How to Hand Sew Pleats in a Curtain

Pinch pleated drapes are an expensive and dramatic accent in any room. Pleated drapes can be expensive if purchased already made. Putting pleats in your own curtains is a simple process. Pleats can be made by using a pleater tape and sewing machine or by folding by hand and stitching in place. Heavy fabric hangs more evenly than lightweight fabrics when pleated. Making your own hand sewn pleated drapes is an inexpensive way to add drama to your windows.

Fabric or ready-made curtain panels
Straight pins
Thread
Hand needle

Instructions

- 1
  Cut fabric to fit your window. Cut two panels per window. The fabric width of each panel should be double the size of the window measurement plus 4 inches for hems. If you are using ready-made curtain panels, you will need twice as many panels as normal to get the fullness needed when pleated.
- 2
  Turn under 1 inch for the hem on all edges. Turn under 1 inch again on the long edges. Stitch a straight line down the hem. Turn under another 3 inches on the bottom for hem. Stitch a straight line across hem.
- 3
  Measure down 4 inches. Pinch together 3 inches of fabric, beginning about 1 inch from the hemmed side. Form the pinch into 1-inch folds or layers. Pin the layers together. Make 3-inch pinched folds evenly across the top of the fabric. Pin each set of pleats. Examine the appearance of the pleats occasionally by holding the fabric up. Pleats should be uniform in size and spaced evenly. Hand stitch along each pleat, a distance of 4 inches.
- 4
  Fold 3 inches of fabric over the top of the pinned pleats. Stitch the folded area to create the sleeve for the rod. Repeat for other panels.

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Windows, Doors & Walls