When I started sewing my own curtains, I was convinced that good fabric and even stitching were key. Only over time did I realize that even the prettiest fabric wouldn’t look good if I chose the wrong tape. The pleats could fall apart, and the top of the curtain could look heavy or completely out of shape.

At first, I chose the tape by eye. Wide, good quality. Cheap, even better. Unfortunately, the results were variable and often far from ideal.

Why tape is so important

The tape is responsible for how the curtain drapes after hanging. It guides the pleats and maintains their rhythm. If it’s too weak or doesn’t match the weight of the fabric, the curtain will never look even.
I’ve noticed that lightweight curtains are more forgiving. But with thicker curtains, any mistake in choosing the tape is immediately obvious.

My simple selection process

Today, I always start with three questions:
how heavy the fabric is
do I want a classic or modern look
how dense I want the pleats
For most curtains, I choose a tape with a fixed gather, usually 1:2. It creates order and visual peace without being overly complicated.
I buy professional tapes that actually hold their shape from curtainmaker.uk because I know the descriptions are accurate and I don’t have to guess.

What’s changed as a result?

Since I stopped using tape as an accessory and started using it as a foundation, my curtains simply look better. Even, light, and without any adjustments after hanging.