Pleated Curtains and Sheers

Product Overview

Pleated curtains and sheers are some of the most common curtains and sheers that you will find in the market. They have a lot of flexibility and are very durable. Some of the best decorated and high end homes have this style of curtains. The curtain size is made for the window and it doesn’t have much flexibility in this regard.

Pleats are made by folding and stitching the top. The stitch varies based on the style, it could be a triple pleat, double pleat or pencil pleat. The gap between the stitch is pretty much standard. This can be hung on a rod using rings or even on a track. When you are combining curtains and sheers together this style is used and the seers and curtains are usually mounted on tracks.

Pleated curtains and sheers can be made in a combination format as well where you have a block out pleated curtain in the front (facing the room) and sheer pleated curtains in the back (facing the window). You can also add pelmets, swags and tails or even valances to these type of curtains.

Different Types

The below are the different type of curtains.

Three Pinch Pleat Curtains

In a triple pleat curtain the fabric is folded three times and then stitched. Now, this arrangement repeated while allowing for some gap in between. This style brings in substance on a curtains. Works well with large patterns and most colours. This is one of the most popular style. This style can be fitted on a track with hooks or on a rod with rings.

Pencil Pleat Curtains

In pencil pleat curtain the fabric is continuously folded and stitched. There are no gaps between the stitches. This style can be fitted on a track with hooks or a rod with rings. Works well in all types of patterns or colours. This is a good option when you have a more subtle pattern or colour and want to create substance.

Inverted Pleat Curtains

In this style the fabric is folded once and stitched. There is gaps between two stitches and the gap is quite big as well. Also the fold in on the inner side giving it a more clean look. This is a modern version of curtains with folds and stitches on the top. Work really well when you want to show large patterns or want a very simple but modern looking curtain.

Materials Used

There are so many types of fabric available for making pleated curtains sheers. To simplify we will group them as below:

Block Out Fabric with Back Coating

This type of fabric has a coating at the back which makes it block out. If the fabric didn’t have the coating then by itself it will be a translucent fabric or will allow certain amount of light to pass. With this type of fabric one doesn’t need to add lining to the curtains as the coating blocks light and heat/cold.

Standard Fabric without Back Coating

These type of fabrics don’t have back coating and is not block out as it will allow a certain amount of light and heat/cold. Most fabrics in the market will fall into this category. For this fabric to block out light, a lining has to be added.

Block Out Lining

A lining is a simple and plain fabric, mostly white colour. This fabric has a back coating or is very thick making it a block out fabric i.e. blocking light and heat/cold. A lining is added to a curtain to made with standard fabric to make it block out. A lining can also be used by itself to make a plain curtains.

Sheer Fabric

A sheer fabric is a see through fabric with varied amount of transparency. It can be plain or with patterns and colours. Sheer curtains are very popular right now. Pleated sheer curtains can be combined with blinds or even block out curtains.

Operation

There are three major types of operation for curtains and sheers

Hand Drawn

Curtains and sheers can be operated with out any cords and by hands. This is the oldest way of operating curtains and sheers. There are no cords required. One can open the curtains to whatever point one wants.

Cord Drawn

Cord control curtains and sheers are operated through a cord mechanism which is built into the track. By using a cord mechanism the fabric doesn’t come in contact with hand, reducing the chance of soiling the fabric. The curtains and sheers can be opened or closed by standing in one location.

Motorized

This system uses a motor on the track to open or close the curtains. Types of motors and suppliers of motors vary a lot. The motors can be hard wired, battery operated of solar operated. Very good option is the sheers are unreachable to operate or at the height.

Child Safety

Since the early 1990s at least 15 young Australian children have tragically died as a result of unfortunate strangulation incidents involving blinds cords and chains.

Australian Child Safety law requires all blinds retailers to supply child safety devices with all kinds of curtains which have loose cords and chains hanging. It is ones own responsibility to make sure that the child safety cleat is installed and any loose cords/chains are wrapped. Warning Stickers supplied with the blinds should never be removed.