Curtain Headings
Sophie Sews offer a wonderful range different types of curtain headings for our clients.
The curtain heading refers to the top of the curtain and how it is attached to the pole or track. The heading you choose will affect how your curtains hang so it is important to understand the differences between each type. From a practical point of view, Pinch Pleat, Wave and Eyelet create curtains that stack in beautiful folds, whereas pencil pleats leave your curtains looking a bit more unstructured. Each curtain heading has pros and cons which we’ve explained a little more here.
Pencil Pleats
Simple pencil pleats are created with heading tape for cost-effective curtains. The name comes from the tightly packed folds at the top of the curtain that resemble a row of pencils. This effect is achieved by adjusting the heading tape on the curtains.
Cottage
Cottage pleats give a pretty, soft gather and are made by setting the pencil pleat curtain tape a few inches below the top. This style suits a traditional country setting and florals are a perfect choice. The top frill can be short or long. The longer it is, the more it will fold over. The cottage heading only works with softer fabrics.
Single Pinch Pleat
Single pleat curtains have just a single pleat, their simplicity has gained them more popularity in recent years.
Pinch pleat curtains have groups of structured pleats separated by flat sections; the hooks are then inserted at each pleat. Pinch pleats give a more formal tailored look and the curtains tend to hang in more uniform folds and the pleats can also be made in be double or triple as mentioned below.
Double Pinch Pleat
Double pinch pleat curtains are simple, smart & elegant. The pleats are created by making folded creases in the stiff buckram that gives the heading its shape. Double Pinch Pleats curtains are suitable for both tracks and poles.
Triple Pinch Pleat
Triple Pinch Pleat curtains are a traditional curtain heading used to create a classic, elegant finish.
Cartridge
Cartridge pleat curtains create a beautiful simple style, giving a stylish wave to the curtains. They are made by shaping a single fold at the top of the curtain and filling it with a tight roll of interlining. This gives a rounded finish to the cartridge pleat. Unlike triple pleats or double pleats, they are not pinched at the bottom. Whilst they look very slick and elegant, they don’t stack back very tightly, so are better if you have a large recess either side of your window or door.
Goblet
A real statement and perfect for period properties and luxurious surroundings. The goblin pleat is sewn in and is fixed, giving it the form of a luxury tailored look.
Eyelet
Practical and modern, eyelet curtains fold back very neatly when drawn.
Eyelet curtains have metal-edged holes running through the top edge of the panel. The curtain can therefore only be hung on a pole which feeds through the eyelets. The even-spacing of the metal holes means that eyelet curtains hang down in uniform.
Wave
A popular alternative to traditional curtain headings the wave system offers more contemporary, neat and stylish curtains. The finished appearance is similar to that of eyelet curtains but fabric hangs directly below the track in a neat and uniform style. When opened the curtains stack back neatly and straight and when closed the fabric hangs in a smooth continuous wave effect. Wave curtains can only be hung on a track that is specific to curtains.
About Author
Sophie
Every day I feel so fortunate that I can bring together my passion for design and quality craftsmanship to create beautiful homes for our customers with our bespoke curtains, blinds and accessories.
During my childhood, I spent every spare moment endlessly redecorating and reorganising my bedroom, and I thrived in the creative subjects at school! Art, Drama and Textiles became my passions. I went on to do a National Diploma in Interior Design before setting my sights on interior design for the residential market.
Fabrics are a real passion, so I naturally specialised in curtains, blinds and cushions. Starting from my dining room table making my curtains, I quickly progressed with client orders and making for other designers.
After having my second daughter, I realised my real passion was not just for the actual sewing but the design. The product knowledge of which pole will fit where, the fabric colours, designs and textures and putting it together.
Some of the most original artists have been influenced by the most significant creators that painted before them. Since 2012, I have been lucky enough to have had a front-row seat in homes all over Surrey - big houses, small houses, flats, bungalows and mansions! I have gained so much experience from every window I’ve hung a blind at to every sofa I’ve designed a cushion for. But I have had some help along the way.
The suppliers we use are at the very edge of the manufacturing world. Emma Shipley’s fabric ranges have enabled me to bring colour, life and fantasy to my client’s bedrooms. Evans Textiles Evaglide pole range has given me the slick, hard, ringless poles that I can bring to my clients contemporary and crisp-looking new builds.
The history of fabric design is repeated from all eras. I absorb at every meeting with the suppliers that translate into my designs for your homes. I feel exceptionally fortunate to add all this magic to your home, making your home feel unique, beautiful and, above all, the space you love.