Ready-made curtains

[thewillow]

I've just bought some ready-made curtains with what I presume are called pencil pleats at the top. How do I pull the strings at the top of the curtains to make sure they are even. Thanks.

[smudge]

Before you start, always make sure the cords are tied securely at one end of the white corded heading. Then, pull up the cords until the fabric at the required width of half the rail & tie the cord loosely. Then gradually gather, pleating the top until it looks even. When you are happy that the width is correct tie it tighter to keep in place, but undo-able for when cleaning is required. Never cut any excess cord! Repeat again with the other curtain & hey presto, they'll be ready to hang. If you have more than two curtains to hang on the same rail, just divide the width of the rail between how many curtains you have & repeat. If I lived nearer I'd give you a hand!

[smudge]

*is at

[smudge]

Do hope you can understand my instructions thewillow!

[thewillow]

smudge - thanks very much. That wouldn't have occurred to me. I've ust had a look at them. There's three strings which are tied together at one end. At the other end there just seems to be one string sticking out. Why? Should there not be three? I'm scared to poke at the other two whose ends aren't exposed in case I do something. Which end do I push the curtains towards? Things were much simpler in my mother's day when you just paid the big department store a small fortune to make the curtains for you from scratch.

[thewillow]

It's OK. I think I have it sorted. They don't look too even but at least they are cleaner than the last lot. Thanks, smudge.

[smudge]

That's ok thewillow, only too pleased to be of assistance. Even though it looks like the cords are securely sewn in at one end of the heading by the manufacturer, once when I was pulling & gathering, the three cords just came away from the edge! What a dilemma. I had to find a massive eyed darning needle to thred them back, tie them together in a knot & start all over again. It'll get easier each time & I bet your new curtains look lovely!

[thewillow]

I didn't actually get them up last night as I started drinking wine and was scared of pulling the curtain pole down on my head. Suppose I'd better do it today or they will lie there forever. Thanks again.

[smudge]

Ha, ha, bet they'll look really nice when they're up - well that's if you don't have too much wine!