BasicsCurtain Heading Styles
Curtain headings are a way of customising and styling blinds and valances
so that the overall width of the fabric is reduced, creating a range
of pleats or folds.
You will find a few of the more popular detailed below, many more are
listed in our E-Books.
Ready Made Heading Tape
Some
headings can be created using various types of tape that is sewn close
to the top edge of the window treatment and, by pulling up gathering
cords, different effects can be achieved.
Some heading tapes incorporate Velcro at the back so they can be used
in conjunction with grip tape that makes it possible to attach top treatments
and blinds to battens or pelmet boards.The number of cords and the way
the cords are threaded in the heading tape makes the pattern of pleats.
The pleats are sharpest when the cords are drawn up tightly.
There can be 2, 3, or 4 cords for drawing up the pleats.
Most tapes have more than 1 row of pockets for the hooks to adjust the
height of the heading.
Box Pleated Headings
Box
pleat heading tapes give a very tailored look and drape into deep folds
down the full length of the curtains. The pleats butt onto each other
with no interval between them. Multiply the track width by 3 when estimating
for fabric.
For a more professional finish these headings can be made by hand. Although
very time consuming it is well worth the extra effort. As the finished
width is critical, but not easily adjusted I recommend that the width
of the pleats and spaces are worked out before the curtains are made
so that the width of the flat curtain can be adjusted to suit.
Allow 3 times the window width when estimating for fabric. Suitable
for tracks and poles.
Cased Headings
A
simple cased heading is used mainly for nets and lightweight fabrics
that are not to be opened and closed frequently.
A casing or channel sewn across the top is left open at the ends.
A slender curtain rod or plastic covered spring wire slots through the
channel and fits onto hooks or into sockets at the side of the window.
Multiply the rod or wire length by at least 2 when estimating fabric.
Eyelet Headings
For
minimalistic look, a narrow rod, pole or wire is threaded through eyelets
that are inserted close to the top edge creating deep folds.
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics.
When estimating for fabric allow twice the rod width.
Goblet Pleated Headings
Goblet
pleats make a very elegant heading for longer lengths. Pleats fall from
each goblet that can be stuffed with tissue paper or cotton wool to
retain their shape. This heading tape has 2 sets of cords and is suitable
for medium to heavyweight fabrics.
Multiply the track width by 2 to 2.5 when estimating for fabric. Suitable
for tracks or poles.
For a more professional finish these headings can be made by hand. Although
very time consuming it is well worth the extra effort. As the finished
width is critical, but not easily adjusted I recommend that the width
of the pleats and spaces are worked out before the window treatments
are made so that the flat width can be adjusted to suit. Allow 2 to
2.5 times the window width when estimating for fabric.
Pencil Pleated Heading Tape
This
stiffened tape is available in several depths from 2.5" to 6"
(6 cm to 15 cm). A lightweight version is suitable for sheer fabrics.
Some tapes have three rows of pockets for hooks.
Use the top row if the treatment is to hang below a pole. Use a lower
row to make the heading stand up the required amount to conceal a track.
Multiply the track width by 2 - 2.5 when estimating for fabric. Suitable
for both tracks and poles.
Tab Top Headings
A
modern, less formal heading is created with loops of matching or contrasting
fabric that are stitched onto the top edge of the treatment omitting
the need for heading tape. Suitable for all weights of fabric.
You should also remember to take the length of the tabs into consideration
when measuring.
This heading is only suitable for poles.
Remember that each of our e-books contains a comprehensive sewing guide which goes much further that these pages will permit. Over 40 pages, including 87 colour diagrams, including additional subjects such as applique, frills and quilting.
Each E-Book is priced at only £10.00 with fantastic savings (up to 60%) when purchasing the bundle/package.
