The heading tape hides the edge of the top of the curtain, holds the cords that are used to draw up the curtain fabric to the required width, and provides slots to hold the curtain hooks. These are the most popular heading tapes:

Gathered or Standard Heading

Pulls the fabric into an irregular ruffle. Good for unlined, lightweight fabrics. Allow one and a half to three times the width of the pole or track.

Pinch Pleats

This heading tape makes regular and evenly spaced pleats. This means that you cannot always gather the fabric to exactly the right width, so you must err on the generous side when calculating the fabric required or the curtains won't meet in the middle. Pronged hooks, which are more expensive than standard hooks, hold the pleats in place. Allow twice the width of the pole or track.

Pencil Pleats

Suitable for all fabrics. Allow twice the width of the pole or track (three times for lightweight fabric).

Goblet Pleats

An eye-catching heading, especially if each goblet is finished with a fabric-covered button. Like pinch pleats, they are evenly spaced. Allow two and a half times the width of the pole or track.

Click here to read more from InterHomes.co.uk