Last Updated on January 18, 2023
Are you looking to learn how to hang pleated curtains? Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward, and you only need a few tools to do it yourself.
Discover the art of hanging pencil pleat curtains in today’s article.
How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains
Here are our simple step-by-step instructions on how to hang pencil pleat curtains on a pole.
Step 1: Choose Where to Place the Curtain Hooks
Calculate where you want to put the curtain’s hooks. Then, insert them into every four pockets. Insert the hooks. Divide the rings evenly to the side of the pole.
Step 2: Properly Tie the Curtain Strings
Make sure that you tie the strings on one side of the curtains to stop the strings from pulling as you hang the curtains. You might discover that the other end might be folded under already, but if not, you can always tie the strings.
Step 3: Securely Attach the Curtains
Pull the strings until the pinch pleat curtains at over half the width of the curtain pole. Then, tie the strings together and gently pull them into a knot (but not too tight so that you have the option of adjusting the fullness and tightness if you need to).
Additionally, manoeuvre the pinch pleat curtains to cover the entire width of the curtain pole.
Step 4: Attach the Gliders
Slide the gliders onto the curtain track or curtain rings. If you opt for curtain tracks, ensure the end stop is fixed to prevent the curtains from sliding off when they’re opened.
Allow a week or so for the creases in the curtains to fall loose.
Hanging Pencil Pleat Curtains FAQ
How Do I Measure my Curtains?
When measuring pencil pleat curtains, consider that you’ll need to allow room for the pleats. So before measuring, pull the pleats taught and allow some extra space on either side of the curtains for a tidy overlap.
Begin by measuring the pole while it’s also attached to the wall. Then, divide this number in half and add ten to the width of each curtain.
Pull the set of loose strings through the curtain’s heading, and adjust the width of the curtain.
Hold the strings at either end that you didn’t tie up, and pull the tape at the top of the curtain hangs until you’re at the correct width. Then, tie the remaining strings on the curtains.
Ensure that the pleating is spread neatly and evenly across the entire curtain’s width, and insert the curtain hooks. All the while, ensure that you keep regular intervals of four inches to spread the curtains evenly across the pole.
Now you’re ready to hang curtains to the pole. Consider a stepladder for reaching the pole rather than balancing on a chair, which can be unsafe.
What Hooks Do I Need for Pencil Pleat Curtains?
Opt for metal curtain hooks to securely attach your ready-made curtains onto the curtain track. Consider choosing hooks with good weight distribution to support the curtains while you’re hanging.
How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains on a Track
For the best, most secure results, we recommend hanging your curtains at four-inch intervals while you’re hanging your curtains. Once you’ve done this, clip the curtain hooks to the track carriers.
Hanging Pinch Pleat Curtains Like a Professional
Here are some ways to hang curtains in your window like a professional.
Hang Them Wide
You don’t want one end to draw back shorter than the other end, so ensure that you have the right width to allow more light to enter your home when the curtains are open. Aim to hang the poles around 6 to 8 inches beyond the window frame to let the curtains drop naturally without blocking light.
Hang Them High
Another tip is to hang curtains high, especially if your home has low ceilings. When they’re positioned higher up, this heightens the room, drawing your eyes up, and creating the impression of a taller ceiling. However, if your home already has high ceilings, consider hanging the curtains up to 12 inches above the window frame.
Measure the Length
It’s important that your new curtains aren’t too short or long for the window. Therefore, use a tape measure to measure the distance from the top of the pole to the floor before you purchase curtains. The guessing game won’t get you the best results, and you might have to then cut the fabric.
Steam the Curtains
When you first purchase your curtains, you’ll notice that they’re creased. Naturally, these crinkles will fall out within the first few weeks. But if you’re too impatient to wait this long, you might want to consider ironing or steaming the curtains for the best results. It might also be worthwhile knowing a company that removes creases from the fabric for future reference should they encounter crinkles again.
Don’t Let Them Touch the Floor
To keep your curtains in their best condition, avoid letting them gather on the floor. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the bottom. Save yourself a trip to the cleaners by measuring the length properly to begin with.
Use a Tension Rod
Finally, if you don’t want to mark your walls with curtain poles, consider investing in a tension rod, which mounts to the inside of the window, reducing the need for any screws, tape or glue.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Pencil Pleat Curtains
To clean your new curtains, begin by removing the hooks and strings before you send them to the dry cleaners. You should also regularly hoover and dust your house to ensure that no dust or debris gets trapped in the fabrics, helping to keep them clean and dust-free. If you see any debris clinging to your curtains, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to keep them clean.
Hanging Pleat Curtains at Home
Overall, tie the strings on one side of the curtain and gently pull it to the other side to get the right width you’re looking for. Ensure that you measure your window’s width and height before making a purchase. Do you have any other tips you’d like to share on how to hang pencil pleat curtains with rings?
Amy is a U.K.-based writer and editor with a penchant for helping consumers find the best home products for their needs, as well as providing easily digestible guides for living better at home. Her dedication to her work means she can usually be found elbow-deep in research or hunting down samples of the latest and greatest on behalf of her readers.
An avid DIYer herself, Amy’s passion lies in teaching others how they too can achieve their dream homes by tackling some of those pesky projects themselves! Whether it’s building furniture from scratch or turning an old dresser into a coffee table, Amy is always happy to share what she knows about making your house feel like home without spending a fortune.