How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains

Learning how to hang curtains is not a simple task, so you might be tempted to hire someone to do it. While it’s true that many opt for professionals, it’s a good skill to have. After all, curtains get dirty quite fast, and you need to take them down and wash them at least every 3 months; otherwise, they can start harboring smells, bacteria, and dust quickly losing their appeal and becoming a health hazard for those with allergies.

Learning how to hang curtains yourself will save you time and money. But don’t worry; you don’t have to figure it out yourself. Here at MagicLinen, we’ve already mastered the art of pencil pleat curtain hanging and we’re ready to share this knowledge with you.

What are pencil pleat curtains?

Pencil pleat curtains are a type of curtain that has gathered fabric at the top. This gathering creates a series of small, neat folds, resembling a row of pencils laid side by side.

Typically, these curtains have a header tape sewn onto the top, which contains strings that can be pulled to adjust the width of the curtain to fit the desired window size. They are versatile and can be hung using curtain hooks on a track or a pole.

Key differences between pencil pleat curtains and other types of curtains

  • Pencil pleat curtains have the most tailored and uniform appearance. The evenly spaced pleats along the top give it a classic and traditional look. This type of curtain will fit well in all types of interior styles.
  • Unlike some other types of curtains, pencil pleat curtains are adjustable in width. By pulling the strings on the header tape, you’ll make them suitable for a range of window sizes. So, you don’t need to be precise with your window measurements, even though taking them won't hurt.
  • Some curtains can only be hung using curtain hooks, but pencil pleat curtains work both with hooks and curtain tracks or poles. So, you don’t need to worry about your current curtain setup when considering whether these curtains will work for you.

How to hang pencil pleat curtains on a curtain rod

If you already have the curtain rod installed, the whole process of hanging the curtains will take around 10 minutes. Find the directions below.

You will need:

  • Pencil pleat curtains
  • Iron
  • Measuring tape
  • A curtain rod (make sure to install before getting your curtain ready)
  • Curtain rings
  • Curtain hooks

Follow these steps:

  1. Before hanging your curtain, make sure to iron it first.
  2. Then measure your curtain rod and divide the number by half — this is the width of your curtain.
  3. Now find strings attached to one side of the header tape and tie them into a knot.
  4. Then pull the strings from the other side. Make sure to have a measuring tape at hand and stop pulling once the curtain reaches your measured width.
  5. Tie the strings again but do not cut them. Instead, neatly conceal them behind the curtain header tape.
  6. Now decide on the hanging level. MagicLinen curtains come with two hanging levels: higher and lower, so make sure to take into account the height of the hooks.
  7. Insert the hooks in the header tape of the curtain. You can choose your preferred distance. However, they are most commonly placed at an even distance of 2.75 to 4.75 in (7 to 12 cm).
  8. Now hook the curtain hooks onto the rings. Ensure the curtains are evenly distributed along the rod.
  9. Lift the rod and position it on the brackets. Double-check that the rod is level.
  10. Once the curtains are hung, you may need to adjust the pleats to achieve the desired appearance.

How to hang pencil pleat curtains on curtain tracks

If you're using curtain tracks instead of a rod, you're in luck because this process is even easier. Find the directions below.

You will need:

  • Pencil pleat curtains
  • Iron
  • Measuring tape
  • Curtain tracks
  • 28mm curtain hooks

Step-by-step directions:

  1. Start by ironing your curtain.
  2. Make sure to measure the length of your curtain track. This measurement divided by half is the width of your curtain.
  3. Now tie the strings on one side of your curtain’s header tape but don’t cut them.
  4. Pull the string on the other side of the curtain to match the measurement you took.
  5. Tie the strings again and neatly conceal them behind the curtain header tape.
  6. Now decide on the hanging level. MagicLinen curtains come with two hanging levels: higher and lower, so make sure to take into account the height of the hooks.
  7. Insert the hooks in the header tape of the curtain. You can choose your preferred distance. However, they are most commonly placed every 2.75 to 4.75 in (7 to 12 cm).
  8. Open the hooks on the curtain track gliders or sliders. Hook the curtain hooks onto the gliders, ensuring they are evenly distributed along the track.
  9. Once the curtains are hung, you may need to adjust the pleats to achieve the desired appearance.

The Final Stitch

As you can see, hanging the pencil pleat curtains takes a bit of patience and skill, but we’re sure you nailed it. Now you can sit back and enjoy the new ambiance they have brought to your living space.

Remember this process when you need to wash your curtains and please note that for thorough curtain cleaning, it is recommended to untie the strings on the curtain's header tape.

Also, make sure to check on them to keep those pleats nice and tidy. You may need to tighten the string at some point, but make sure the knot is not too tight. After all, you will need to take them down at some point.

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