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Curtain Heading Styles

Curtain headings are a way of customising and styling blinds and valances so that the overall width of the fabric is reduced, creating a range of pleats or folds.
 
Ready Made Curtain Heading Tape

Some headings can be created using various types of tape that is sewn close to the top edge of the window treatment and, by pulling up gathering cords, different effects can be achieved. Some heading tapes incorporate Velcro at the back so they can be used in conjunction with grip tape that makes it possible to attach top treatments and blinds to battens or pelmet boards.The number of cords and the way the cords are threaded in the heading tape makes the pattern of pleats.

The pleats are sharpest when the cords are drawn up tightly. There can be 2, 3, or 4 cords for drawing up the pleats.

Most tapes have more than 1 row of pockets for the hooks to adjust the height of the heading.
 
Box Pleated Headings
Box pleat heading tapes give a very tailored look and drape into deep folds down the full length of the curtains. The pleats butt onto each other with no interval between them. Multiply the track width by 3 when estimating for fabric.
For a more professional finish these headings can be made by hand. Although very time consuming it is well worth the extra effort. As the finished width is critical, but not easily adjusted I recommend that the width of the pleats and spaces are worked out before the curtains are made so that the width of the flat curtain can be adjusted to suit.
Allow 3 times the window width when estimating for fabric. Suitable for tracks and poles.

Cased Headings
A simple cased heading is used mainly for nets and lightweight fabrics that are not to be opened and closed frequently.
A casing or channel sewn across the top is left open at the ends.
A slender curtain rod or plastic covered spring wire slots through the channel and fits onto hooks or into sockets at the side of the window.
Multiply the rod or wire length by at least 2 when estimating fabric.

Eyelet Headings
For minimalistic look, a narrow rod, pole or wire is threaded through eyelets that are inserted close to the top edge creating deep folds.
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics.
When estimating for fabric allow twice the rod width.

Goblet Pleated Headings
Goblet pleats make a very elegant heading for longer lengths. Pleats fall from each goblet that can be stuffed with tissue paper or cotton wool to retain their shape. This heading tape has 2 sets of cords and is suitable for medium to heavyweight fabrics.
Multiply the track width by 2 to 2.5 when estimating for fabric. Suitable for tracks or poles.
For a more professional finish these headings can be made by hand. Although very time consuming it is well worth the extra effort. As the finished width is critical, but not easily adjusted I recommend that the width of the pleats and spaces are worked out before the window treatments are made so that the flat width can be adjusted to suit. Allow 2 to 2.5 times the window width when estimating for fabric.

Pencil Pleated Heading
This stiffened tape is available in several depths from 2.5" to 6" (6 cm to 15 cm). A lightweight version is suitable for sheer fabrics.
Some tapes have three rows of pockets for hooks.
Use the top row if the treatment is to hang below a pole. Use a lower row to make the heading stand up the required amount to conceal a track.