Measuring for Pinch Pleated Draperies
When thinking of draperies, I’m often asked the question . ”How do you measure for draperies?” This article will simply explain, the best way to measure for draperies.
Before measuring your windows for pleated draperies you must first determine if you want a full view of the glass when your draperies are in an open position. If the answer is yes, and ideally draperies should clear the window, follow these instructions.
Step 1. Measure for the width first.
Measure from the outside of the window frame (assuming there is a window frame) on the left to the outside of the window frame on the right. If there is no frame just measures the opening from left side to right to get the width of the window. Take this measurement and add 20% to what ever the measurement is. For example, if you measured 100 wide add 20 to that to totally 120. Then add 12 more inches on to that for overlap (this is were the draperies will meet and overlap in the middle) and return ( this is were the draperies on each side comes to the end of the rod and go back to the wall. Take note of how much space is available on left beyond the frame, then on right beyond the frame. This is the area where your draperies will stack back when they are open.
Now, let’s get the measurement for the length of the drapery.
Step 2. Measure from the top of the frame (if there is no frame, measure from the top of the window) to the floor. If you do not want you draperies to hang to the floor measure to 3″ below the window ceil. This measurement will be the length of your draperies.
That’s it! It’s as simple as that. Please send me your questions and comments, or if you know a better way, let us know.
Visit Us at Linda’s Curtain Studio for more tips and ideas.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I’ve been plagued by the same questions. I found a very useful guide on how to measure for drapes:
http://www.prioritywindows.com/catalog/Drapery-Measuring-Guide-sp-201.html
I hope it helps others like it helped me.
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
[…] Measuring for Pinch Pleated Draperies […]
April 15th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
adding 12″ for returns and overlap. Is that allowing 3″ for returns each panel and 3″ for over lap each panel? I usually hear 3 1/2 returns and 4″ overlap. Does it depend on the traverse rod?
April 15th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Hi Julie,
Let me explain, it is 3 1/2″ for each return (=7), and 2 1/2″ overlap for each panel (=5) with a total of 12″.
I suppose there are draperies that are made with 4″ instead of 5″ for overlaps and 3″ for returns. However, in our shop we seem to get a better look with the 5″ for overlap and 3 1/2″ returns.
Also, you should be able to adjust your rod to fit the drapery return.
Thanks for your comments and visiting our site!
Vee
http://www.lindascurtainstudio.com
June 21st, 2008 at 12:50 am
I am trying to figure out how much space is required to each side of a window in order to have the entire pleated drape stack off the window itself. I can’t seem to find a formula for this question. Is there an answer? Thank you
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Hi Carla,
Measure the width of you window ( the glass only not molding around the glass).
Add 15% to that width.
Take the 15% and divide it by2. This will give you your stack back for your draperies on each side of the window.
Example : Your window (glass only) is 100″ wide—
Add 15% which = 15
Divide the 15 by 2 = 7 1/2
You will have 7 1/2″ on each side of your window for stack back.
If you have a really heavy drapery you may want to add 20%? instead of 15%.
Thanks for visiting our blog and let me know if that works out for you.
Best Regards!
Linda
www.lindascurtainstudio.com
January 25th, 2009 at 2:23 am
If I am making pinched pleate draperies how do I measure the width of material needed to allow for the pleates if they are 4″ apart?
I understand what is needed for the hems, overlap and returns but I don’t understand how to calculate the width of fabric needed if I put pleates in using 4 prong hooks.
Thanks
January 28th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Hi Sherry,
This is the process I use when making pinch pleated draperies:
1. To determine how much fabric must be taken up in pleats, measure the total width of the panel and subtract the finished width(rod witdth plus returns and overlaps).
2. Determine the number of pleats and spaces.
Generally you will have 5 pleats per fabric width and 2 pleats in each half width. (example: A panel 2 1/2″ widths will have 12 pleats and 11 spaces plus return and overlap.)
3. Size of pleats
Devide the total inches to be pleated by the number of pleats. This is the fabric allowance for each pleat.
4. Size of space
To determine the size of each space, divide the rod length ( this is the finished width minus returns and overlap allowance) by the number of spaces. Round off the size of the spaces to nearest 1/4″. Pleats should be approximately 6″ and spaces approximately 3 1/2″. Adjust number of pleats and spaces to reach these sizes.
4. Mark pleats and spaces
At the leading edge, measure in 3 1/2″(overlap) and mark with a pin. Measure and mark first pleat, alternate marking spaces and pleats across heading. The fabric at the end should equal the return.
5. Make pleats
Fold drapery heading so that pins marking pleats meet. Stitch parellel to fold, in line with pin mark. Backstitch at each end. Continue across heading. When all pleats are sewn, double check to see that panel width matches finished width required.
Drapery pin are inserted on the underside of each pleat.
Well Sherry it is indeed a process, but I really hope this helps.
Thanks
Linda
http://lindascurtainstudio.com
March 25th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I will be purchasing 2 center (two way) draw traverse rods from you that will cover 180″ in length and hold 100″ long pleated drapes. Should I purchase heavy duty or super heavy duty traverse rods? Price?
Also, do you have motorized units for these two way draw traverse rods? Price?
I will be building wooden cornice boxes mounted at ceiling crown moulding to cover these rods. What projection will I need to have a smooth draw? What depth should I use on the box front and sides for good coverage of the rods? There are french exit doors in both areas.
I look forward to your reply since I need these rods immediately.
Sincerely,
Dianne Harvey
March 25th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Hi Dianne,
I would purchase the super heavy duty because you have a, somewhat, long drapery of 100”. The super heavy duty will support 1 ½ lbs per linear foot.
If you are purchasing 86-156” the cost is $86.00 each rod.
http://www.lindascurtainstudio.com/Productpages/TraverseRods.html
Unfortunately we do not offer motorized rods at this time.
If you are installing a single rod under a cornice, the return (sides) should be 6 ½ - 7”.
As far as the depth, top to bottom, that is determined by the amount of space you are working with. Generally the depth of a cornice can be from 12”-17”.
Thanks for contacting Linda’s Curtain Studio through the blog. I hope this helps.
Best Regards!
Vee Willis
http://www.lindascurtainstudio.com
March 29th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
how do I determine the amount of fabric needed for pleated, two-way draw drapes?
March 29th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Hi Dianne,
Check out this site. It explains calulating fabric for rod pocket. However, calulating the fabric for pinch pleat would be the same:
http://www.mycurtainstyles.com/Yardage_for%20rodpocket_curtain.html
Best Regards!
Vee Willis
http://www.lindascurtainstudio.com
March 30th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I am making pinch pleat for the first time (for mom). Window is 95″ wide, with a side wall of 57″. Height is 91″. I have figured material is 54″ so I will need to seamup 6 panels, this is twice as much as I need. The total wall is 13ft. Do I figure on twice the amount of fabric or do I just buy 13ft of pinch pleat tape and make my drapes fit that? When the drapes are open she wants the whole window exposed with the drapes hanging on the side wall. This would NOT be a two-way draw. This is kind of confusing to me. Thanks for the help.
May 26th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Hi
I have been asked to make pinched pleat curtains for a window which is 330 wide. I have been working out measurements based on 2.1/2 width, each curtain but don’t know if you need more for pinched pleats as apposed to gathered.
Also the drop is 220 cms so have based that on 2.1/2 mtr drop and the pattern match is 74 cms. I am saying that I need to purchase 15 mtrs but not sure , could you tell me please.
regards Louise
May 26th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Hi Louise,
The measuring is the same for pinch pleated or rod pocket curtains.
Follow the how to measure for rod pocket curtains on http://www.mycurtainstyles.com/meas__for_curtain.html
You will not have to add more for pinch pleated draperies. If your width is 330″ multiply 2.5 X 330 = 825″. 825″ will be the flat (unfinish width of your fabric.
Also, follow the instuctions for determining the length at :http://www.mycurtainstyles.com/meas__for_curtain.html
You can do it girl! I hope this helps.
The best to you!
Linda
www.LindasCurtainStudio.com