How to hang rod pocket curtains on a traverse rod?
Well, I know the reason why you want to know about this.
For one thing, using a traverse rod will minimize the need for you to clean the curtains.
That is because you are going the handle the fabric less frequently than usual.
Typically, when you close your curtain or even open it, you pull the fabric by your hands, leaving the oils and dirt in the same spot you usually handle it.
But a traverse rod has drawstrings that you can use to open and close curtains.
Even though this is specifically design for pinch pleat curtains, this can also be adapted for a rod pocket curtain.
What Is A Rod Pocket Curtain?
The most common and classic way of hanging curtains is through a rod pocket. It is a case or pocket that is sewn on top of the curtain.
This can be slipped easily into the curtain rod. With this, you will be able to conceal the rod.
If you hang your curtain panel this way, it will bunch nicely, providing a simple and casual look.
Aside from the finials and rods, you no longer need other hardware for this. You only need to consider if how frequently you are going to open and close the panels.
That is because rod pocket curtains can be a bit stubborn to adjust since the curtain fabric is resting directly to the rod.
This type of window curtain is ideal for layering window treatments.
For instance, you can hang a valance over this to conceal the curtain rod when you open the curtain.
You can also hang a sheer curtain underneath the main panels.
The sheers will provide the privacy you need while allowing the natural light to be filtered through.
What Is A Traverse Rod?
There is an array of curtain hardware available in the market.
One of which is a traverse rod which is a great option to use for several applications.
This type of curtain rod uses tension to remain in place. It does not require fasteners, hooks, and screws.
You’re sure that it will be a breeze for you to move or traverse the curtain panels across your windows.
Rather than using your hand to pull the curtain out of the way, why not use the cord?
For sure, you can run it smoothly.
As such, the fabric will look new for quite some time since you rarely need to touch it when moving the curtain.
The most common type of window treatment installed using a traverse rod is the pleated curtain.
A specialized pin is embedded underneath the pleat when the curtain panel is made. This pin will slip onto the carriers of the traverse rod.
Meaning to say, you are allowed to draw the curtain open or close using a tug onto the cord.
What Are The Things Needed?
Before we proceed to the steps, you must know the things that you need to gather first. It includes the following:
- Measuring tape
- Curtains
- Traverse rod kit
- Pleater tape
- Thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Drapery hooks
Steps To Hang Rod Pocket Curtains On The Traverse Rod
In this section, we will walk you through the steps that you need to perform in hanging rod pocket curtains.
So, here are the steps on how to hang rod pocket curtains on a traverse rod:
Step #1. Installing the traverse rod
Mount the brackets and the support of the traverse rod; follow the instructions provided in the packaging.
Then hang the rod onto the brackets and the support. Secure it in place by locking the rod.
Step #2. Attaching the pleater tape
Measure if how wide is your curtain panels.
Then cut a pleater tape piece to this size.
In case you are not familiar with pleater tape, this is a material with a pleated pocket sewn into it.
Sew about half an inch seam across the top of your rod pocket curtain.
Keep the right sides together.
Then flip the piece of pleater tape towards the back of the fabric and pin it onto the curtain’s wrong side for about half an inch from the top.
Start pinning the tape’s raw edges under and sew in place.
Step #3. Mounting the hooks
Lay the fabric flatly onto your working space with its wrong side facing upwards.
Attach one hook onto the pleater tape’s pocket.
The first hook must be mounted at the curtain panel’s end.
With this, the front of the fabric will not be pierced, but it will only go into the lower layers forming the pleater tape pocket.
From this point, measure about four inches and attach the next hook.
Repeat the same process until you put all the hooks across the curtain panel.
Step #4. Putting everything in place
Carry your rod pocket curtains onto the traverse rod – one panel at a time.
Hook them into the holes of the rod sliders.
It’s A Wrap!
Finally, you already learned how to hang rod pocket curtains on a traverse rod.
One important tip to remember for this project is to pick a pleater tape with the same width as the curtain’s rod pocket.