Making curtains is not always easy, especially if you are looking for a certain color or design. But with this simple DIY project, you can make your pleated curtains that are tailored to fit your needs!
This article will walk you through how to make pleated curtains so they can be made and ready in just one day.
Materials
You will need a fabric of your choice, the amount depending on how many curtains you are looking to hang. For this project, I used two yards for each curtain, 40 inches wide and 60 inches long. The length can be adjusted based on how high up off the ground you want them hung. You’ll also need a sewing machine, measuring tape and a standard iron.
Cutting the fabric
The first step is to measure how far down you want your curtains hung off of the ground (remembering that this number will change how long they are) and then measure out how wide you want them. Once these two measurements have been taken, cut each piece of fabric so that it’s a foot shorter than your desired length and width.
Ironing the pleats
Cutting all the pieces is just one step, now comes time to give them some style! To create these pretty folded edges you will need an iron. Using your standard iron on its highest setting (usually cotton for most fabrics), fold the fabric over in half so that it is now a single layer of material.
Sewing them
Once folded, place your ironed edge on top of an unironed piece with right sides together and sew along this part using either a straight stitch or zigzag stitch. Flip the seam allowance over and press, then fold the fabric over so that the seams are hidden.
Pinning them
Once you have all of your pleats pinned securely in place, it’s time to sew them down.
Again using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, line up one edge with another at an angle, sew down to the bottom of one pleat, and then back up for about a quarter inch. Repeat until all your seams are sewn in place.
Hanging them
Once you have ironed and pinned your curtains into shape, it’s time to hang them on the rods! First, measure how long you want your curtains to be, and cut the end of your fabric so that it’s even with the rod.
Now pin one end onto the top of a curtain pole or window frame (make sure you have a grip on both ends!) then slide it down until there is enough fabric for each pleat.
How to Care for Pleated Curtain
After a lot of washing, the pleated curtain may shrink and lose its shape. To restore them to look as good as new, simply steam iron the curtains on high heat for five minutes or so!
If your pleats are getting tight you can also use a damp cloth with fabric softener rubbed in it to relax the fabric.
How to wash Pleated Curtains
Step 1. Wipe the pleats with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Use mild soap on your hands and rub it into the fabric, then rinse the curtains in cold water. To dry them use a low-heat iron at their highest setting for five minutes or so!
Step 2. If you would like to wash these, add a fabric softener to your water as you wash the curtains. Or add a cup of vinegar and two cups of salt into a sink or bucket filled with lukewarm water, then soak them for about an hour before washing.
Step 3. Lastly, hang these out in direct sunlight during the day!
Can I Bleach Pleated Curtains?
Bleach can be used to remove stains but NEVER use it on the fabric without testing a small, hidden area first.
Always test in an inconspicuous place before you do anything else and make sure that the colors are not running or fading. If they pass this test then add bleach according to how dirty your curtains are.
If you don’t have a measuring cup, fill it up with water and add in the bleach as needed.
The longer you leave them in there, the more stains will come out, and then rinse well afterward so that no residue is left behind.
How to Remove Stains on Pleated Curtains
Tip 1. To remove a stain on the fabric, pre-treat with dish soap and water.
Tip 2. Launder in cool or warm water and don’t use chlorine bleach!
Tip 3. Dry these out outside to get rid of any lingering odors from food spills or other stains that can’t be removed otherwise.
What is Pleating?
The process of folding the fabric over and sewing the edges together, so that it creates a fluffy surface. This is an attractive look on curtains because they are not flat but instead have layers or pleats which give them volume.
Can I Dye Pleated Curtains?
Yes, you can dye pleated curtains. There are two ways to do this:
You could dye them the same color as they already are or different color of your choice.
If you choose to dye them the same color then make sure that there is enough fabric so that it does not look stretched out when it comes through the dyeing process.