How To Make a Pleated Drape With A Smocked Heading

I'm going to show you - step by step - how to transform your plain and ordinary flat panel curtains into expensive looking designer draperies...

Do you have some flat panel curtains that just don't seem to "do-it" for you?

Or maybe you've been looking for a really exciting idea for your draperies...

Well, here's an idea that is unique, exquisite and is perfect for drapes, sheers and window valances.

I'm going to show you how to make a 5 3/4" smocked heading using pleater tape. This will create a beautiful, wide pleated header that will create 3x fullness to your draperies. If you're looking for a different pleated or shirred look, this is it.

This style requires smocked pleating tape. The pleating tape we're going to use for this lesson is from my site www.draperysewingsupplies.com. It's easier to understand this lesson, when you understand the anatomy of the pleating tape.

The smocked pleating tape has 4 pull cords. 2 cords in the top row and 2 cords in the bottom row. The top row of cords have alternate spacing of secure cords and loose cords. The secured cords on the top row of cords also have pockets to insert your drapery hooks.

The bottom row of 2 cords are set up the same way except the secured space and the loose cords are offset from the top 2 cords. Plus there are no drapery hook pockets in the bottom row.

Now lets get sewing!

Lay your sewn, flat drapery panel right side down. (sorry, this lesson does not cover how to sew a lined drapery panel)

Cut 2 strips of smocking pleater tape that are 2" wider than your drapry panel.

Fold the tape side edges under 1"... freeing the pull cords.

On one end only - of each of the tapes - knot the pull cords close to the tape. This will keep these cords from getting pulled out of the tape when you pleat your panel.

Lay one strip of tape about 1/4" from the top edge of your panel and pin in place. You want the pink thread on the tape to be towards the top edge.

Lay the second strip of tape just below the top strip. You want to align the loose cords of the bottom set of cords of the top strip with the loose cords of the top set of cords of the bottom strip.

Sew a straight stitch along the top edge.

Sew another straight stitch along the bottom edge. Repeat for the second strip of tape.

Make sure you don't sew over pull cords or hook pockets.

Now, pull the lift cords so that the back of your drapery panel looks like the photo.

Knot the pull cords close to the tape to keep the pleat from loosening.
Try this look with a simple valance. Or add glamour to your room with smocked pleated silk curtains.

Visit www.sewing-window-treatments.com to read this article with diagrams and photos.

You can find your smock pleater tape at http://www.draperysewingsupplies.com plus several styles of pleating tape.

You are also going to want to check out www.onlinesilkfabricstore.com. This web site is stocked with absolutely amazing silks... from dupioni silk to chinese embroidered silk... your selections are exquisite. If you're going to put all that work into sewing your drapes, isn't it worth making them with a high quality silk that you love?

Happy sewing!

Jennifer Thoden

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