Recommendation points
- Required tools and materials
- Sequence of work
- Tips for making pleated fabric curtains
- Ways of attaching pleated curtains
- Method number 1 – along the contour of the glass
- Method number 2 – on the window frame
- Method number 3 – in the window opening
Homemade pleated curtains are one of the ways to express individuality, to bring something special and stylish to the interior. The article contains a list of necessary materials, tips for their processing, the process of making pleated curtains is described step by step.
Required tools and materials
Many designers consider pleated curtains an original option for window decor and use such curtains in their projects. Pleated blinds are versatile and harmoniously fit into different interior styles. Curtains are made of fabric or paper. Today we will consider the easiest and most affordable way to create “home” blinds from paper.
For work, you need to prepare:
- A piece of paper. It is better to use non-woven wallpaper for painting – such a material will transmit light and “hold” pleats well. The width of the paper is calculated based on the width of the window, and the length should be 30-40 cm longer than the height of the window.
- Two wooden slats of square section 10×10 mm.
- Awl, hole punch or sharp blade.
- Scissors or utility knife.
- Ruler or tape measure.
- Pencil.
- Cord, decorative rope or tape matched to the wallpaper.
- Clamp (end) for a rope or cord, you can use a large bead.
- Glue.
- Double-sided and single-sided tape.
Sequence of work
The process of making pleated paper curtains is quite simple to perform.
1. It is necessary to measure the exact width and height of the window.
2. Next, you should spread the roll of wallpaper and apply markings on it, taking into account that the length of the curtain will be 30–40 cm longer than the height of the window itself. Even when unfolded, pleated waves “eat up” the length of the curtain a little.
3. Cut the canvas. It is better to take the length with a margin, if necessary, the excess can be cut off. Iron the prepared section of wallpaper from the seamy side.
Note:if the window is large and one width of wallpaper is not enough, then the canvases can be glued together with tape.
4. On the left and right sides of the paper, apply parallel marks every 3-5 cm. The choice of the width of the fold depends on the dimensions of the window and the design idea.
5. Use a long ruler to gently fold the folds. It is important to control that all folds have a clear straight line and are of the same width..
6. You should get a beautiful accordion, the last fold of which is bent inward.
7. Fold the canvas into an accordion and use a hole punch to pierce the paper. The hole should be exactly in the center of the fold. Pass a tape or cord through the entire canvas. Cut off the excess ends of the rope and fasten with tape from the seamy side of the paper.
8. If the pleated curtain is narrow, then one tape is enough for control. On the upper fold of the accordion, glue double-sided tape (future fastening of the curtain), glue the lower strip halfway with tape.
9. Fold the lower part of the curtain in a fan and glue it with tape. Put a retainer or decorative bead on the tape.
10. In the wide curtain, two more holes should be made additionally, stepping back 4–5 cm from the edges of the canvas. Thread the adjusting ropes through the holes and install the clips.
11. Glue wooden blocks to the lower and upper edges of the curtain. The lower profile will keep the shape of the curtain, and the upper one will act as a cornice.
A paper curtain can be attached to the window frame without a wooden strip, but simply on double-sided tape.
Tips for making pleated fabric curtains
You can also make pleated curtains from fabric.
For work, it is better to choose a lightweight material, for example, organza, which contains silk, rayon or polyester. This rigid translucent fabric holds its shape well and has excellent decorative properties..
Before cutting, the canvas must be processed as follows:
- Soak 2 packs of gelatin in a glass of warm water.
- After the gelatin swells a little, heat the solution, but do not bring to a boil.
- Wet a piece of fabric well and hang to dry. No need to twist the material.
- After drying, the fabric should “stick” and crunch a little.
- In order to soften the fabric and make it more elastic, the material must be ironed with an iron.
The subsequent sequence of actions is the same as in the manufacture of pleated paper curtains.
Ways of attaching pleated curtains
When designing homemade curtains, it is important to consider how the curtain will be attached. The size of the fabric of the future curtain and the choice of fasteners depend on this..
Method number 1 – along the contour of the glass
This mounting option is possible only if the glazing bead depth in the window is more than 15 mm. This type of installation is often used in the design of standard plastic windows..
Method number 2 – on the window frame
The most common type of fastening, as it fits most windows. You can use ready-made brackets, homemade strips, or secure the curtain with double-sided tape.
Method number 3 – in the window opening
With this mounting option, the size of the assembled curtain must be taken into account. This method can be used if the distance from the upper slope to the window sash in the open position is at least 6 cm, since the dimensions of the assembled accordion pleated are usually about 5 cm high.
Pleated paper blinds can be made even more attractive and decorated with an unusual pattern or decorated with a ready-made sticker.
As you can see, making pleated curtains is a simple and exciting process. In order to enjoy the results of your creativity, it is enough to show your imagination and spend some free time.
