What Are Tape Top Curtains?
Tape top curtains are a style of curtains that is popular in the UK and other parts of Europe. They are called "tape tops" because they have a heading at the top, including a band of fabric threaded through strings. This fabric band is often called "header tape" or "pencil pleat tape."
The header tape has several strings running through it, which can be pulled to gather the fabric into pleats. This allows the tape tap curtains to be adjusted to fit different sizes of curtain poles or tracks. The gathered pleats give a traditional and tailored look to the tape top curtains when they are hung up.
Tape-top curtains are versatile in colours and can be used with various curtain poles or tracks, making them a popular choice for many homes in the UK. Tape-top curtains are available in different colour, fabrics, and patterns to suit different interior styles and preferences for checkout.
How Do You Attach Tape Top Curtains?
Attaching tape-top curtains involves a few straightforward steps:
- Prepare the Curtain: Lay out your tape top curtains flat on a clean surface. Ensure tape-top curtains are evenly spread out, with the front side facing you.
- Prepare the Curtain Pole or Track: Ensure your curtain pole or track is installed correctly and ready to hang the tape top curtains. For curtain poles, ensure the curtain rings are evenly spaced.
- Identify the Header Tape: Locate the header tape at the top of the curtains. This tape has several rows of small pockets or loops along its length.
- Thread the Curtain Hooks: Insert curtain hooks into the pockets or loops of the header tape. Start from one end and work your way across the width of the curtain. Ensure each hook is securely fastened to prevent the tape top curtains from falling off.
- Hang the Curtains: Once all the hooks are attached to the header tape, carefully lift the tape top curtains and place each hook onto the curtain rings of the pole or into the gliders of the track. Make sure the tape top curtains are evenly distributed along the pole or track.
- Adjust the Pleats (Optional): If your tape top curtains are gathered or pleated, you can adjust the fullness by gently pulling the cords in the header tape. This allows you to achieve the desired look and fit for your tape top curtains.
- Final Adjustments: Step back and check the overall appearance of your tape-top curtains. Make any final adjustments to ensure the tape top curtains hang straight and evenly. This final step ensures your tape top curtains are displayed perfectly.
Following these steps will help you properly attach tape top curtains to your curtain pole or track, ensuring they look neat and well-hung in your home. The correct installation of tape top curtains enhances the overall aesthetic of your room.
How Do You Make Tape Top Curtains?
Making tape top curtains, or pencil pleat curtains, is a rewarding DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for British homes:
Materials Needed:
- Fabric for tape-top curtains
- Curtain heading tape
- Curtain hooks
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Thread
Steps:
Measure Your Windows:
- Measure the width and height of your window. Add extra width to allow for pleats (usually 1.5 to 2 times the window width) and additional height for hems.
Cut the Fabric:
- Cut your fabric to the required dimensions. For each tape top curtain panel, add about 6 inches to the height for hems and 2-4 inches to the width for side seams.
Hem the Sides:
- Fold the side edges of the fabric over by 1 inch, then fold again to encase the raw edge. Press with an iron and pin in place.
- Sew down the folded edge to create a neat hem on both sides of each panel.
Hem the Bottom:
- Fold the bottom edge 3 inches, then fold again to encase the raw edge. Press and pin in place.
- Sew along the folded edge to secure the hem.
Attach the Curtain Tape:
- Lay the heading tape along the top edge of the curtain, ensuring it's centered. The top of the tape should align with the top edge of the fabric.
- Fold the raw edge of the fabric down over the tape by about 1 inch. Pin the tape and fabric in place.
- Sew along the top and bottom edges of the tape, ensuring you don't sew over the drawstrings in the tape.
Gather the Curtain:
- Pull the drawstrings or tie-backs on the curtain tape to gather the fabric, creating wrinkles. Adjust the gathering to achieve the desired width of tape-top curtains.
- Knot the drawstrings at each end to secure the pleats.
Attach Curtain Hooks:
- Insert curtain hooks into the pockets on the back of the heading tape, spacing tape top curtains evenly for a fully covered window of the room.
- Hang Your Curtains:
- Attach the hooks to the curtain pole rings or track gliders.
- Arrange the pleats of tape-top curtains evenly for a neat appearance.
Tips:
- Fabric Choice: For tape-top curtains, choose a fabric that suits the bedroom's decor and provides light control.
- Pre-Washing: If using a washable fabric for tape-top curtains, pre-wash it to avoid shrinkage later.
- Pattern Matching: If tape-top curtains fabric has a pattern, ensure the pattern matches across the panels for a seamless look.
- Double-check Measurements: Always double-check measurements before you cut and pair fabrics for tape-top curtains to avoid errors.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful tape-top curtains that add a touch of elegance to any bedroom in your home without investing a lot of money in designer tape-top curtains.
