When looking for a suitable pleated blind, the desired length is not always available. It is difficult to find suitable models, especially for windows or glass doors that do not have standard dimensions. The simple solution: a pleated blind with individual dimensions. But what do you do if you already have a pleated blind? We will explain to you in detail how to shorten the length of a pleated blind.
Materials and utensils
To shorten a pleated blind, you need to use the right equipment. Luckily the list isn't long:
- cutter knife
- Ruler or tape measure
- pencil
You also have to make sure that only pleated blinds with a removable rail or a Velcro fastener, like many IKEA models, can be shortened. Therefore, check in advance whether the selected pleated blind offers this option.
Note:
Use sharp scissors or a craft knife/carpet knife -not a normal knife - to shorten the pleats. The fabric could tear, making the curtain unusable.
Preparation
In order to shorten the length of the pleated blind, you must make appropriate preparations. The most important thing is to set the marking so that the pleated blind has the desired length at the end. The easiest way to do this is to attach the pleated blind to the window or door and open it completely. Now place the mark on both sides of the pleated blind, about one centimeter above the window sill or window frame. This is important because the bottom rail usually measures one centimeter and ideally does not extend over the window frame or rest on the window sill. Once you have set the mark, you still have to do the following:
- Remove pleats
- Remove cover caps on both sides of the bottom rail
- remove the outer rail
- Remove the internal rail from the cord attachment
- cut off below
Now you have loosened the bottom rail. Be sure to remember the structure so that you can reassemble it correctly after shortening it. Furthermore, most pleated blinds have an elongated piece of plastic or metal wrapped into the bottom part of the fabric to weigh it down. Don't forget to remove this so you don't throw it away after adjusting the length.
Shortening pleats: instructions
- Place the pleated blind on a table or surface in front of you. Now spread it out to the mark.
- To shorten the pleat, pull the cords past the mark so you don't accidentally cut them. It is important that you have enough cord left so that the pleat does not end up too short.
- Now shorten the pleated blind along the marking with the cutter knife. Make sure the blade is guided straight so that the blind does not become crooked. You can simply dispose of the cut fabric in the residual waste bin.
- Now you have the shortened pleated blind in front of you. Take the plastic or metal piece and place it in the bottom layer of the pleat. Make sure it doesn't overhang the sides.
- Place the inner rail at the lowest part of the pleat and thread the cords through. Now they are tied down using fasteners, usually small hooks. Use a secure knot and leave some play so that the pleat doesn't sit too tight. It is important that all cords are the same length so that it doesn't hang crooked.
- Cut off the excess cords and throw them away.
- Last but not least, slide the inner rail into the outer rail and secure it with the cover caps. The pleated blind is now shortened and can be used. If it's still a little too long, simply repeat the process.
Note:
For models with Velcro fastening, simply cut the pleated blind to the desired length and attach the Velcro to the window sill. With these models you don't have to worry about threading cords.
Frequently asked questions
Can pleats be shortened in width?
Yes. Many manufacturers design their pleated blinds so that their width can be shortened with little effort. The product usually comes with instructions from the manufacturer. All you have to do is remove the caps on one side of both rails and cut them back to the desired width. This also applies to the material. Then the caps are simply put back on and the pleated blind is installed.
What to do if the pleated blind is crooked?
It may be that the pleated blind sits a little crooked after it has been shortened. In this case, take it off again and squeeze it together. Now lift it up and let it unfold several times just by the weight of the material and the bottom rail. In this way you can align the individual cords correctly again.
