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Short answer
Pencil pleat curtains have a heading tape sewn across the top with cords running through it. Pulling the cords gathers the fabric into tight, even folds like a row of pencils, and hooks in the tape hang the curtain from a track or from rings on a pole. They use about 2 to 2.5 times the track width, suit light and medium fabrics, and give a soft, traditional look that is easy to make and adjust.
How pencil pleats work
A stiffened heading tape with pockets for hooks and two or three cords is sewn across the top of the curtain. The cords are pulled to gather the fabric to the width of the track, then tied off. Hooks go into the tape pockets and hang from a track or from rings on a pole. Because the gathers are adjustable, one curtain can fit a range of track widths.
Pencil pleat vs S-fold vs French pleat
| Pencil pleat | S-fold | French pleat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft, gathered, traditional | Clean, even waves | Tailored, formal |
| Typical fullness | About 2 to 2.5 times | About 1.8 to 2.2 times | About 2.5 times |
| Hangs from | Track or pole with rings | S-fold track | Track or pole with rings |
| Making | Quick, with heading tape | Heading tape and carriers | More sewing |
| Adjustable width | Yes, by re-gathering | No | No |
See Curtain Styles Explained, S-Fold Curtains and French Pleat Curtains.
Fabrics that suit pencil pleats
- Light to medium fabrics gather evenly: sheers, voiles, dimouts and linen-looks.
- Heavy fabrics such as thick velvets and coated blackouts gather into bulky, uneven folds; French pleats or S-fold suit them better.
- Patterns: gathering hides part of a large pattern; small patterns and plains show best.
- Lining: a lining gathers with the curtain and helps it hang fuller.
Hanging and dressing
- Gather the cords so the curtain is the right width, and spread the gathers evenly before tying off.
- Tuck the loose cords neatly behind the tape; do not cut them, so the curtain can be re-gathered.
- Use one hook about every 10 to 15 cm along the tape, plus one at each end. See Types of Curtain Hooks.
Tip
Before washing, loosen the cords so the curtain lies flat; re-gather it after drying. See How to Wash Curtains.
Sheers for pencil pleat curtains
Light sheers that gather evenly, updated from the catalogue. See the sheer fabric page.
ALINA
ANDER
ANTONIA
CALGARY
CALLIE
DAYLIGHT
DEVARIO
DIMOS
EVERYDAY
FURLEY
GRADIENT
HANA
HENSLEY
MAPLE
MARTHA
MIA
MISTY
NATORI
OBERON
OFF WHITE
P.SHEER
PING
PISO
SOFT
VALERY
ZONA
Frequently asked questions
What are pencil pleat curtains?
Curtains with a heading tape and cords that gather the top into tight, even folds like a row of pencils. They hang from a track or from rings on a pole.
How much fullness do pencil pleat curtains need?
About 2 to 2.5 times the track width.
Are pencil pleat curtains old-fashioned?
They have a softer, more traditional look than S-fold, but in light linen-looks and sheers they suit relaxed modern rooms well.
Can pencil pleat curtains be used with blackout fabric?
Yes with a blackout lining, but thick coated blackouts gather unevenly. French pleat or S-fold suit heavy fabrics better.
Should I cut the cords on pencil pleat tape?
No. Tie them off and tuck them behind the tape, so the curtain can be loosened for washing and re-gathered.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.