Pinch Pleat Drapes
Almost every store that carries curtains also carry pinch pleat drapes. The reason they are called 'pinch pleat(ed)' is because of the manner in which the top part of the drape is made.
You can hang them with rings or pins. These are a great choice for people who don’t like blinds or shades. They can be opened or closed with a jerk of the cord or by grabbing the side of the drape. These drapes are more expensive than regular curtains. Even the rod or track they are hung from is more expensive.
Often, pinch pleat drapes have a thermal lining to keep out the heat and cold or a room darkening lining to keep out the light. These drapes are elegant and add glamour to your décor. They come in all sorts of material but are often in brocades or velvet to dress up the room.
If you purchase custom pinch pleat drapes they will be made by hand and will have weights in the hem to keep them hanging straight from the rod. Attachments affect how the drapes will hang so it is best to have a professional measure for them but if you want to measure for your own drapes, here is how you do it:
1. Put up the rods that will hold your pinch pleat drapes
2. Measure from the top of the rod to the floor (or an inch above if you so desire). Then add 8 inches to the measurement for the part that sticks up over the top at the rod and for the hem.
3. Measure the window width from the outer part of the frame (one side to the other)
4. Double the measurement. Add 5 inches and then divide by 12 to tell you the number of inches you need and then by 3 to determine the number of yards of material.
5. For the amount of pinch pleat tape you need, double the window’s width and add 4 inches.
If you are using a lightweight fabric, instead of doubling the measurement you will need to triple it to determine how much fabric you need. Remember when you are measuring that you have to determine prior to the measurements how far you want your pinch pleat drapes to open and how much of the window and view you want to see through the open drapes. If you add 20% to the measurement the drapes will draw back totally to leave a full view and will overlap in the center when they are closed. Yes, it’s as complicated as it sounds; that’s why you usually hire a professional.
Pinch pleat drapes are one of the most popular window treatments. Your mother or grandmother used them to show her elegance of taste. Your aunt may have used them to show that she preferred her window treatments simple. There are so many materials and colors that a person can choose whatever will accent a particular room and make it special.
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