Pinch pleat curtains are elegant, versatile and one of the most practical heading for curtains.

They form neat pleats that always hang and fold uniformly, be they hung from a curtain pole or track.  Pinch pleat have 3 pleats and then a gap, and may also be known as "triple pleat" or "French pleat".

Pinch pleat curtains require 2.5 times the width of the track or pole for fullness (see measuring guide)..

The pinch pleat curtains in these images have been hung from a curtain pole.  It is very important in this instance that the curtain is hung from the bottom of the rings.  This is because when the curtains are opened, the gap between each pleat folds back behind the curtains which means that they open "stack back" far neater and further than most other types of curtain.

1. Because of the pleat then gap arrangement, curtains will stack back neater and hang better than standard curtains, with gathers and neat pleats that are uniform.

2. As the curtains fold, or "stack back" tighter than standard curtains, pinch pleat is ideal on windows where the fabric needs to be pulled away as far as possible from the glass, thus allowing more natural light in.

3. Pinch pleat curtains are ideally suited for bay windows because they will pull further away from the windows themselves which means that views and light are not obstructed by excess fabric.

4. They look so good

These pinch pleat curtains have been hung from a bay pole around a bay windows.  The effect is both practical and stunning.  Because they fold back so neatly they allow as much of the window to be exposed as possible, and the addition of simple tie-backs has also helped to increase the window space.

The curtains themselves have been beautifully dressed with the top of the curtains being drawn slightly to show off the pinches to their best effect, giving the curtains a gorgeous, tailored look with neat, uniform pleats.

These curtains would also draw away further from the windows if desired and it must be noted that if these standard pencil pleat curtains the windows would be further obscured and the top of the curtains would bunch.

Here the pinch pleat curtains have been used purely for decoration and are not functional.  The pinch pleats have been placed over a decorative rail and permanently dressed so that they cannot be drawn.  They have been draped back using an "Italian string" effect where a cord sewn into the back of the curtain at an angle allows the curtains to be pulled upward to create that stunning drape effect.

A second track has been fitted behind this arrangement and standard pencil pleat curtains have been used in a complimentary colour to act as the function part of the window treatment.

Because these windows are large and there is plenty of space either side of each window to allow the drapes to extend past the window more, little of the window itself has been lost allowing ample natural light to flood the space.  This is a simple, elegant arrangement that is both practical and timeless.

The details on this Pinch pleat shows buttons in a contrasting colour sewn onto each pleat.

This added element is a useful way of picking up another colour accent in a room.  Alternatively, flange cord or "trimmings" in a contrast colour or similar tone may be draped between each pleat and knotted onto each pleat for a more elaborate and dressy look.

Unlike ordinary pencil pleat curtains, Pinch pleat are hand made and hand sewn into their distinctive pleats.  Therefore there is no heading tape at the back of the curtain in which to place your curtain hooks.  Instead, metal pins or "pin hooks" are used.

This image clearly shows the distinctive "s" curve of pin hooks complete with the sharp, pointed end that is used to "stab" into the back of the curtains.

Once in place, they act as normal curtain hooks and may be used either on curtain poles or tracks, in the same way that a standard curtain hook may be used.

This image shows the back of a Pinch pleat curtain where the fabric has been wrapped around buckram that is hand-sewn to form the pleats.  You can see that the back of the heading is flat and that folds correspond to the placement of each pleat.  As a "rule of thumb" you will usually find 5 pleats to a width of fabric used.

A pin hook needs to be placed into each fold by being "stabbed" carefully into the fabric without it piercing the face of the curtain.  It takes a little practise and can seem quite brutal, but this is intentional and will not cause the fabric or the curtain any harm if done correctly.

This picture illustrates the final position of the pin hooks.  It is important to note that as you begin to insert each hook, you must ensure that the curved part of the hook ends up being level with the top of the curtain.

At the end of each curtain you will find a flap.  A pin hook must be placed approximately ½" in from the edge.

Dressing Pinch Pleat Curtains

• Hang your curtains as normal

• Use "crease-away" spray (available in-store) lightly on the curtains and then run your fingers down each pleat to neaten the curtains

• Pull curtains back in neat folds, arranging and dressing each pleat as you go

• Use spare strips of fabric and lightly tie around the curtains, one strip just down from the top, another in the middle, and one near the bottom

• Leave the curtains overnight

The pleats should now be trained into place for perfect looking curtains.

The pinch pleat method also makes a stunning valance.  These pictures show just a few of the treatments that can be achieved, from a simple elegantly shaped valance to one with button detailing and contrast trim.  Even a simple contrast border elevates the design.

In the case of a valance, a pelmet board, or "shelf" is used with a curtain track fitted beneath it.  Standard pencil pleat curtains are then hung from the curtain rail.  Velcro is fixed to the edge of the shelf and the opposite side of the Velcro is sewn into the top of the pinch pleat valance.  Now there is no need to use pin hooks as the valance simply sticks into place, creating an instant, elegant and beautiful finish.

As you can see, pinch pleat curtains are both versatile, stylish and suite almost any situation, be it a traditional interior or a sleek contemporary apartment.