CURTAIN HEADINGS
PENCIL PLEAT
A standard heading for most curtains and valance that are suspended from tracks and poles above a window frame. A heading tape with 3 hooks positions is sewn at the top of the drapes with 3 rows of string threaded through. This forms a neat row of single ‘pencil pleats’ and suits all types of fabrics and designs. It gives a crisp heading suitable for both reserved and relaxed interiors. Can hold fabrics that are light and medium weight, suitable for poles and tracks.
Multiply the track width by 2/2.5 when estimating for fabric.
BOX PLEAT
A wide and flat heading, often used for more tailored curtains, pelmets and valance headings. They can be taped or pleated by hand and highlight a smart ‘look’ as the fabric drapes into deep folds down the full length of the curtain. Suitable for all tracks and poles and can hold fabrics that are light and medium weight.
Allow 3x the window width when estimating for fabric.
TRIPLE/ PINCH/ FRENCH PLEAT
Pinched pockets are formed into triple pleats at the top of the curtain heading. This is done by the fabric being gathered with heading tape or a buckram drapery between the layers at the top of the curtain. The strings on the tape/ buckram are pulled in same way for standard gathering tape and pencil pleat tape. The distance between pleats should be between 4” and 6”. Suitable for traditional style interiors as this effect forms an arranged orderly look. Can hold fabrics that are light and medium fabrics on poles or tracks.
Requires a double fullness of fabric.
SLOT/ CASED/ CHANNEL HEADING
A small casing is sewn onto the back of the fabric in which the curtain pole or rod can snugly fit through. The fabric ruffles and gathers and there are no rings or other hardware needed other than the pole and final. Often employed with lightweight fabrics or voile/ sheer curtains on both small and large windows, sometimes along the middle of the window frame as a privacy curtain. Not recommended to open and close regularly but instead best to leave hanging down as a decorative window treatment or closed as privacy curtains. Also known as a Rod Pocket.
Multiply the rod/ pole length by 2 when estimating fabric.
GOBLET PLEAT
Also known as the ‘tulip’ heading, a graceful curtain style suitable for taller windows. Called the Goblet pleat as it is shaped like a wine goblet. Formed the same way as a French Pleat, in which 3 rows of string on the underside of the curtain are threaded through forming a neat row of 3 pleats on the front that fall from each goblet. To keep the full shape of each ‘goblet’ you can stuff with tissue, as well as add fabric to the top of the goblet covering the open space. Seemly for medium to heavy weight fabrics.
To calculate the amount of fabric needed times the width of the track by 2.4
TAB/ LOOP HEADING
Strips or ‘tabs’ of fabric material are used the loop over a curtain rod/pole and sewn between the lining and curtain fabric. Only appropriate for curtain rods/ poles and it is important to make sure the lengths of the tabs are longer than the pole diameter so they can slide effortlessly across it. A humble, relaxed and contemporary look that is easy to make and customize with embellishments (such as the buttons pictured right) and fabric mixing.
The amount of extra fabric you need for the tabs depends on the width of the curtain. Normally tabs will have less than 6” between them.
EYELET HEADING
A rod, wire or pole is the threaded through ‘eyelet’ holes in the fabric placed along the top of the curtains. These eyelets can be cut by hand or by a machine hole punch, and are usually about 2’ apart. A fresh, modern look that can be embellished in different finishes (such as the metal eyelets seen right). Fit for lighter or medium weight fabrics such as cotton, silks and linens. Most rods, poles and wires will need to have a finial on each end to stop the curtains from being pulled completely off.
When estimating for fabric, allow twice the rod width.
TIE TOP HEADING
Similar to the tab/ top headings however with Tie Top curtains the end of the strip is tied at the top of the curtain rod rather than being stitched into the fabric. Only fitting for poles, rods and wire suspension with a finial either side to stop the curtains from being pulled off. The fabric strips are tied at the top for a more informal and untailored ‘look’ and is often seen in country or rustic inspired interiors. Appropriate for lightweight and medium fabrics such as voile, linen and cotton blends. It is also possible to use embellishments such as rope or a diverse fabric instead of the identical one as the ties.
The amount of extra fabric you need for the tabs depends on the width of the curtain. Normally tabs will have less than 6” between them.
INVERTED PLEAT
Similar to a Box Pleat but instead the fullness of the pleat is on the back side of the curtain, hidden out of view. This creates a flat faced front to the fabric. These curtains are usually stationery and suited to refined, chic and fresh interiors due to their modest clean lines. They can hold heavier fabrics and suit window spaces where stacking space is limited.
Allow 3x the window width when estimating for fabric.
Jalan Interior 