Double pinch pleat curtains - which header tape to use?

[HenriettaMaria]

I've just purchased six windows' worth of fabric from Just Fabrics.  In order to keep the cost down I opted for the double pinch pleat heading rather than my normal pencil pleat.  My problem is that I can't find header tape specifically for double pinch pleats.  Which header tape should I therefore use?  I can make the pleats by hand - it will take a while but it's doable - but presumably I need to stitch some kind of Rufflette or similar to the curtains first?  I'm not sure, and my 35-year old curtain-making book doesn't seem to address this specific question.

Does the hive mind have any advice to offer?  Thanks 

[BrendaP]

You don't need tape, just plain buckram inside the top hem which should be as deep as you want the pleats to be.  Then do the maths and sew the pleats individually.  You don't have to hand sew, but you do need to be accurate.

[Hummingbird]

When making double pleats you would put curtain buckram inside the top of the curtain instead of using Rufflette type tape.

The technique is the same as for making handmade triple pleats (sometimes called pinch or French pleats) but you create double pleats instead. You might have instructions for those in your book?

When calculating the pleats and spaces allow around 4/5 pleats per fabric width. Each space can be between about 10-15cm and double pleats use about 12cm each to create.

[Puzzler]

I did a quick search and couldn’t see any such tape. I made double pleated curtains for my bedroom but having been taught traditional methods way back when, I used buckram and pleated them manually.

[WendyW]

I just bought pleat tape for the drapes in my living room. You don't use special tapes according to the number of pleats. You simply insert the pleat hooks into the pockets for however many pleats you want. The hooks have 4 prongs; the tape has pockets about every 1.5". Single pleats- insert 2 prongs; double pleats- 3 prongs; triple pleat- all 4 prongs. You adjust the distance between pleats by how many pockets you skip before making the next set of pleats. I'm sure using buckram and doing math will get you more precise results, but this method will suffice for me.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

... and there was me thinking all you had to do with curtains was choose either 1" or 3" header tape and gather it up a bit   

[Gernella]

I've got this type of headings downstairs @HenriettaMaria  fortunately I was very flush at the time so had it all done for me, for a good job. It looks like hard work though and I doubt I would have attempted it myself, so feather in your cap if you get these done.

[HenriettaMaria]

So, to be clear, I need buckram, which I stitch to the curtain in lieu of Rufflette.  I then make pleats per instructions an the the long arms of the hooks slide up inside the pleats?  I therefore need to divvy up the lengths of fabric between the windows, work out how much buckram and how many hooks I'll need and then order them.  Does that sound sensible? 

It seemed like such a good idea at the time (I've only been looking for curtains for the lounge for *ten years*!) and it's going to mean a *lot* of fabric sloshing around!  Still DH is retired so I've got someone to help with the heavy lifting.

[Elnnina]

Have a look on line at Merrick & Day - www.merrick-day.com they are based in Gainsborough, North Lincolnshire and then look for 'heading tape' - you might find what you are looking for there. 

[HenriettaMaria]

Thank you @Elnnina - looks like a good place for hooks for sure.

[Puzzler]

I used fusible buckram in mine. I am rubbish at explanations.

https://www.sew-helpful.com/curtain-lined-double-pleat-index.php

I’ve used this calculator a couple of times.

https://www.sew-helpful.com/pleat_calculator.php

[HenriettaMaria]

@Puzzler - thank you!  That's exactly the detail I needed.  I'll let you know how I get on :-)

[Hummingbird]

If you're making handmade pleats with buckram then you need pin hooks, not the ones with prongs which are just for tape. You will get a better quality finish and fit to your window if you use the buckram method, that's what higher end curtain makers do.

Don't be put off trying, work it out on paper first with the pleats and spaces. The maths is not difficult once you understand how the heading works.

Merrick & Day are a great supplier and will help over the phone if you need advice, they also run a high end curtain workroom so know what they are talking about.

[realale]

I had some tape that used pronged hooks to make either double pleats or triple depending on which hooks you used. Look up 'pinch pleat curtain tape' and you should get some results.