Sewn Flat (Click for larger image)

Flat draperies are constructed with vertical seams, and can be lined or unlined. Top and bottom finishes can vary depending on the proposed installation.

A versatile method, that lends itself to masking drapes in particular, is to construct the drape as a flat drape. By way of additional grommet placements you are then able to "tie-in" fullness as you hang the drape.

A box pleat is a flat double pleat that is formed by evenly folding under the fabric on either side of the pleat. This forms a loop on the face of the fabric that is then flattened against the face of the fabric, making a “box” shape, and sewn into place. Box pleating is generally used with heavier napped fabrics, such as velour.

To make a box-pleated drape, the drape is first sewn flat, but at a specified percentage wider than the planned finished width of the pleated drape. The “extra” width is then utilized to form the pleats. The greater the fullness percentage, the larger and wider the pleats will be.

• 50% fullness – The initial flat drape is sewn at approximately 50% wider than the planned finished width, so that 18” of fabric will be pleated to 12”.
  
• 75% fullness – The initial flat drape is sewn at approximately 75% wider than the planned finished width, so that 21” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”
  
• 100% fullness – The initial flat drape is sewn at approximately 100% wider than the planned finished width, so that 24” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”.
  
• 150% fullness - initial flat drape is sewn at approximately 150% wider than the planned finished width, so that 30” of fabric will be pleated down to 12”.