What is a pencil pleat?

Pencil Pleat, also known as Tape Top or 3” Tape curtains, is the standard heading for curtains and valances. Pencil pleat curtain heading usually consists of three rows of string threaded through it for three hook positions to suit all types of track and pole.

Keeping this in consideration, what is the difference between pinch pleat and pencil pleat?

This heading an be used with tracks or poles and has one row of pockets for the curtain hooks. Pinch pleat is a decorative heading for curtains, suitable for all fabrics. Pinch pleats use more fabric and are fuller than pencil pleats. The pleats are hand-sewn in and permanently fixed for more luxurious, tailored look.

Likewise, are pencil pleat curtains old fashioned? Many people believe that pencil pleat curtains are old-fashioned when compared to eyelet curtains, which have ringlets incorporated into the fabric itself - but this is far from a blanket rule. Pencil pleat can look just as stylish as eyelet curtains in a contemporary apartment or new-build house.

Correspondingly, how do pencil pleat curtains work?

The top of your pencil pleat curtains have a heading tape stitched across the top.

How To Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains

Work out which row you want to put the curtain hooks in.
Insert the hooks into every 4 pockets.
Ensure that for one end of the curtains the strings are tried together, see above.

What is a pinch pleat?

Pinch pleat curtains are a highly decorative heading, drawing together lots of fabric into a tightly gathered and stitched bunch at the top. The permanently sewn-in pleats make for a smart finish, with elegant folds flowing from top to bottom. You can have pinch pleat curtains with either a pole or a track.

Can you change pencil pleat to pinch pleat?

It is often possible to replace or add new tape or tabs to existing curtains or even change from pencil pleat to pinch pleat, providing there is sufficient fabric.

Do eyelet curtains look cheap?

One the reasons eyelets are cheaper (and look cheaper) is because they don't use as much fabric, so you lose the cosy fullness of pencil-pleat curtains.

How much material do I need for pencil pleat curtains?

As such you will require 2.5x the track width or 150% fullness. Standard window curtains you will use the guide above to decide on the amount of fabric. In the case of large stage curtains with a pencil pleat heading the requirement is less. So you will use 1.5x also known as 50% fullness for the curtains.

What do pencil pleat curtains look like?

Pencil pleat curtains are … Folds of fabric are tightly gathered to create a semi-cylindrical heading that resembles a line of pencils. From the close pleats of the header, the fabric tumbles freely to the floor. You can choose pencil pleat curtains for either poles or tracks.

Are eyelet curtains fashionable?

Eyelet curtains are very fashionable and make a dramatic feature of a window thanks to the deep folds of fabric, which run in uniform lines from top to bottom. Eyelet curtains always hang from a pole, which is threaded through metal rings.

Can pencil pleat curtains go on a track?

Pencil pleat curtains can be hung from a track or a pole. Pinch and Goblet pleat curtains can be hung from a track or pole but as they hang underneath either, to enable the curtains to concertina back properly, the track or pole will be in full view. Therefore, they can look smarter when hung from a decorative pole.

How do you hang pencil pleat curtains on a track?

- Along the track: place the hooks at 4' intervals The curtain or voile curtain is ready to be hung. Thanks to these fixtures, you can adapt your pencil pleat curtains to a track: position them along the top of the curtain at intervals of around 6' and tighten the screws firmly. Slide the rings onto the track.

What are the different types of curtain pleats?

Drapery Pleat Styles

Flat Drapery Pleat. The Flat Drapery Pleat is the simplest pleat style.
French Drapery Pleat (also Known as a "Pinch Pleat")
Parisian Drapery Pleat.
Cartridge Drapery Pleat.
Inverted Pleat.
8-Inch Inverted Drapery Pleat.
Grommet Pleat.
Rod-Pocket.

Do you have to gather pencil pleat curtains?

If your curtain has a pencil pleat heading, you must start by knotting together the three rows of string at the top of the heading tape. Then, half the total number and this is what you must pull your curtains to. Hold all three strings at once and pull as evenly as possible.

Can you hang pencil pleat curtains on a pole?

For curtain tracks you will need to insert the hooks into the low or middle row of pockets so that the heading hides the track. For poles insert the hooks into the top row of pockets so that the curtain hangs below the pole.

How wide should pencil pleat curtains be?

Example: If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72" or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100" to 120" of width which will look nice and full.

What are pencil pleat curtains?

Pencil Pleat, also known as Tape Top or 3” Tape curtains, is the standard heading for curtains and valances. Pencil pleat curtain heading usually consists of three rows of string threaded through it for three hook positions to suit all types of track and pole.

How do you attach curtain hooks to pencil pleat curtains?

Tie the cords into a knot to secure one end of the heading tape. The heading tape is the top section of the curtain that contains 3 cords, which are used to scrunch the curtains into pleats. Gather the 3 cords at one end of the heading tape. Tie a knot by looping the cords and pulling the loose ends through the loop.

Do eyelet curtains let light in?

yes. Eyelets and curtain poles are useless for keeping light out and heat in. You need proper curtain rails fitted above the window, with blackout linings.

Which curtain heading is best?

Different curtain headings give different effects and work better with some materials than others, so start by considering which one best suits your room.

Pencil pleats.
Cottage pleats.
Double or triple pinch pleats.
Goblet headings.
Eyelet curtains.
Tab-tops.
Wave curtains.

Can I hang eyelet curtains on a track?

You can't use eyelet curtains or tab top curtains with a curtain track. They also allow a wider range of curtain styles to be hung, including eyelet, tab top and pencil pleat.