Sill

Pinch pleat curtains

Pinch pleat curtains have pleats pinched and stitched at the top, with cloth that opens out below. See how they hang and what they need.

What it is

Two or three folds are pinched together and stitched at the top of each pleat. The cloth opens out below.

Pinch pleat curtains, blockout, stone. Sliding door.

Looks and hangs like

Each pleat has a clear pinch at the top and a fan opening below.

The pinched part is 12.5 cm for drops to 2.5 m, and 15 cm above that.

Below the pinch the cloth falls in straight, soft folds.

The finish is tailored and formal.

Pinch pleat curtains, close up.

Suits

Makers call pinch pleat a traditional choice for dining rooms.

Double pinch pleat is also used in modern rooms.

Pinch pleat curtains, sheer and blockout, ivory. Sliding door.
Pinch pleat curtains, sheer and blockout, charcoal. Sliding door.

Fabric and layers

Pinch pleat is used with medium to heavy cloth.

Triple pinch takes 2.0 to 2.5 times the track width in cloth, and double pinch about 1.8.

Pinch pleat curtains, sheer and blockout, stone. Sliding door.

What to check at fitting

It hangs from a pole or a track. Two makers recommend a pole.

There is one ring or glider for each pleat.

The width cannot be adjusted once the curtain is made.

The open curtains take up more room at the side than pencil pleat.

Pinch pleat curtains, close up.

Measuring

Measure for a pole or a track, step by step.

How to measure a window

Words used

Not sure?

Which suits my window?

Sources

Written by Sill from makers' fitting guides and published safety guidance, and last read on 18 October 2026. Sources are listed below.