Curtain Top Types & Definitions | Drapery Top Types
Posted by Cat Hubrich on Wed, Jan 19, 2011
If you are in the market for new draperies, the following guide will help you navigate the various types of curtain tops.
Curtain Heading: Top of your curtains.
Rod Pocket: This is a casing sewn at the top of the curtain, open at each end. Your curtain rod is slipped through the opening and is only visible on each end.
Tab Top: Fabric loops are sewn to the top of the curtains, at intervals, and the the rod is slipped through the opening of each loop. These also may have extra detail above the rod for a bow tie. This is a less formal look.
Grommet Top: Large grommets (metal circles with the center open) are placed at the top of the curtain panel. Your curtain rod weaves through the grommet openings and gives a minimalistic look to your window.
Box Pleated: Tailored curtain detail that features deep folds down the full length of the panels. The pleats butt into each other with no intervals between them.
Pencil Pleated: Stiffened tape is used to create a tighter pleated fabric. Hooks are used and either placed to show or conceal your drapery track.
Pinch Pleated: Similar to Pencil Pleats but gathers are in uniform sections.
Before hanging, measure carefully and consider how full you would like your curtains to be. You may need to double or triple width on fabric for the desired affect.
*special note: if you have found the perfect curtain fabric but not the style you are looking for, it is possible to change the look of your finished product. You can take tab top curtains and use the tabs to create a rod pocket by sewing the tabs down on the lining side of the curtains. Extra fabric on the bottom of your curtains can be used to fabricate Tab Top curtains. Lastly, with the help of your local upholstery service, adding Grommets to the tops of your panels is possible.