How to Make Lined Pinch Pleat Drapes

 I am so excited to share this tutorial with you.  My fabric arrived last week and I spent one whole evening sewing drapes for my guest bedroom.

It all started when I found this awesome fabric at Calico Corners.

Image from Calico Corners

I fell in love with the fabric and ordered six yards on the spot to make new drapes for my guest bedroom.

I started by rolling out the fabric and cutting the fabric to the length I needed.  I determined this length by measuring from the existing rod to the floor.  In my case the finished length of the drapes would be 85".  I added 6" for the bottom hem and 4 inches for the top for a total of 95".  After cutting the first 95" length I took the fabric and laid it over the cut piece and lined up the pattern and cut a second 95" length for the second panel.  This way I made sure I would end up with two identical panels with the pattern lining up.

For the lining I bought two flat sheets from Walmart for $5.00 each.  Flat sheets work so well for several reasons.  First of all they were a much more cost effective option.  Second, the flat sheet already comes hemmed.  I ironed both sheets.

Next step...the bottom hem.  I started by folding the fabric up 2" and ironing it.  Next I folded the fabric up an additional 4" for the bottom hem.  Then, for a professional look,  I blind-stitched the hem.  I will do a tutorial on blind-stitching later in the week. It was the first time I did one, and let me tell you, it made a world of difference to the final product.  

Next it was time to add the lining.  I laid the lining (the flat sheet) with right sides facing together.  

I pinned the lining on the sides and on the top making sure to leave approximately two inches at the bottom.  I then sewed along all three sides.  Then turn the drapes back to the right side and press the sides and top flat.

As you can see, the flat sheet already has the perfect hem.  One less step...yay!!

I was now ready for the pinch pleats.  A few years ago I bought this pleater tape from JoAnn's always wanting to try this on drapes.  I figured this was the perfect opportunity.  It worked awesome.  All I did was place it near the top of my drape, measuring from the hook to ensure the proper length.  I then sewed it on the top and the bottom making sure not to sew over any of the openings for the hooks.

Then I inserted the pleater hooks.  The pleater hooks have four "fingers".  I skipped every other pocket for each finger and then skipped two pockets in between each hook.  Then I pushed the fingers in as far as they would go.

Then, I fixed the pleats to line them up exactly.  I then pressed the pleats to help them keep their shape.

Finally I sewed each group of pleats together using heavy duty thread.  I only put two or three stitches in each group of pleats.

Then I simply hung the hooks over my curtain rod.  These are dummy panels so they won't be moving.  If you have a transverse rod, you would have the hooks in the traverse rod and then you could open and close the drapes.

This was the first time I have ever made lined drapes and the first time I made pleated drapes.  It was time consuming, but really not difficult at all.  If you can sew a straight line you can make these drapes.

You can see how the pattern lines up in the photo.  Make sure to cut both panels of fabric at the same time to ensure the finished patterns line up.  

I am so happy with the end result.  They add so much life to my guest room.

I hope you will try this.  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.  I'd be happy to help you.

Don't forget to stop back tonight for my weekly linky party.  The link opens at 8pm EST.  

Hope to see you then.

-Judy


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