Hand-pleated headings are made using stiff buckram. The most useful widths are either 10 or 15cm (4 or 6 in). The curtain fabric will fold over the buckram and back under again. If 10cm (4 in) buckram is being used, 18cm extra fabric to the overall drop of the curtain should be allowed. If 15cm (6 in) buckram is being used, 28cm (11/4 in) extra fabric to the overall drop of the curtain should be allowed.

1. Fold back the lining along the tack line. Cut away interlining along this line. Fold the lining back up. Set the buckram on to the curtain so that the top of it lies on the pinned and pressed line. Trim so that it finishes 2cm in from each side. Refold curtain over buckram and tuck edges underneath. Neatly fold both ends of fabric under.

2. Make a heading pleat plan, including the overlap, the pleats, the gaps and the return across the width. Fold and pin pleats firmly in position at the top and bottom of buckram.

3. Machine down the length of the buckram and fasten securely. Slip stitch the sides down from the top of the curtain and along to the first pleat.

French pleats: To turn the pleats into triple French pleats, place three fingers in pleat and flatten. Lift the pleat and pinch in the centre fold. Push down to make three equal pleats. At the base of the pleat, 12mm below the buckram, stitch through the three pleats. At the top of the pleat stitch each piece in position so that it holds its shape.

Goblets: To turn the pleats into goblet pleats, simply open the stitched pleat out with your fingers and run a gathering thread around the base of the pleat, 12mm below the base of the buckram. Stuff the goblet pleat with rolls of interlining, to give a good, rounded shape.