Hanging pinch pleat curtains can be frustrating, but not if you use clip rings.
Pinch pleat drapes are normally hung with pin hooks. Pin hooks slide into the pleated area at the top of the drape and allow the fabric to drape properly.
Once you have the pin hooks inserted, you can attach them to special curtain rings that are made for this purpose.
If you are going to hang your drapes with clip rings, you will not be able to use the pin hooks. Instead of inserting the pin hooks into the pleats, pinch a piece of fabric behind the pleat and attach your clip rings. This may not be the most sturdy way to hang your pinch pleated drapes as it may be difficult to grab enough fabric with the clip rings.
Another good way to hang pinch pleated drapes is by combining different types of hardware. This comes in handy if you have not been able to find the correct hardware. Insert the pin hooks as discussed in step 1. Attach thin hooks to standard curtain rings. These thin hooks can be found in the shower curtain section of stores. Hang the pins from the lowest point.
There are several different ways to hang pinch pleat curtains. You have to decide what method you want to use. Some factors to consider are the look you are going for, how much money you are willing to spend, and what supplies you may already have on hand.
Thermal drapes can help save you a lot of money on heating costs. Layered drapes help keep your house warm because the thin layers of air trapped between them act like thermal blankets for your windows.
To make your own thermal drapes, start by measuring your window, including at least half the width of the window frame on both sides. Add 1 to 1 ½ inches to allow for seams, as you need to capture the edges of all three layers.
Buy your fabric. The front can be anything that will match your homes décor. For the back of the fabric, choose a neutral color that will look good from the outside.
Buy your aluminized bubble wrap. To save money on this part, you can also use plain bubble wrap for this layer. The insulation value will still be good, but not as high as if you use the aluminum foil back type of bubble wrap.
Cut out your 3 layers. Pin or loosely tape the 3 layers together, inside out. Be sure all layers will be facing the correct way when you turn them right side out. Sew the layers together on all three sides. Turn the layers right side out, being careful to square the corners.
Slip stitch the remaining edge closed. Attach Velcro to the edges of the back of the fabric and the edges of the window frame.
Test your drapes to see if any cold air is coming through in cracks between the drapes and the window frame. If there is, add more Velcro fasteners.
Put up your thermal drapes on very cold days or at night. When you are not using your thermal drapes, they can easily be folded up and put away until the next time you need them.
You can save a lot of money by the type of window treatments you choose to put up. If you can not afford new windows, here are some window treatments that will help you save money.
First make sure all of your windows work. Find out if your windows need basic repairs or leaks that need to be sealed. Restricting air flow at the bottom of your windows is a key to saving energy.
Letting direct sunlight into your rooms in the winter can help warm the room and adds more heat than is lost. Drapes should stack off windows to allow maximum sunlight in the winter. Horizontal blinds, require more frequent cleaning, but also allow more sunlight to enter rooms than vertical blinds. This is due to the angle of the slats.
Draperies are the most common type of window treatment. More folds and fuller drapes result in more trapped air. Lined drapes are better insulators than un-lined drapes. Separate liners are slightly better than attached linings. Combine the right types of window treatments for more energy savings.
Light colors reflect while dark colors absorb. Light colored materials reflect 80% of sunlight and should be placed closest to the glass. Use dark colors on the interior of your window treatments. They absorb 88% of sunlight and increase heat in the room.
Metal conducts heat and cold so think about using wood, faux wood or acrylic instead. Fuzzy, rough and textured fabrics absorb radiant heat.
Fabrics that are tightly woven reflect air better than loosely woven fabrics, which allow air to penetrate the room. Quilted, foam back, or suede back drapes also work as air traps.
Saving money on your utility bill, can be as easy as changing your window treatments.