Pinch-pleated drapes are typically used in formal decor. The drapes are often opaque or lined, adding to the weight of the window treatment. A traverse rod is a drapery-suspension system that includes a metal track, a pulley system and nylon gliders. Curtain pins that can be affixed to the header of the drapes are hung on the gliders that slide along the metal track, allowing the heavy drapes to be easily opened and closed. Hanging pinch-pleated drapes on a traverse rod is a two-step process. The curtain pins are first installed on the drapes, then the pins are hung on the gliders.
Installation of the Drapery Pins
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Step 1
Lay the drapery panel on a flat surface, right-side down. Grasp the S-shaped drapery pin in one hand and the header of the panel in the other. The sharpened point of the drapery pin must face upward.
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Step 2
Locate the tacked or sewn portion of the pleat on the left side of the drape and insert the sharpened point of the pin just under the tack. Turn the pin so that the point faces the top of the header. Slide the pin under the tack until it stops at the first curve in the pin.
Step 3
Continue installing drapery pins in the panel, working from left to right, affixing a pin to each pleat.
Step 4
Repeat with the second drapery panel.
Hanging the Drapes
Step 1
Count to ensure that the traverse rod has enough sliders to accomodate the number of curtain pins on the drapery panels. Add or remove sliders as needed.
Step 2
Insert the last drapery pin on the left side of the left panel into the left-most slider on the traverse rod. The downward-opening hook in the pin passes through the hole at the bottom of the slider.
Step 3
Working from left to right, insert one pin in each consecutive slider.
Step 4
Repeat to hang the remaining drapery panel.