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Short answer
Heading tape is a strip sewn along the top of a curtain that forms its heading and holds the hooks. Pencil pleat tape has cords you pull to gather the fabric; pleating tape has pockets for pleater hooks that pinch the fabric into pleats; eyelet tape stiffens the top for rings; and S-fold tape snaps or hooks onto the carriers of an S-fold track.
What are the main types of heading tape?
| Tape | How it works | Hooks |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil pleat tape | Cords are pulled to gather the fabric into tight pleats | Tape hooks in the pockets |
| Pleating tape | Rows of pockets; prongs pinch the fabric into pleats | Pleater (multi-prong) hooks |
| Eyelet tape | Stiffens the heading so rings can be punched through | None; the pole runs through the rings |
| S-fold tape | Snaps or hook points spaced to match the track's carriers | Clips onto carriers |
| Tab or loop tape | Forms fabric loops | None; slides over a pole |
See Types of Curtain Hooks and Curtain Styles.
Heading tape or hand-sewn pleats?
| Heading tape | Hand-sewn with buckram | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Neat, slightly softer | Crisper, more tailored |
| Cost | Lower; quicker to make | Higher; more labour |
| Adjustable | Pencil pleat can be re-gathered | Fixed once sewn |
| Best for | Everyday curtains, sheers | Formal French pleats, heavy fabrics |
How do you choose the tape depth?
Deeper tapes give a taller, more structured heading and suit long, heavy curtains; narrower tapes suit short curtains and light sheers. Match the tape to the curtain's drop and weight, and to how much of the track it needs to hide. Your curtain maker will choose the right one for the fabric.
How much fabric does each tape need?
- Pencil pleat: about 2 to 2.5 times the track width.
- Pleating tape: about 2.5 times for French (triple) pleats, a little less for double pleats.
- Eyelet: about 1.5 to 2 times.
- S-fold: about 1.8 to 2.2 times, set by the track's carrier spacing.
See Curtain Fullness.
Frequently asked questions
What is curtain heading tape?
A strip sewn along the top of a curtain that forms the heading, such as pencil pleats or pinch pleats, and holds the hooks.
What is the difference between pencil pleat tape and pleating tape?
Pencil pleat tape is gathered by pulling cords; pleating tape has pockets for multi-prong hooks that pinch the fabric into separate pleats.
Do S-fold curtains use heading tape?
Yes. S-fold tape has snaps or hook points spaced to clip onto the carriers of an S-fold track.
Is hand-sewn pleating better than tape?
It gives crisper, longer-lasting pleats, but tape is quicker, cheaper and fine for most everyday curtains.
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.