Pencil pleat curtains and tape top curtains both provide a professional and stylish way to hang curtains, but the way in which the curtains are hung is quite different.
Pencil pleat curtains are made up of pleated fabric which are attached onto a hook and track system at the top of the curtain. A hook and loop tape is then used to attach the curtain to the hook and track system during installation.
This creates a neat, tidy, pleated effect which is easy to adjust, allowing you to achieve the desired look quickly and easily.
Tape top curtains, on the other hand, are curtains without pleats. They are attached to the pole or track using a series of fabric loops sewn onto the back of the curtain. The loops at the top of the curtain fit into a tape attached to the pole or track.
This makes them easy to install and gives a neat, finished look to the curtains. However, they are less adjustable than pencil pleat curtains and are not as easy to adjust to different levels of fullness.
How do I hang pencil pleat curtains?
Hanging pencil pleat curtains is relatively straightforward; however, there are some key steps that should not be overlooked. Firstly, you will need to buy the correct curtain leading tape and accessories for your pencil pleat curtains.
To hang your curtains, you will need the following items: curtain hooks, curtain tape, curtain rings, and the curtains.
Begin by measuring accurately the width of your curtains from the manufacture’s label. You will also need to measure the depth of your window recess. This is important to help ensure that the curtains are the right size when hung.
Next, fold the top of the curtain back to remove the header tape. Then, find the middle of the opening and fix the tape to the wall at this point, allowing some extra length either side so that it is easy to attach the curtains.
Once the tape is in place, take the pleats and thread them onto the curtain tape. You will need to either use small hooks or pins to hold the pleats in place on the tape.
Once the pleats are attached, you can then thread the curtain onto the rings which have been fixed on the previously attached tape. This should be done from the centre outwards so that the pleats hang in an even pattern.
Finally, if the curtains are too big for the recess, you can trim off the excess at the sides but bear in mind that you will want at least 5cm of fabric at each side to allow for gathering when the curtains are completely opened.
Can pencil pleat curtains be hung on a track?
Yes, pencil pleat curtains can be hung on a track. Pencil pleat curtains are designed to fit on a standard curtain track, and are one of the most versatile and popular types of curtains. The pencil pleats give a neat and tailored look, and are easy to hang.
So you’ll need to measure the area to ensure that you get the correct type and size of track for your curtains. Once you’ve chosen the track, you can attach the track to the wall according to the fitting instructions, then attach the curtains to the track using drapery hooks, tab tops or a pocket.
Be sure to read all the manufacturers’ instructions when fitting the curtains, and always check that the curtains are securely fitted to the track. If hung correctly, pencil pleat curtains can be a great way to add a modern and professional look to any room.
What are the 3 types of curtains?
The three types of curtains are pinch pleat, eyelet, and tab top.
Pinch pleat curtains feature pleats that are evenly spaced, with hooks or pins gathering each pleat. They’re usually seen in more formal living spaces, like a living room.
Eyelet curtains feature metal rings along the top of the curtain, and are generally easier to hang than pinch pleats. Eyelets are decorative and are available in a range of sizes and colours.
Tab top curtains feature fabric tabs along the top, making them easier to hang on a rod, but less decorative than eyelets. They are available in many different fabrics and patterns, making them a favourite for contemporary spaces.
What do you call curtains with hooks?
Curtain panels with hooks are often referred to as pinch pleat curtains. Pinch pleat curtains are when the curtain material is threaded through hooks, which are then drawn together in a pleat to create a beautiful, pleated effect.
They are convenient and can be hung easily on any sort of curtain rod, track or rail. Pinch pleats can also be used on fabric roman shades. They are often thought of as a more traditional style of window treatment.
How do you attach curtain hooks to pleated curtains?
Attaching curtain hooks to pleated curtains can be a bit tricky as it requires some precision. The best way to attach the hooks is to thread your cord or tape through the pleats. This can be done in a few steps.
First, measure the amount of material you have and the width of the pleats. Then, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut your fabric accordingly. Now, it’s time to thread your cord or tape. Make sure that you’re threading it through the top of the pleats at an even angle.
This will make it easier when it’s time to attach the curtains.
The next step is to attach the curtain hooks to the cord or tape. Place the hooks evenly apart according to the amount of fabric you have. Then, use a large needle to sew the hooks on tightly.
Once the hooks are attached, place the fabric onto the pole or rod and slide the pleats over the hooks. Adjust the fabric as needed and you’re done!
Attaching curtain hooks to pleated curtains may seem like a difficult task but following the above steps can make it much easier. Be sure to measure the fabric and pleats correctly and thread the cord or tape through evenly.
Also, be sure to sew the curtain hooks on tightly so that they don’t come loose when the curtains are being drawn or closed.
How do you use a curtain pleat hook?
Using a curtain pleat hook is quite simple. Start by aligning the hooks on the back of the top of your curtain with the string or other material used to hold them together. Generally, these curtains will have three or four ‘hooks’ or loops on the back of the curtain which can be pushed or ‘snapped’ over the material.
Once the hooks are fastened around the material, you can then create the pleat by simply pressing down on the middle of the curtain to hold it in place. When you have finished making the pleat, grab the string or material used to secure the hooks and pull it tight, creating the desired pleat.
Finally, tie it in place with a knot or add a clip or similar item to keep it secure. This process can be repeated for additional curtains to create a neat and seamless look.
Is Tape top curtains same as pencil pleat?
No, tape top curtains and pencil pleat curtains are not the same. Tape top curtains get their name from the folds of pleats that are sewn into the top of the curtains and are butted up against a piece of tape or tape heading.
While pencil pleat curtains are stitched with three rows of tiny pleats which, when pulled up and held together in a bundle, can look like the tip of a pencil. Tape top curtains can be altered to fit a variety of track or pole lengths and are ideal for making quick and easy pleated curtains.
Pencil pleat curtains are more suited to two specific sizes of track/pole and use draw string cord, which when pulled tight creates a bow around the pole. This creates a uniformed and neat, pencil pleat look.
Where do the hooks go on pleated curtains?
When hanging pleated curtains, the hooks should be placed onto the tape at the back of the curtain. Most pleated curtains come with metal hooks in different sizes, along with rings for a traditional look.
If you’re using a pole, start at the centre and slide a hook onto the pole before looping it around the tape. For a track, one hook per pleat would be suitable. When you are done, make sure to open and close the curtains to make sure that they run along the track or pole properly.
If isn’t running smoothly, you may have to adjust the hooks.
It’s important to get the placement of the hooks right, as they will determine the hang and shape of your pleated curtains. You may have to adjust the hooks until you get the desired effect.
Where should curtain hooks be placed?
The placement of curtain hooks should depend on the type, style, and design of the curtains. For tab-top, back-tab, grommet, or tie-top curtains, the hooks should be spaced evenly along the top of the curtain so that the tabs can easily be looped or tied over the hooks.
For curtains that have a rod pocket, the curtain hooks should be evenly spaced along the rod pocket, so the curtain rod can slide through easily and the hooks will not get in the way. For pleated curtains, the hooks should be spaced along the top of the pleats and at the intersections of the pleats for a more even distribution of the weight.
Additionally, when placing the hooks, it is important to ensure that they are securely attached to the wall or rod so that the curtains remain stable and secure.