Curtain Patterns
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Pencil Pleated
- These are more formal gathers - longer, tightly packed 'pleats' at the top of the curtain.
- They are avery practical curtain decorating idea, but give a very neat, ordered finish, and plenty of fabric for a nice full curtain.
- They are quite a popular heading style, both for ready made curtains and custom made curtains.
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Rufflette/Slotted Heading
- This is a simple heading where a curtain pole or rail, simply slides into a plain 'slot' or 'tube of fabric' sewn into the curtain.
- The curtain gathers up naturally along the pole - it is an informal curtain decorating idea, and there are no formal 'gathers' actually sewn into the curtain.
- The curtain covers the pole, and is not really designed to open and close along the pole, but just to be held open by tie-backs.
- This style suits a lightweight fabric best - nothing too heavy or stiff - which might not gather up very well.
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Chef's Cap
- Good for introducing a different colour or texture.
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Triple Pinch Pleat
- French pleat drapes are also known as triple pinch pleat drapes because the pleats created in the curtain headings are made of three pleats. These drapes are simple and they complement many different decors and styles.
- They add a touch of understated elegance that enhances both a window and a room. A seamstress with basic sewing skills could successfully make French pleat drapes to attractively dress a window.
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Tie Top
- Tie Top curtains are small strips of fabric attached to the head of the fabric and are used to tie over a curtain rod, holding the curtain in place.
- An informal look is created and they are used mostly with sheers and lightweight fabrics.
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Tab Top
- Tab Tops are a modern and contemporary style, and actually very simple.
- The curtain is held onto the pole by small 'tabs' of fabric. These can match the curtain fabric, or sometimes can be a contrasting color, pattern or even leather - for a more interesting look.
- These curtains are quite cheap to buy, and really simple to fit - just slide the tabs onto a pole!
- I really recommend this style for a modern, reasonably priced, easy curtain choice.
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Goblet Top
- These are a very unusual and interesting, formal, curtain decorating idea.
- The 'goblets' (I do have to admit I keep wanting to call them 'goblins,' which is something entirely different, but quite a funny mental image ... which I just had to share!) ... the 'goblets' are sewn fabric 'tubes' across the top of the window, which then have a contrasting fabric inside - which gives a really interesting and unusual effect.
- They are complicated to make, and to draw together - so this style only really suits curtains which can be left drawn together at the top (and opened by just pulling the fabric back onto tie-backs) or for valances.
