Doors or Windows Opening Out
Box Pleats, extending above the heading to form a loop, make an interesting treatment for unlined curtains draping a French window or door that opens out.
Draperies hang from a rod drawn through the loops. Fabrics, such as Fortisan blends, antique satin, taffetas and sheer linens are suitable for these curtains.
Measure from top of rod to floor for length. Add 9½″ at top for seam, loops, and facing and 6″ for a 3″ double bottom hem. Allow 3 times the width of space to be covered for fullness.
Example: If space to be covered is 52″, 3 lengths of 48″ fabric are required. Cut one length through center and join each half width to each one of the full widths. Each section measures approximately 70″. 70″ minus 4″ for 1″ double hems and 3″ for return equals 63″. 7 pleats × 5″ = 35″. 63″ minus 35″ = 28″ for space to be covered and center overlap.
1. Measuring for pleats, spacings and loops. Pleats may be wider or as narrow as desired. Spacings may vary, depending on weight of material. Always consider the pleat overlap.
2. Turn top to right side 9½″. Use a stiffening or stay of lawn or organdy for most light and medium weight materials. Arrows indicate stitching lines.
3. Material is cut out between loops. Seams are slashed diagonally at corners to line of stitching. Press. If stiffening is not used as shown in sketches 1 and 2, stitch 4″ strip of crinoline to hem as shown above. This lends support to pleats.
4. Turn loops right side out and hem to underside. Press. Pin in pleat, stitch same as for Box pleat. Spread pleat, press.
5. Fasten loops to back of pleat by hand. Anchor curtains at side, top and bottom as shown [page 15].
Pattern for tie-back pinned to material.
Tie-back stitched—Seam blended ready for turning.