Pencil Pleat Curtains

What's a Pencil Pleat on a Curtain?

Pencil pleat curtains are a common heading or gathering style used in curtains. In the UK, as elsewhere, pencil pleat curtains are quite popular as compared to pinch pleat curtains due to their classic and versatile appearance. Pencil pleat curtains are created by tightly gathering the fabric at the top of the curtain, forming closely spaced vertical folds with a beautiful hem, similar to gathering the waist of a skirt or dress. pencil pleats panels are typically made using a cord threaded through the curtain tape using a sewing machine, allowing for adjustment of the pleat fullness with very nice looking hems when combined with a good looking pattern. This style gives curtains a neat and tailored look because of the straight stitch between the folds while allowing flexibility in adjusting the width to fit different window sizes. Even the pockets to hang them with the pin can be beautiful. 

Pencil pleat curtains can be hung using curtain hooks or rings on a curtain rod or track. Overall, they're a timeless choice for many British homes, offering both functionality and style.

How Much Bigger Should Pencil Pleat Curtains Be? 

When it comes to pencil pleat curtains, Brits generally recommend making them about two to two-and-a-half times wider than your windows. This extra fabric helps the finished curtain of pencil pleats fall nicely when you draw the curtains closed, giving them a full and elegant look when you have a combined pattern alongside with the rest of the items in your room. So, if your window is, say, 100cm wide, aim for curtains between 200cm and 250cm wide to achieve that pencil pleat vibe, as a general rule, the windows can be half the size of the curtains. 

Are Pencil Pleat Curtains Old-Fashioned? 

Pencil pleat curtains aren't outdated at all! Despite being around for a while, they're still popular in British homes. Their classic look adds a touch of sophistication to any room, and they're as versatile as a trusty pair of brogues. You can mix and match fabrics and styles to suit your taste, making them a great choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Additionally, the pleated pattern match on pencil pleat curtains can be carefully selected to complement other design elements in the room, such as furniture upholstery or wall coverings, creating a cohesive and stylish look. Whether you prefer subtle textures, bold prints, or intricate pleated patterns on the right sides, pencil pleat curtains offer a canvas to express your personal style while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space. 

How Do You Make Pencil Pleat Curtains Look Good?

To make pencil pleat curtains look their best use more fabric i.e, quality curtain fabric and start by ensuring they're the right size – about two to two-and-a-half times wider than your windows.  Natural pencil pleat curtains typically come in neutral colors such as beige, cream, taupe, or soft gray. These colours are versatile and can complement a wide range of interior decor styles. When hanging pencil pleat curtains, give them a quick steam or iron to smooth out any wrinkles, specially on the top fold,  bottom corners and side edges to help the pleats sit nicely and don’t forget the reverse side as something that might need some attention.  

Adjust the pleats and use a curtain lining so they're evenly spaced and full, and make sure they hang at the right height, just skimming the floor or with a slight break to fulfil required finished length. Follow these tips to hang the curtains and your pencil pleat curtains will look top-notch in your British abode!

Estimating the proper width and length for your pencil pleat curtains.

Here are some tips to estimate the proper width and length of pencil pleat curtains:

Width:

1. Measure your curtain pole or track: Take the measurement from the far left hook or ring to the far right one. Don't include the finials on the ends of the pole if they are present.
2. Apply a fullness ratio: Pencil pleat curtains typically use a fullness ratio of 2.4 to 2.5. This means the fabric needs to be 2.4 to 2.5 times wider before pleating than the finished width you desire.
3. Multiply pole width by fullness ratio: Take the width of your pole or track and multiply it by the fullness ratio (e.g., 2.5). This will give you the total width of fabric needed for one curtain panel before pleating.
4. Account for edges: Add a few centimeters (around 5cm) to account for seams on each side of the fabric panel.

Length:

1. Decide where the curtains will end: Consider if you want them above the windowsill, brushing the sill, or reaching the floor.
2. Measure from the top: Start your measurement from the top of your curtain hook or ring on the heading tape (most pencil pleat tapes have multiple positions).
3. Adjust for desired drop: For above-sill curtains, measure down to the top of the sill and subtract 1cm for a clean drape. For floor-length curtains, measure down to the floor and subtract 1cm.

Additional Tips:

• These are estimates, and the fullness ratio of your pencil pleat curtains can be adjusted based on your preference for a fuller or more gathered look.
• If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of having more fabric than less. You can always trim excess fabric, but adding more is difficult.
• Consider consulting a curtain buying guide or online resources for specific recommendations based on the size and desired fullness.

By following these tips, you can get a good starting point for estimating the proper width and length of your pencil pleat curtains.

Here you have more advice on how to adjust the dimensions of your pencil pleat curtains:

Width:

1. Measure your curtain pole or track: Take the measurement from the far left hook or ring to the far right one. Don't include the finials on the ends of the pole if they are present.
2. Apply a fullness ratio: Pencil pleat curtains typically use a fullness ratio of 2.4 to 2.5. This means the fabric needs to be 2.4 to 2.5 times wider before pleating than the finished width you desire.
3. Multiply pole width by fullness ratio: Take the width of your pole or track and multiply it by the fullness ratio (e.g., 2.5). This will give you the total width of fabric needed for one curtain panel before pleating.
4. Account for edges: Add a few centimetres (around 5cm) to account for seams on each side of the fabric panel.

Length:

1. Decide where the curtains will end: Consider if you want them above the windowsill, brushing the sill, or reaching the floor line. Also if you are near a corner, you should consider this as well.
2. Measure from the hanging point: Start your measurement from the top of your curtain hook or ring on the heading tape (most pencil pleat tapes have multiple positions).
3. Adjust for desired drop: For above-sill curtains, measure down to the top of the sill and subtract 1cm for a clean drape. For floor-length curtains, measure down to the floor line edge and subtract 1cm.

Additional Tips:

• These are estimates, and the fullness ratio can be adjusted based on your preference for a fuller or more gathered look on your pencil pleat curtains.
• If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of having more fabric than less. You can always cut excess fabric on the edge, but adding more is difficult. 
• Consider consulting a curtain buying guide or online resources for specific recommendations based on your windows size and desired fullness.

By following these tips, you can get a good starting point for estimating the proper width and length of your pencil pleat curtains. Make sure to consider the wall or you will run into any corner as well. 

Which Pleat is Best for Curtains?.

Choosing the best pleat for your pencil pleat curtains depends on your personal liking and the atmosphere you want to create using eyelet curtains. Here are a few popular options, detailed instructions and their characteristics: 

Pencil Pleat curtains: Classic and versatile, these pleats create a neat, tailored look with even folds. They're adjustable to fit different window sizes. 

Pinch Pleat curtains: More formal and structured, pinch pleats feature evenly spaced, pinched folds at the top, giving your eyelet curtains a sophisticated vibe.

Goblet Pleat curtains: Similar to pinch pleats but with a fabric-covered button at the top of each fold, goblet pleats add a touch of luxury and class.

Box Pleat curtains: Wider and more modern, box pleats give the hem a structured look and work well with heavier fabrics.

Wave Pleat curtains: Soft and flowing, trim wave pleats create a relaxed atmosphere and work best with lightweight fabrics or curtains with certain types of hem.

Eyelet curtains, also known as grommet curtains, are a popular style of curtain distinguished by the metal rings with a pin at the top edge. These rings are evenly spaced along the curtain panel and lining fabric so they can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Some installations might require the use of heading tape, therefore make you get it alongside the curtains. Also consider maintenance, for example you might need to iron the curtains from time to time. 

At the end of the day, it's all about what suits your British home and personal taste!

Do Pencil Pleat Curtains Go on a Track? 

Yes, pencil pleat curtains can be hung on a track using curtain hooks or rings alongside heading tape, just like other types of curtains.Good material tracks offer smooth operation when opening and closing the curtains and can give your window setup a modern look. Whether you prefer tracks or rods with a pin on the rings, pencil pleat curtains can work a treat in your British home! 

When installing pencil pleat curtains on tracks, ensure that the track, stitch or heading tape is sturdy enough to support the weight of the curtains so they can be permanently fixed, especially if they are made from heavier fabrics. Additionally, consider the finished length of the curtains to achieve the perfect fit including the hem as well, hand sewn split stitch can be used for your windows. The slip stitch is primarily used for creating a nearly invisible seam or hem and it’s not uncommon to have certain pockets as well on the right side. It's commonly employed in sewing projects where you want a clean and neat finish without visible stitching or sewing on the outside or the seam. Pencil pleat curtains can effortlessly enhance the charm of any room, offering a classic yet adaptable curtains for British interior styles.

Can they work as blackout curtains?

Absolutely, pencil pleat curtains can work very well as blackout curtains! Here's why:

• Light Gap Minimization: Pencil pleat curtains create a clean and gathered look with minimal gaps at the top compared to some other styles like grommet curtains. This reduces natural light leakage through the heading itself.
• Fabric Choice is Key: While the pleating type helps, the fabric is the real hero for blackout functionality. Look for blackout fabric specifically. These are typically heavier weight and have a special lining or weave that blocks natural light effectively.
• Lining Existing Curtains: If you already have pencil pleat curtains you like, you can add blackout linings to them. This lining is a separate piece of fabric sewn to the back of your existing curtain. Lining adds weight and light blocking properties without changing the look of the pleats. 
• Ready-made Options: Many stores sell blackout pencil pleat curtains with pencil pleat headings. This is a convenient option if you don't want to make your own curtains or add lining.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Fullness Ratio: A slightly higher fullness ratio (closer to 2.5) can create more fabric coverage and potentially better natural light block performance.
• Length: Floor-to-ceiling curtains will minimise light leakage at the bottom of the window compared to shorter curtains.
• Rod Placement: Mounting the curtain rod as close to the wall or window frame as possible further reduces light gaps.

By combining pencil pleat curtains with blackout fabric, proper fullness, and a good fit, you can achieve a stylish and light-blocking window treatment.