10 Easy Tips on How to Make Inverted Pleat Curtains

Inverted pleat curtains are a special kind of curtain that requires serious attention and time. Making inverted pleat curtains is simple, although engaging because most of the work done is human strength and not with a sewing machine. The ten steps on how to make inverted pleat curtains listed below will give you details about having your inverted pleat curtains. 

The difference between inverted pleat curtains and every other curtain is that there will be no hand stitching traces in professionally made curtains.

How to make inverted pleat curtains

In contrast, in inverted pleat curtains, most stitching is done with needle and thread, and there may be traces of hand stitching. More work is required here, and it also takes more time.

The following are the materials required to make inverted pleat curtains; fabric for drapery, lining, pin-on drapery hooks, thread, hand sewing needle, iron, measuring tape, pins, scissors, and drapery weight. 

Steps on How to Make Inverted Pleat Curtains 

Step #1: Arrange the Pleats 

You’ll need to figure out the size of the pleats before cutting the drapery fabric materials. The size depends on how you want the wrinkles to appear.

The first pattern is arranging the pleats to repeat on both the front and the backside. The most preferable is arranging more patterns in the front side other than the back since it’s also inverted.

Note that if the curtains are more aesthetic than how it functions, you can apply the exact size of wrinkles while if it is functional, smaller pleats will be perfect at the back. 

Step #2: Take the Dimensions

Now that you arranged the pleats, the next step is to take the dimensions. Determine the length and width of the fabric material using the measuring tape. Depending on the window’s length and the pattern mapped out, you can use 13 inches long and 14 inches wide.

The drapery lining is also measured to ensure appropriate cutting. It is essential to understand the parameters before recording. To be precise while sewing, seam the curtain panels and make necessary adjustments before pleating it. To avoid unnecessary mistakes, take the dimensions and look forward to the next step. 

Step #3: Cut the Drapery Fabric 

According to the measurements taken, cut the drapery fabric and arrange them how you will seam them. Get your thread and hand needle ready by fixing the thread to the needle and ensure it’s double and long. 

Step #4: Seam the Fabric Material 

 This step is the foremost step on how to make inverted pleat curtains because it’s where the sketches are made manifest.

If you’re making a single panel curtain, it is best to have a half-width piece on the inner section where the edge will join the narrow piece, while if you’re making a double panel curtain, it is best to have full-width pieces on the inner section where the edge will join the narrow piece.

Seaming thick fabric is easier with a plain seam, while patterned fabric requires more complex steps. Begin by cutting an entire width piece of fabric that’s 6 inches longer than the finished length. You add an extra couple of inches to ensure enough space. 

Step #5: Seam the Lining

As you have measured in the steps above, cut the lining piece’s total width and ensure that it is about 4 inches extra longer than the finished length. Cut another piece of length and pin together with the former, and sew. 

Step #6: Hem the Lining and add Drapery Weight 

Fold the lining and iron gently. Unfold and bring out one and a half. Fold one more time and press. If needed, pin the hem to prevent it from unfolding.

Sew to close the hem to the edge. Unfold the hem and tack to line with the raw edge. The drapery weight is used at two bottom corners of the curtain to ensure that the curtains hang straight. 

Step #7: Sew all the Fabrics

Place the face fabric and the lining, which is placed under and pin together. At the same time, you get the sewing machine ready to sew.

You see the face fabric on top of the lining. You pass them through the sewing machine, where you stitch and iron afterward. 

Step #8: Mark and Sew the Pleats 

Mark the pleats in such a way that there will be sufficient space. Mark the size of the back pleat. Do the same for the front pleats. Continue till you get the correct measurement.

Sew the front pleats and hand stitch the back pleat to stay flattened. The best time to use hand stitching is when you don’t want the stitches to show in front. 

Step #9: Add the Drapery Hooks 

This step is where how to make inverted pleat curtains are almost over. You place the drapery hooks at the back pleats. They show at that edge that made the curtain inverted.

Step #10: Hang the Curtains 

Since the hooks are well arranged, pass the curtain rods across the hooks. It’s a double panel curtain. Therefore it is placed from the left and right. You fold to give it a perfect outlook, as shown in the figure below. 

Do People Prefer Inverted Pleat Curtains to Other Curtains? 

From the above steps, we have seen that making inverted pleat curtains are not as simple as other ways of making every other curtain.

Moreover, people do not hesitate to buy the already made inverted pleat curtains since they are beautiful when placed in the sitting room. 

Conclusion

How to make inverted pleat curtains is not difficult. It’s only your time, little effort, and dedication that can put you through. Following the steps above, be rest assured that you will get the best-inverted pleat curtains you chose.