Adding pencil pleats - Part 2

Project 2 - Adding a Pencil Pleat to an Unlined Curtain - Part 2

With the bottom and sides of your curtain constructed, it's now time to focus our attention on the top, where we will be installing the pencil pleat tape.

Step Six

Mark and press the final measured drop of your curtain.

• It's ideal to have your curtain laid out so it's completely flat lengthways with your bottom hem lying straight against the edge of your table - curtains are normally much wider than a table, so you will need to work in sections. Make sure the front of your curtain is facing up.
• Give your curtain a press at this point, as it's very important to make sure this part of the process is as accurate as possible.
• Carefully and diligently, measure the exact length your curtain should be - your measured drop - and mark with pins or a pencil.
• Work methodically along the entire width of your curtain, continually checking your bottom hem hasn't moved. Make sure to measure and pin across your French seam too.
• The line created by your pins will be the top of your curtain.
• Flip your fabric so the front side is facing down, and fold your fabric along this line so that the pins sit neatly on the very top of the fold - use the edge of your table to make sure this is straight and at a right angle to your side hems. Once you're happy, press.
• Remove the pins and unfold. You will be left with a pressed line that represents your final curtain length.

Step Seven

Attach the pencil pleat curtain tape.

• Work out which side of your curtain will be your leading edge. The side with the fullest fabric width should always be your leading edge, while half widths should be at your return edge.
• Next, fold a little over one end of your pencil pleat tape and secure with a stitch. This will keep the strings in place.
• Place this machine-finished end of your pencil pleat tape neatly into the leading edge top corner of your curtain, then pin. The top of the tape should be in line with the top of your curtain.
• Line up the rest of the tape across the top of your curtain and pin.
• Where your fabric has been folded to the measured drop length, there should be an excess of around 5cm below the pencil pleat tape. This can be trimmed if you have more than 5cm.
• Now, fold and tuck this excess beneath your pencil pleat tape, leaving a slither still visible then pin all the way along. Be mindful again of your French seam, and ensure it is folded correctly.
• At the end of your curtain, count 4 extra loops, worth of pencil pleat tape so you have a sizeable excess, then trim.
• Release the strings up to the end of your curtain. Check the tension is the same for each string, then tie them together.
• You can then trim the excess of tape - being careful not to trim your strings! - then tuck it under and pin.
• Straight stitch along the edge of the top, sides and bottom of the pencil pleat tape, ensuring you keep all the strings free.

Step Eight

Pull the pencil pleat to the required final width for your window.

• If you have a pair of curtains, each curtain will need to be gathered to half the width of the pole. If you're only making one curtain it will need to be the entire width of the pole.
• Extend your tape measure to the width you are aiming for. It can be helpful to use clamps at this point.
• Use one hand to pull the three strings you have left free on the curtain tape, and the other hand to pull the fabric down to start gathering the top of your curtain and create your pencil pleat. Make sure each string is being pulled equally and simultaneously for an even finish.
• Keep referring to your measuring tape to see whether you need to release the gather a little or make it tighter to achieve the desired width.
• Use your fingers to manipulate the pleats so they sit straight and evenly all the way along.
• When you're happy, tie the three strings close to the fabric so your desired width is secure. Leave the strings long for now, in case you need to make any adjustments.

Step Nine

If you are making a pair of curtains, repeat the entire process for the second curtain!

Step Ten

Once finished, you can hang your curtains. You can find a 'Guide to hanging window curtains' a little later on in the course.