How To Make A Pinch Pleated Drape (Figuring Pleats And Spaces)

This video shows you how to figure pleats and spaces on a pinch pleated drapery or valance. Remember to use 5 pleats for very width of fabric and two pleats on a half width of fabric. For more videos please go to our website.
www.factorydirectdesignersworkroom.com

[@violet2048]

Finally someone who actually makes the draperies for a living who knows how to measure and teach. Great Job!

[@carolg.6838]

That was an excellent lesson. Good pace and enough repetition. You took away a lot of my intimidation to make draperies Mine are dry rotted after well over 20 years in a west facing window. The traverse rod is mounted on an 8ft ceiling. I counted 16 pleats per side. I will have to measure the spaces, if the same as your s, I roughly would need 3 lengths of fabric each side a bit longer than 2.667 yards to allot for hems. And lining or blackout fabric. Now I don't have to wonder about yardage using pleater tape. To make drapes to clip, a handyman would have to take the double rods off, patch the ceiling and install a new rod.and I would still need about the same amount of fabric for fullness.

[@sheriparker981]

Very clear step-by-step instructions. You are definitely a teacher, Scott! Thanks!

[@infierno667]

Well demonstrated! I'll give it a shot tomorrow. The only thing I noticed as a carpenter was that, towards the end, you said that the last pleat might be a little bigger or smaller. I've seen this when measuring wood and it comes from moving your measure along instead of leaving it flat and running up the numbers. Small measuring errors tend to compound this way and most of us will always err in the same direction so that they add up. Much better to weigh the end of your ruler down on the end of the panel and then step up through the numbers (ie - 4" to 5 1/2" pleat = 9 1/2" to 4" panel = 13 1/2" to 5 1/2" pleat = 19" and so on)

[@brendagriffin-floyd6022]

For the first time in years I understand how to make pleated drapes. I took a class, and purchased a book on making drapes and I still could not understand the formula. Thank you for your video I give it an A plus

[@Justnewtosewing]

You have given me so much confidence, thank you, I enjoy watching your videos!

[@kaywilson6416]

Very well done! I've been sewing for 50 years and this makes it so simple. Thank you! Kay w

[@cindythomas6715]

You have finally described measuring pleats, PERFECTLY! Thank you! The best, concise video on this, ever!

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Thank you Cindy

[@4elnorrd]

Of all the videos on KZbin - yours is the best. You break it down and explain it so clearly and simply that it makes sense !!! It is not rocket science, but you are able to convey the information in such a confident and clear way - it removes the fear from the issue and makes it logical rather than impossible.

[@kathynodolf3719]

Dear Mr. Scott.Thank you for teaching us beginners. I am trying to do my first drapes but have some hard time figuring how many pleate I should do...can you help me? Thank you.

[@user-fx5xd8zu3l]

Thank you so much for such an easy to understand video! I feel like if I watched this again I could make sheer pinch pleated draperies for my double window in the living room! Thanks, you are a great teacher!! Repeating, as you do, helps tremendously!

[@kathyjuola6317]

I didn't realize that I had not yet commented on this video, but I wanted to thank you for your help. Around two years ago, I was able to convert four pole-top curtains into a center-open pinch pleat drapery. It turned out great! The math worked perfectly for spacing the pleats. I was so happy to be able to find a new use for those curtains when I moved.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

That is awesome thank you so much for sharing! It is always nice to know some of my videos are useful!

[@judithgraham2868]

You saved my sanity. I have never made pinch pleat drapes and I need to make them for my granddaughter. Now, after watching your great video, I am confident I can do this! Thank you! Thank you!

[@alice30045]

Best instruction I've ever heard. Some others on here make my head spin, you make it so clear and concise. This is the best, you truly are a wonderful teacher. Bet I'd have passed algebra had you been my teacher 59 years ago. Now I have the confidence to tackle that fabric that's been waiting for a year to be made up, Now I can sleep tonight without worrying about it and feeling guilty that I've wasted the money on fabric.

[@nopt1118]

Thank you so much Scott for that in-depth tutorial. I can now confidently have a go. Stay well.

[@gibraltabago]

About 20 years ago I did a drapery course which included pinched pleats. However for the life of me I could never understand figuring spaces and pleats. Scott thank you for making it simpler for me.

[@sumairachowdhury1416]

wow you're such a good teacher...someone who knows their craft well, and teach it well too.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Thank you!

[@alicepilott7711]

Brilliant video. Now I understand. Thank you very much

[@christinemillership1189]

Scott, I was sitting in tears looking at meters and meters of silk and underlining and getting very hot and bothered! I’d been sitting all the evening before getting more and more confused the more I tried......until I found your video on Christmas Day! You are a godsend! Your gift of walking us through the steps has been so helpful. In the end, I took a small piece of fabric off of the two widths of curtain fabric that I’d already joined together and laid that strip out onto a very long table. I then calmly pinned out the results of the maths you’d taught and it worked. I have a window 91” wide with 4 widths of fabric made up into two curtains.......lots of heavy fabric and I think that’s what threw me. Thank you so very much! Merry Christmas! xx

[@janetblaylock4364]

Thanks for sharing.. I used to make drapes many years ago but had forgotten how.. Now, thanks to you, I can make them again.. Your instructions were as easy to understand as my own mother's was when I was very young.. Thanks again.

[@Cecy0426]

Thank you Mr. Weaver your step-by-step explanation is very simple and understandable, now I'll get my hands to my project, thank yo soooooo very much. Hapyy Father's Day!

[@NancyBerryTV]

Best explanation ever! Not even seeing how is made or seeing other videos and for that I thank you for giving is this! Blesses!

[@vicentenobre1]

Dear Scott. I am from Brazil and I could not find any tutorials here to help me to calculate the amount of fabric needed to make our curtains. Your video was very helpful. Your instructions were very clear. It made things much easier. Thank you. Vicente Nobre

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Thank you I'm glad I can be of some help!

[@michelletapsell7507]

Thank you Scott. You've made me feel calmer about trying my first pinch pleat drapes for my daughter's home's guest room. You are an excellent instructor!

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Thank you!

[@rjb073]

Thank you. This was very interesting. I am an amateur sewer and on fixed income. Need pinch pleated sheers for my bow window. But cannot afford upwards of $1000 for them. The window is bowed and 120 inches and cannot use rod pocket or grommet.So I am going to try to make them on my own. Wish me luck. This was helpful.Lureen

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Good luck! I will be adding several more videos regarding pleating draperies with in the next few weeks.

[@alice30045]

Wow!! This video is so much clearer than the one you did for the swags. Sure wish you'd do the swag over again so we can hear it as well as we can hear this one. With much trepidation, I am Alice but I still think you're SUPER AND INTELLIGENT, thanks.

[@SteelgirlUSA]

Thank you! Simple and concise demonstration. Now I can utilize the drapery rods already installed in my new residence.

[@TheTamcao]

Thank you so much for your kindness sharing. Have a wonderful day 🙏🏻

[@mistique24701]

After all the videos for pinch pleat curtains yours is the best.You gave great advice to the measurement of the spaces. Thank you.

[@nancyskinner5207]

Scott, you just saved me from making a big mistake making my pleats. Thank you!

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Very welcome!

[@lucyhanks500]

The issue is hiding the seam if the pattern matching has gone slightly wrong. I have 6 inches left on one side and 1.25 inches on the other 😕; and I’ve made quite a few pairs of curtains in the past, how quickly the process is forgotten.

[@lucyhanks500]

Dreading full length curtains for that window& door again. Once there’s fabric, bump/interlining & lining added, they probably weight about 2 stone 😖.

[@Mar-oh1yn]

So clear and perfectly professional. Thank you .Margaret

[@floragurl6020]

I really appreciate you showing how to calculate pleats. A BIG THANK YOU. I am going to continue watching your videos.

[@lindaknelsen526]

Thank you sew much!!! You explained that sew that even I can even understand it! I have only made curtains that slip onto a rod before so this is new to me. Your a very good teacher!!

[@shirleydeverson3035]

Hi Scott I think as a teacher of how to make curtains, you are amazing. Thank you. Shirley

[@christinebryant9143]

Thank you for this great video. As other people have said, it is wonderful to know HOW to calculate the pleat sizes and spaces.

[@jroupe1]

You are the best! Your directions are so clear and always include helpful tips that I hadn't thought of before. I just finished making a box pleated valance using your directions and it came out looking like a pro did it!

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

+Jane Roupe That is awesome! I'm glad my videos are of some help...

[@purpledragon339]

I can’t even begin to tell you how helpful this was, and how much I appreciate it!!!!!

[@cecedubois5147]

Scott these instructions are invaluable. Thank you so much!!

[@hanimali2728]

Ive been watching many tutorials, but yours is the clearest. Thank u so much for sharing :)

[@dianeobrien5371]

Great Video. I have watched it several times to get my head around how to calculate the pleates and spaces. It makes good sense when I watch how you calculate but I always struggle when I am back to the drawing board using my own measurements, so end up watching it again.

[@carolg.6838]

At the office, .my boss will explain a project and say "do you understand?" I won't know until I work the project what I do and don't understand. This is true also when following a sewing video. I need it in my hands, because then I might say, oh that's what he meant, whereas in my head I can't "see it" yet. This video was excellent. I have smallish windows with traverse rods. But the picture window intimidates me. They are ceiling to floor...a lot of fabric. How do you even buy enough fabric so you don't need to create a horizontal seam. I am going to measure with one hand over my eyes like watching a scary movie. 🙀

[@kevinsews]

One other issue you guys may need to consider is the pattern repeat in your fabric. This affects your pleat width/depth and the space between each pleat in order to be consistent with your pattern repeat on your fabrics. I just went through this covering 3 windows in a bedroom. Large windows took a ton of fabric and a fair amount of waist in order to keep the pattern consistent between all 3 windows panels.

[@kerrylang8688]

Scott thanks for such an easy to follow, comprehensive tutorial which is the best I've seen.

[@suzannewatson5993]

Dear Scott Can I just congratulate you on your simple and clear explanation kind regards and thank you Suzanne

[@jimshoopman249]

Mr. Weaver, we are making a pair of draw curtains with pinch pleats. The width of the room measures 285 inches across and the height measures 172 inches. The drapery fabric is pretty heavy. My question is: Should we place the 3-fold pinch pleats closer than 4 -1/4 inches closer in order to hold the excess weight of the tall curtain? (NOTE: It will not be lined.)

[@stan911nfs]

Scott. I am from India and you explained very well and the video was very helpful

[@TheMinnie419]

Thank you so much. Your instruction is the best. I too, am not a math person and your great instruction makes it so simple for me. Hope to see you again. I have put your vid in my favorites so I can come back to it when I need it again.

[@sevgiozdemir3194]

Kooifohìyyjkk,! K8lh j Twinkle Twinkle Little Star m.youtu 8n678p868ppbe.com/watch?v=yCjJyiqpAuU#

[@nancy3kelley]

How much easier could it be?! Easy to understand - plain English/diction & I wish I would have had this a few years back. Thanks for your help. Nancy, KY

[@laniblevins3900]

I will try to make one tomorrow,,hope you have a tutorial for swag as well

[@thilankawickramarathna336]

Step by step instructions...Tnx a lot..

[@trinidadalamo6962]

Scott Weaver is the greatest one time directions and I have it. I am so happy that I've have found him. Trinidad A. Alamo

[@frespirt1002]

Perfect! Great tutorial. I did the math with you on my computer calculator. I am going to experiment with a 2 pinch, held only at the top by a clip ring. No commitment. LOL A very informal pleat. Maybe it will be stupid, won't know till I try.

[@lindasmullen25]

Thank you so much, this has been the most helpful video tutorial I’ve seen 😊

[@calypsovdiorleon]

Hi Scott, I just finished watching your video(2x) about how to make pinch pleat. it is so clear and easy to understand. Thank you!! You really know how to give clear instructions. I will follow the steps you give on this video and try it on a cheaper fabric, before I cut my expensive William Morris Forest fabric :-). Thank you. Have you got a video on how to make a pinch pleat curtain with interlining and lining please? Brest regards.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Hi Joe, sorry I do not offer any type of instructions other than youtube at this time, however I am here for advise if you get stuck!

[@jinnywessel7442]

Brilliantly explained. Thankyou

[@TheSusanaCohen]

it's a little long, but it's so clear and you make it look so easy. Now show us the sewing part.

[@kvonahlefeldt]

Hi Scott, your calculations for making the pinches is very useful thank you. However, what I have not learnt from this video is how to calculate the amount of fabric I need before I start pinching. i.e I am working on an area of 210cm x 210cm but if I cut that size out and start pinching my curtain with not be wide enough. I guess I'll need to calculate how much fabric the pinches take up and add to the 230cm. I am not great with math so if you could include this into your calculations for the initial measurements that would be great for dumbies like me.

[@gypsyqueen317]

Karen, maybe this will help. You have to measure the window width, add your stackback on both sides, add your returns, add your overlap (for traversing rod), and add your side hems. Then multiple by fullness. (usually 2 1/2 times the measurement above) Now divide that by 2 which gives you the amount of fabric for each panel. (this assumes 2 panels opening at center on a traverse rod). I don't know metrics, but as a standard, like Scott says, if you have approx 54 inches in width, you'll have 5 pleats and 4 spaces for each panel. With 108 inches you'll have 10 pleats and 11 spaces, and so on.... Once you have 2-1/2 fullness, hemmed at sides, bottom and top as a flat panel, then you can follow Scott's instruction above to figure the pleats. If this is confusing, maybe look at HomeDecGal on youtube and see if she has something more understandable.

[@sertalis]

Your instruction is super clear and very helpful. I am not using a traverse rod, but I do need a "leading edge" on each panel. So, am I supposed to double the measurement for the leading edge for each panel? You include it once in the formula, right?

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Wow, I am blown away by your compliments. Thank You!

[@kristenraewyre2564]

Thank you for the video. It seems very practical to use the remaining fabric to create the pleats...but I question how aesthetically pleasing this is...pleats should be full....IMO, a minimum of 3" for each pleat...so dividing the remaining fabric by 5 pleats and utilizing what is left (if what's left ends up being less than 3" per pleat) can make the drape appear deflated. I would like to see these calculations done based on length of face, desired number of spaces per panel (keeping aesthetics in mind and not fabric width), and a minimum 3" corresponding pleat.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Hi Kristen, what is not explained in this video is what is called "drapery fullness" and this calculation must be made before you can figure your pleats and spaces. For example if your rod width is 50" wide you need at least 100" of fabric in order to make a 3 prong pinch pleat as in this video. The amount of fabric required to make each pleat is between 4-1/2" to 6" depending on the number of pleats and width of fabric and sometimes it is necessary to add or delete a pleat if it is not coming to the above mentioned pleat range. Most custom drapery workrooms like ours use 5 pleats to each width of fabric used and is considered an industry standard however, this can vary somewhat for narrow or extra wide fabrics. Thank you for your input and have a great day!

[@patriciasmith6072]

Scott, you are a excellent teacher very well done. Have you ever written a book on sewing ? I would definitely purchase your book. Your a very gifted man. Your directions are clear to understand & your finish work is impeccable. Thank you & grateful to you. Pat Smith

[@menanedelcu7814]

You are an awesome teacher Scott!

[@joanneineson9516]

Great video, thank you! Just a quick question, you say the facing measurement is 38 in - that does not include the fittings at each end does it - 38” is just the rod in the middle?

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Hello Joanne, it has been awhile since I posted this video but I believe I was referring to is the face of the rod and that would not include going around the returns or where the drapery overlaps in the middle. If you go on my channel and browse you will find all types of videos on making and pleating drapery panels. I hope it helps!

[@hdb80]

Thank you SO much for this. I can now do this confidently!

[@SFPD804]

Absolute best drapery video I have seen!!!!

[@ann-marieduberry-swaby3675]

Thank you so much, you have answered exactly what I wanted to know.

[@MsJoybird1]

You make hard things look simple!! Thank you!!

[@juliosales1762]

thank you for doing this!!!!BUT if you started with a 4" overlap for both, then wouldn't it be 2" for each panel?

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Thank You for your response it is very appreciated!

[@lynnmoroux7998]

Thank you for saving my project. Great explanation on calculating spaces

[@randijohnston6428]

Great tutorial .just that im a first timer and some close ups of the pinning would have been a even better learning guide for me .. but other than that extremely well explained thank you so much..Im making replicas of the curtains for a vintage Airstream trailor my father is restoring to its original state im praying i havent bit off more than I can chew!! WISH ME LUCK ! I do not want to disapoint him !!

[@lindaapaul]

You make it so easy to understand. I really appreciate it. Do you have a video showing how to finish off the pinch pleats?

[@kristiecontine3972]

Thank you for this, I am scared to death but now I’m going to give it a try. I have the material sitting on the ironing board ready. Thanks for your video.

[@cindeyaledomaine3020]

Greetings from Ecuador... thanks so much for your helpfull video. Please make another with new contemporary curtains designs

[@kidsgamegatt3171]

many thanks really explainable!!!!!!! much appreciated

[@bingabaytv1948]

thanks for sharing knowledge I have learned something

[@writerandartist]

Thank you for your detailed instructions, Scott! I understand how you do everything. My question is, how did you decide on five pleats? Why five? I'm making a right-pull traverse pinch pleat curtain. It has 20 grommets along the top and spaces for 2 on the pull and 3 on the wraparound, for a total of 25 possible pleats. Is there a rule of thumb about how thick each pleat is? Or how much space there is between pleats? Thanks in advance.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

Hi! 5 pleats works best with materials that are 54" wide. If your material is only 45 to 48" wide then 4 pleats may be more appropriate. The spaces between the pleats are the most important part since it makes the size. The pleats are made from the rest so if the fabric is 50" wide and the panel needs to finish at 24" wide this would be 50" - 24" = 26 divided by 5 pleats = 5.2" for each pleat.

[@alicial.7509]

You are the man Scott!

[@user-lw2mf7dh1u]

Thank you Scott

[@odetteferrao7243]

Great Video, and well demonstrated. I have watched it again to work out how to mark out the pleats. My fabric is 102 inches wide, and my window is 92 inches.How many pleats do I need with just two inches of overlap and return?

[@eieikhin2358]

Thank you so much for great video.

[@carolinekennedy2261]

Thank you. I want to know how many panels of fabric to purchase to make pinch pleat curtains to cover a 130” wide window with an 85” drop. I purchased for 1.5x the amount needed for a straight curtain. Can I alter the spacing and pleats to make this amount of fabric work? Thanks.

[@jodilmaandrade8770]

I have a face rod 74 inches, but my draperies is 4 panels and will open on one side. The total of my panels is 213 inches. 74 : 19 spaces will be 3.89 between pleats. 213 - 6 return = 207 : 20 pleats will be 10.35 inches for each pleat. This is correct? Thank you

[@thepeoplesquad9235]

I think my question is similar to Maria's but I bought a large ceiling mount transom rod that is mounted under a wooden box valance so there are no returns. It is 132' face and does have 4' overlap. I added 2' returns just to have something on the end as I think it would look funny without anything. After your calculations I came out with 64' each pair. I have 2 prefab panels I was going to sew together. 52' each so 104' total.....this is where I get stuck on how to figure the size of the pinch/spaces.

[@thepeoplesquad9235]

I think I have to add another panel to each side based on Maria's calculations, but how many more inches of panel? Thank you!!!

[@newluhu]

Fantastic 👍👏👏👏. Tyvm !!!

[@temmaddocks5183]

If you don't have a panel already made, how do you determine how many spaces? Your example is 4 spaces? How did you arrive at 4, without looking at the already made curtain?

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

If the fabric you purchased is roughly 48” to 54” wide you should make 5 pleats which would give you 4 spaces between the pleats and if your using 44” wide fabric you should make 4 pleats with 3 spaces. I prefer using 54” wide fabric since it offers a nice full pleat. Good luck!

[@adeelanthony28]

Thank you God bless you 😇

[@LuvmyNaturalhair4eva]

Hi Scott, thank you for breaking this down the way you did. Great instructions. Question: How much would you charge for the panel you just completed. I've been asked to pleat a relatives curtain panels and make a valance, but have no idea how much I should even begin to charge. Of course this being family, my cousin will get the family member discount.

[@Factorydirectdesignersworkroom]

32.00 per width of fabric. 1 pair with one width of fabric on each side is 64.00. Every width of fabric you need to seam together = 32.00. Labor only not including the cost of fabrics. Good luck! Scott

[@TheGrannycarol]

you should do videos to send out u are a really good teacher

[@optimistnow7491]

Great clear video. Loving your work :-)

[@roseandquince538]

You video is very well done and I appreciate the math help. I am working on a double width panel by joining two fabrics and will then create a pinch pleat header. I would like the panel seam to fall outside of the pinch pleat to avoid additional bulk yet not land in the center of the 'space' for aesthetic reasons. Do you have any tips for tweaking the measurements to take the placement of the seam into account. Ideally, the seam would tuck in right next to the pleat. Thanks.

[@bramirez41]

I have a window that is 93' wide and 70'' long...and my rode is 48''....how much material would I need for pleated drapes with a lining? I will be putting the on the inside of the window instead of the out side...thank you for your help

[@ChristinealexandersmithDCI]

Thanks Scott, just one question please what if you don't have a return on your window because the track is flush to wall? What should you allow at the other end please?

[@martinabishop9693]

Hi there Scott... can't wait to start making these curtains I've been searching for instructions for eons. I am ready to go now after having watched your video a few times. And you give such concise instructions. I have one question. How do you measure the overlap? My overlap is 5 cm so I x2 that when adding it to the face and returns? Thanks in advance... Martina (Australia)

[@dbronson133]

one more question. trying to make the first panel based on your instructions. measured everything twice and did the math twice, and both times i came up with my spaces between the pleats being 7.2in. that seems wrong. my panels are two sewn together, totaling 110 inches. rod is 135in, return is 5in, overlap is 4in.

[@isabelle4223]

Thank you!! Ins sooooo easy with your demonstration. Merci!!

[@sharmilachandool4603]

Thank you mr Scott your videos so clearly I could understand everything in it 👍👍

[@andith]

I love your videos and wish I would be able to make my own window treatments. I went to a house a few months ago and saw beautiful, delicate, elegant window treatments in beige. I wish I could know how to sew them or find how much would it cost to make them, Is there any way that I can send you a picture and you tell me what the price would be for making those curtains?

[@margaretwadley5134]

Hi Scott. Made the first set of drapes. They came out great. Now, I want to go from a 38" rod to a 124" rod. I am lost. I measured the rod, added for returns, and the overlap. ended up with 134 inches. I do not know how many pleats I will need. Kind of at a standstill. Can you help me. Thanks. Margaret

[@tracysmith939]

How to you add innerling in your drapes? Can't find a video. I know how but think I'm doing it the hard way!

[@evahadravova7869]

Thank you so much for this instruction! It's very helpful!