Pinch pleats are a relatively easy way to make curtains, but they can be really expensive. Luckily, there is an easy solution: making your own pinch pleat sheer curtains! This blog post will show you how to do it in just a few steps and without any sewing skills.
Steps on Making Pinch Pleated Sheer Curtains
Step #1: Gather supplies. You will need a sewing machine, sheer fabric (at least two yards), thread, and clips to hold the fabric in place.
Step #2: Place your fabric on a flat surface with the right side up and the wrong side facing down. Fold one corner of the shorter edge over about six inches.
Step #3: Clip the fabric to something sturdy, like a table or some chairs. Fold another corner of the shorter edge over about six inches and clip it down with your clips.
Step #4: Thread your needle and sew along one side from bottom to top in an “X” pattern, making sure to go all the way through both layers of fabric.
Step #5: Sew along the other side from bottom to top in an “X” pattern, making sure to go all the way through both layers of fabric again.
Step #6: Clip off any excess thread and pull out your clips! You’ve now completed three pinch pleats!
Step #7: Repeat the process on the other short end of your fabric. You should now have six symmetrical rows of folds in your fabric, with both shorter edges folded up towards opposite corners and no longer visible from the right side.
Step #8: Pinching the fabric at the top, flip over and position your two corners of fabric on each side.
Step #9: Pin in place with a couple of safety pins to hold it in shape while you sew. Sew along one edge from bottom to top again (making sure that both sides are stitched together) before flipping back over and pushing out the two corners.
Step #10: Pinch the fabric at the top, flip over and position your two corners of fabric on each side so that they are facing away from you. You should now have six symmetrical rows of folds in your fabric with both shorter edges folded outwards towards opposite corners and no longer visible from either side.
Step #11: Fold the top corner down and then fold it back up.
Step #12: Thread your needle with a long strand of thread, pull tight to secure the end around one pleat, and tie off securely at both ends so that you have created an anchor point for your curtain rod.
Step #13: Repeat steps twelve and thirteen until there are no more pleats left on your roll of fabric.
Step #14: Attach any remaining tabs or flaps of fabric to the front of your curtain by sewing them on with a small hemstitch.
Step #15: Sew up any hems or seams, adding in an extra simple lace trim for decoration if desired.
What are pinch pleated sheer curtains?
Pinch pleated sheer curtains are a type of window dressing that can be hung from the ceiling or put up on any type of curtain rod. They provide light and privacy to your space without using anything but fabric, making them an ideal choice for renters who want to avoid putting holes in walls!
Where do you get pinch pleated sheer curtains?
Pinch pleated sheer curtains are available from a variety of sellers online and in stores, such as Bed Bath & Beyond or Ikea. They usually come with instructions on how to make them so you can avoid any complicated sewing!
What if I want more privacy than what pinched pleats offer?
If you want more privacy than what pinch pleats offer, try using a blackout curtain. These curtains are black on one side and transparent or white on the other so you can control how much light gets into your space. You can also buy panels to sew together for extra length!
What if I want no privacy at all?
If you’re looking for a curtain that allows for the most visual access, you might want to consider lace curtains. Lace curtains are transparent so your living room or bedroom is open and inviting!
What color should I pick?
Pinch pleated sheer curtains come in many different colors to match any space’s aesthetic. For instance, if you have a bright and yellow-themed bedroom, you might want to try a curtain in sunny orange or bright yellow. If your space is more of a cool color palette, how about trying curtains in light blue?
If the pleats are too wide for me?
There’s no need to worry if pinch pleating turns out larger than expected! For instance, if the pleats are too wide for your window and you want them to be smaller, simply cut out a rectangle from the width of fabric that’s equal in length to what you would like it to end up being.
How to care for Pinch Pleated Sheer Curtains
Ideally, you should wash your curtains at least twice a year. It’s also important to dry them out in the sun when possible! Lastly, be sure not to leave them on the windowsill or outside unattended for long periods as this could cause fading and damage to the fabric over time.
Can I Iron my Pinch Pleated Curtains?
Ironing is an option, but it can cause the pleats to lose their shape and durability over time. If you’re looking for a professional look that doesn’t require ironing, we recommend using flat-pleated curtains instead!