The rod pocket curtain panels are a very good choice of the premade curtain styles for converting to more elaborate header draperies. Your rod pocket is internal so your curtain panel is also substantially a simple panel rectangle. This will also make the conversion process simpler and very easier. Determine the header style you want for the drapery look and in just a few minutes, you can also transform your curtain panels into drapes that use drapery hooks.
Step By Step Process Of Hanging Pocket Rod Curtains With A Pin Hook
If you want to hang pocket rod curtains with a pin hook then you need to go through the step by step process mentioned below. Follow all the steps carefully to get the desired results:
- Measure The Width: First of all, you need to measure the width of your window. In order to create a header to use with drapery hooks, you just need to use a pleat or gathering type of the buckram header. The buckram header is a 4-inch-wide inter-facing material sold at your nearby fabric stores. The curtain panel width will be based on your finished pleat calculation. You just need to use an online pleat calculator for determining the width of the flat panel you need for the finished width of the pleated drape. Sew the panels together along with the side to create the required width.
- Premade Curtain Panel: Now place your premade curtain panel face down on your work table. Also, measure across the top of your panel. Then you need to cut the header buckram to the width of the curtain panel. The header buckrams have the cording to assist in creating the pleating style that you have selected for the draperies.
- Buckram Header: Next you need to pin the buckram header 1/2 inch from the top edge of your curtain. Turn the ends under 1/2 inch to get a nice end finish. The buckram header will be drapery loop side out. Some of the header types have a specific top edge. Sew your header to your curtain panel starting at your top left side. Now you need to sew your seam from left to right. Also, sew above the pockets & cords. Now you need to sew the additional seams from left to right. Some of the headers will allow you to sew 3 seams. Most have 2 crosswise seams. Sew the vertical seams to topstitch the ends to your panel. Sew over your cords on your left side. Now you need to pull your cords loose on the right side before sewing the end down.
- Pull On Your Cords: After that, you need to pull on your cords on the right side while sliding your curtain toward your left. Your curtain will gather in your pleating design you have chosen. Tie off the ends of the cords together when you reach the correct width you need for the window. Loop the ends of your cords & pin them to the back top of your header with a safety pin.
- Turn Your Drapery: Now you need to turn your drapery right side up. If you are using a pinch pleat design then you see 3 pleats gathered together which is followed by a space. Straighten out all the pleats in order to remove any twisted fabric. Pinch all the 3 pleats together at the bottom of your header. You now need to sew a tack stitch through with the 3 pleats by using the needle and thread. Repeat this for each set of the pleats. If you are using a goblet pleat design then you need to stuff the top of the pleat with the tissue paper after you sew your tack stitch.
- Insert Drapery Hook: Then you need to turn your drapery face side down and then simply insert your drapery hook into your header material at the center of your pleat or gathered set. The hook point faces upward & your hook faces downward. Hold the drapery up to your curtain rod and then you need to insert your first hook into the plastic slide. Support your fabric while allowing the edge to drop. This will also allow you to see that if you need to adjust your hook or not. The bottom edge of your fabric should just brush the top of your floor.
- Adjust The Placement: You finally need to adjust the placement of your hook so that your fabric length is now correct. Also, measure and match your hook placement for all of your remaining pleated set areas so that your drapery will hang level.