How to Create Goblet Pleated Draperies
How to make custom window treatments- using Goblet Pleat Tape as the header style.
*Options I considered for this project:
Fabric type and hardware.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
None- I found alot of information online or you can use a pattern.
*My motivation to do this project:
To challenge myself and my sewing skills to create a different type of window treatment then my typical rod pocket curtains.
*Project Steps:
Step 1 - Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric you choose will determine who well you are able to make the pleats for the drapery. It must be heavy quality. Lightweight, or fabric that is too thin, will not retain its shape as you create the pleats in it.
Step 2 - Measure for Fabric
The length of fabric is also in important factor in the overall success of making your pleated drapes. Measure from the top of the window case to the floor. Then add 2 inches. This is the overall height of the curtain. Next, measure the width of the window. Multiply that measurement by three in order to get the total width. Buy your fabric according to these measurements.
Step 3 - Sew in Liner
Lay the primary fabric face down on a flat surface. Place the secondary liner, which is cut a 1/4 inch shorter than the primary fabric, on top. Make sure it is centered and that there is the same amount of space all around. Fold in the fabric to make a seam all the way around. Place pins to hold it in place and sew the seam. Remove the pins as you sew.
Step 4 - Mark for Pleats
Using the curtain's measurement for width, divide it by two and then subtract two from it. This is the position of your first pleat. Mark it with a chalk. Take that number and then divide by how many pleats you want on your drape. Mark these intervals on the fabric with the chalk.
Step 5 - Make the Pleats
After you have all of the pleats marked on the fabric itself, you can begin to create the pleated drapery. Start at the first pleat location and place two fingers beneath the fabric and lift it up creating cup. Pinch the fabric beneath the cup with the other hand forming three pleats beneath the cup. Secure it with a pin.
Stuff filling into the cup so that it will retain its shape. Smooth out the flat surface in between the cup and move onto the next pleat. Repeat the process until you have completed the entire surface. Reshape the pleats until you are satisfied with the way that your pleated drapery looks.
Step 6 - Sew Pleats
Use you sewing machine to permanently affix the pleats by sewing the pinned area beneath the goblet part. Use a button or tassel below the cup part for decoration. Remove the pins after you have sewn the pleat. Attach the curtain hooks to the top of the pleated drapery and hang on curtain rod or pole.
Advice:
Follow directions.
*Options I considered for this project:
Fabric type and hardware.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
None- I found alot of information online or you can use a pattern.
*My motivation to do this project:
To challenge myself and my sewing skills to create a different type of window treatment then my typical rod pocket curtains.
*Project Steps:
Step 1 - Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric you choose will determine who well you are able to make the pleats for the drapery. It must be heavy quality. Lightweight, or fabric that is too thin, will not retain its shape as you create the pleats in it.
Step 2 - Measure for Fabric
The length of fabric is also in important factor in the overall success of making your pleated drapes. Measure from the top of the window case to the floor. Then add 2 inches. This is the overall height of the curtain. Next, measure the width of the window. Multiply that measurement by three in order to get the total width. Buy your fabric according to these measurements.
Step 3 - Sew in Liner
Lay the primary fabric face down on a flat surface. Place the secondary liner, which is cut a 1/4 inch shorter than the primary fabric, on top. Make sure it is centered and that there is the same amount of space all around. Fold in the fabric to make a seam all the way around. Place pins to hold it in place and sew the seam. Remove the pins as you sew.
Step 4 - Mark for Pleats
Using the curtain's measurement for width, divide it by two and then subtract two from it. This is the position of your first pleat. Mark it with a chalk. Take that number and then divide by how many pleats you want on your drape. Mark these intervals on the fabric with the chalk.
Step 5 - Make the Pleats
After you have all of the pleats marked on the fabric itself, you can begin to create the pleated drapery. Start at the first pleat location and place two fingers beneath the fabric and lift it up creating cup. Pinch the fabric beneath the cup with the other hand forming three pleats beneath the cup. Secure it with a pin.
Stuff filling into the cup so that it will retain its shape. Smooth out the flat surface in between the cup and move onto the next pleat. Repeat the process until you have completed the entire surface. Reshape the pleats until you are satisfied with the way that your pleated drapery looks.
Step 6 - Sew Pleats
Use you sewing machine to permanently affix the pleats by sewing the pinned area beneath the goblet part. Use a button or tassel below the cup part for decoration. Remove the pins after you have sewn the pleat. Attach the curtain hooks to the top of the pleated drapery and hang on curtain rod or pole.
Advice:
Follow directions.
goblet pleat header
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?