

Iron and stitch all seams in place.

Measure in 4 inches from the edge of the seam and begin adding pins. The actual distance between the pins, which is where the pleats will form, will depend on how many pleats you want and how full you want the curtains to be. For small pleats, measure 3 inches for the pleat followed by 4 inches for the space in between. Repeat the pattern across the width of the fabric.

Press the pleats in place by folding the first pin to the next pin to form a crease. Poke the middle of the crease to form the double pleat. Iron the crease; the double pleats will protrude out of the front of the curtain. Sew the pleats in place, removing the pins one at a time. Sew a portion of the way down from the header, depending on how pronounced you want the pleats to be.

Insert hooks into the pleats and hang the curtains on the rod, which should already be installed. Once they're hanging, you can arrange the pleats into place. Cornice boxes and other valances will work well for this style of curtain.