
How to Pinch-Pleat Ikea Curtains
- Plan Out the Pleats Take a look at the pleating tape. ...
- Insert the End Hooks The two short end sections won’t be pleated, so the hooks there go in slightly differently. ...
- Insert Pleating Hooks
How do you make Pleat curtains with two panels?
Pinch pleat curtains Sew two panels together to create a wider panel. Where the slits are for the rod pocket, that’s where you are going to sew each pleat (it’s 7 inches wide).
How do you measure for pinch Pleat curtains?
The first step is to measure for pinch pleat curtains. Measure from the top of your window to where you want your curtain rod to be, and then add an extra 12 inches for seam allowance. This will give you a rough idea of how wide your fabric should be.
How to hang curtains with pleats and hooks?
Once you’re done with the pleats, add the drapery hooks to the back of the panel, hang the panels and then measure the length of your curtain. Next, remove the panels and iron on the tape to hem it to the right length. And you’re done!
Can you hang IKEA curtains without pleating tape?
While technically, if you purchase curtains without the tape you can go in and sew the tape in yourself, that is a ton of extra work, and not something I recommend. As a general rule, the Ikea curtains that don’t come with a clear way of hanging (no grommets, no tabs on top, no rod-pocket) have the pleating tape sewn in the back.

How do you pinch pleat store bought curtains?
1:093:55How to Turn Pocket Curtains Into Pleated Curtains - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you just pinch those together and put them on a couple of the posts to make a pleat. We sewMoreAnd then you just pinch those together and put them on a couple of the posts to make a pleat. We sew this onto the fabric.
How do you hang curtains with pinch pleats?
3:114:27How to Install Pinch-Pleat Drapery Panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCarefully place your pole onto your brackets. And lift up the left edge of the fold to position theMoreCarefully place your pole onto your brackets. And lift up the left edge of the fold to position the last ring on the left between the finial. And mounting bracket. Then repeat on the right.
How does pinch pleat curtain work?
Pinch pleat curtains are a decorative style of drapery. The material used is two or three times wider than the length of the curtain rod. Pleats are formed by gathering the excess material into a tight gathering. This extra material is then bunched and stitched together.
How do you use two prong pinch pleat curtain hooks?
One hook is needed at the back of each set of pleats and at each end of the panel (4). Insert one of the two prongs into each of the two adjacent pockets (1). Pull both prongs through, while flipping the hook (2). The hook is now securely inserted (3).
Are pinch pleated drapes out of style?
Yes, you may say they are traditional, but perfect pleats can never go out of style, no matter what. Pinch pleats are a much-preferred option to finish off the top of drapes and provide that extra light and privacy control you want.
How do you attach pinch pleat curtain hooks?
0:496:38Inserting the Pin Hooks for the Pinch Pleat Curtain (FREE SAMPLE)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe will insert the pin hook on the back along the seam line of each pinch pleat to find out how farMoreWe will insert the pin hook on the back along the seam line of each pinch pleat to find out how far from the top edge the pin hook should be inserted we insert a pin hook in the screw eye of our ring.
How do you hang IKEA curtains?
2:4414:175 Different Styles for Hanging Curtains {Ikea Ritva Drapes} - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's this pocket that goes all the way across the top of the panel. This is a rod pocket. YouMoreThere's this pocket that goes all the way across the top of the panel. This is a rod pocket. You would just put your curtain rod all the way through that and you'd be done hang it up and you're done.
How do you install Ikea curtains?
0:505:48DIY IKEA CURTAIN INSTALLATION - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSpace where the brackets would go we knew how long the curtain rods had to be so the next step wasMoreSpace where the brackets would go we knew how long the curtain rods had to be so the next step was to cut the curtain rods to the length. We bought this little miter box at IKEA.
What is the difference between pencil pleat and pinch pleat curtains?
Pinch pleats use more fabric and are fuller than pencil pleats. The pleats are hand-sewn in and permanently fixed for more luxurious, tailored look. As pinch pleat is a fixed, sewn-in heading, it is important that you quote an accurate track/pole width when ordering pinch pleats.
How do you use pinch pleat hooks IKEA?
0:122:50How to Pinch Pleat Ikea Curtains - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBelow then insert the end hooks into the slots. I don't pleat the end hooks. Instead just insertingMoreBelow then insert the end hooks into the slots. I don't pleat the end hooks. Instead just inserting them so that the fabric lies flat.
What is a double pinch pleat?
Double pleat curtains are also known as double pinch pleat curtains. They have a double fold at the top to create a double pleat. They are more contemporary than triple pleats and stack efficiently with a sleek line. Double pleats are a good choice for patterned fabrics as less of the pattern is gathered into the fold.
How do you use 4 prong pinch pleat curtain hooks?
0:151:57Deep Pleat Header Tape and 4-Prong Drapery Hooks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you wanted your pleats spaced four inches apart you would just come over four inches and thenMoreSo if you wanted your pleats spaced four inches apart you would just come over four inches and then start inserting each prong into one of the channels.
What is the difference between pencil pleat and pinch pleat curtains?
Pinch pleats use more fabric and are fuller than pencil pleats. The pleats are hand-sewn in and permanently fixed for more luxurious, tailored look. As pinch pleat is a fixed, sewn-in heading, it is important that you quote an accurate track/pole width when ordering pinch pleats.
How do you hang pleat curtains?
1:522:48How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTrack for a pencil pleat tease your curtains into position by running your fingers through theMoreTrack for a pencil pleat tease your curtains into position by running your fingers through the fabric to create neat. Even folds tying string at the top middle.
How do you hang pinch pleat curtains with ring clips?
0:020:27How to Hang Pinch Pleat Curtains and Drapes with Ring Clips ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd first finger take the drape and attach the clip ring to each end into the top of each pleat.MoreAnd first finger take the drape and attach the clip ring to each end into the top of each pleat. Slide rings onto your decorative rod.
How do you attach curtain hooks to pleated curtains?
1:102:48How to hang your curtains perfectly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen fit the hooks as a rough guide approximately. Four to seven pockets apart or 7 centimetersMoreThen fit the hooks as a rough guide approximately. Four to seven pockets apart or 7 centimeters depending on fullness if you have too many hooks this will restrict the curtains running off the window.
How to make pinch pleat curtains?
Instructions for pinch pleat curtains. Sew two panels together to create a wider panel. Where the slits are for the rod pocket, that’s where you are going to sew each pleat (it’s 7 inches wide). Take the rod pocket slots and create three pleats, take your threaded needle and create a stitch sewing 7-10 times.
How many times can you stitch a rod pocket?
Take the rod pocket slots and create three pleats, take your threaded needle and create a stitch sewing 7-10 times.

Why Ikea?
Materials
- Ikea Curtains with Pleating Tape – See “Curtains to Buy” section above. I used white curtains from Ikea’s Ritva line.
- Curtain Pleating Hooks – Note that Ikea does not sell these. While they do sell ordinary curtain hooks, the hooks Ikea sells cannot be used for pinch-pleating, because they don’t have enough prongs...
- Ikea Curtains with Pleating Tape – See “Curtains to Buy” section above. I used white curtains from Ikea’s Ritva line.
- Curtain Pleating Hooks – Note that Ikea does not sell these. While they do sell ordinary curtain hooks, the hooks Ikea sells cannot be used for pinch-pleating, because they don’t have enough prongs...
- (4) Toothpicks– Technically optional, but having them around makes things easier.
How to Pinch-Pleat Ikea Curtains
- Take a look at the pleating tape. You’ll find it has a number of “sections” that are divided by stringy bits that can act as back-tabs in a different life. I’m guessing you have 9 main, same-sized sections. This is a guess, because my curtain had 9 sections, and I think most Ikea curtains are around the same width. Don’t shoot me if you have 10 or 8 main sections, that’s possible too. Th…
FAQs
- Any curtains that have pleating tape sewn into the back can probably be pinch-pleated using this method. Give it a try! If your curtains don’t have pleating tape sewn on, you can sew it in yourself given you have the time and inclination. I’ve never tried it, but they sell the tapefor that reason. Yes, it’s up on Youtube. Go check it out!
Cost Considerations
- I think this is a really inexpensive way to get a curtain style that is traditionally considered upscale. However, there are two things to keep in mind: 1. Pinch-Pleating Takes Up Fabric– Pinch-pleating your curtains means they won’t stretch as wide as they would have otherwise. Meaning, if you needed to cover a 110″ window with two 55″ curtains, that’s not going to happen if you pinch ple…
Final Thoughts
- Pinch-pleating Ikea curtains has become my favorite cheap and easy window treatment, and I’m so glad I finally found my go-to curtain option. And if you think it’s a great idea, but worry that Ikea curtains are too thin, remember that you can always add a liner! I have a super easy methodfor that too 🙂 And if you like the roman shades in the photos above, check out how I made them here…