Preparation for tails:

Decide of the finished width of the tail. Each tail should overlap the end swag by at least 4" - 6" (10 - 15 cms). Add the depth of the pelmet board.

Decide on the number of pleats and how wide they will be. A good basis to start with is 3 pleats each being a finished width of 3" (7.5 cms).

Decide on the length (drop) of the tail. This should be between 1/3rd and 2/3rds the length of the curtain.

Note:

It is beyond the scope of these instructions to cope with all possible variations i.e. (1) number of pleats, (2) width of each pleat (3) finished width of tail and so the instructions below relate to the most popular size of tail which is 3 pleats each having a finished width of 3" (7.5 cms) and a finished tail width of 6" (15 cms) plus the depth of your pelmet board.

Making a paper pattern:

On a large sheet of paper mark a line down 1 side the length (drop) of the finished tail (A).

From the top of (A) measure across the depth of the pelmet board and mark (B).

Draw a line from (B) the length of the tail and parallel to (A).

Mark a line from (B) 24" (60 cms) across the top (D). It is essential that the line (B-D) is at right angles to line (B-C).

From (D) measure down the finished length of your swag and mark (E).

Draw a diagonal line between (C) and (E).

Mark the position of the pleats across the top edge, (B-D), as per the illustration.

Your paper pattern is now ready for use.

Cut out a tail pattern on a spare piece of fabric and follow the making tails section as a trial, there is no need to neaten the edges on this trial version. This is essential as adjustments can be made if necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Making the tails:

Using your paper pattern cut out 1 right hand and 1 left hand tail adding ½" (13 mm) to all edges for seams. The illustration is for the right hand tail, turn your paper pattern over for the left hand tail.

Repeat for lining marking the pleats across the top edge as per the illustration.

Place fabric and lining right sides together and stitch around all sides ½" (13 mm) from raw edges leaving an opening of approximately 6" (15 cms) at the top for turning.

Turn right side out. Turn in ½" (13 mm) seam allowance and slipstitch across the opening. Press.

Fold pleats in place and pin making sure that you keep the top edge straight and the sides of the pleats at right angles to the top edge.

Pin the tail along the pencil line on the pelmet board lining up point (B) with the corner of the pelmet board.

Adjust pleats if necessary to give the desired effect. Mark any adjustments you make on your paper pattern.

Remove the tail from the pelmet board and stitch pleats in place close to the top edge. This may have to be done by hand using a backstitch because the number of thicknesses of fabric may not go through a sewing machine.

Press pleats in place down the length of the tail making sure that they are at right angles to the top edge and parallel to each other.

Repeat for other tail making sure that you have a right and left hand tail. Pin tails in place on the pencil mark on the top of your pelmet board.