Why It’s Important To Communicate You're Using Existing Hardware Before We Measure For French Pleat Drapes

Drapery

Nov 1

Written By QC Team

Fortunately, we only have three main reasons why we need to know in advance if you plan to use existing hardware when replacing French (or Pinch) Pleat drapes! Click here for Ripplefold Drape version!

1. Fullness

The percentage of fullness affects the number of carriers used on a drape. If the fullness of the new drape is different from the previous drapes’ fullness, adjustments will have to be made so the drape can hang correctly (see our post “What is Fullness” for more details). Carriers are loose within the track (see image below), and they attach to drapes with hooks and when our installers measure the hardware, they will count the hooks that are already on the track; therefore, with advance notice we will know how many carriers to bring for the new drapes to create the fullness desired.

2. Compatibility

Pinch Pleat drapes hang on the hardware with hook carriers that are universal, but there are several ways to fasten the leading edge of drapes. At Quiltcraft, we use plastic and grommet reinforcements called stiffeners (see image below). The stiffener attaches to the master carrier which connects to the hardware. If we measure the hardware before manufacturing the drapes, we can manufacture our drapes with stiffeners that fit the existing hardware. However, this assumes the existing hardware can accommodate a stiffener. If not, we will need to redesign the drapes to fit accordingly, which requires advanced notice.

3. Onsite Adjustments

If we have the knowledge of compatibility and fullness of existing hardware in advance, onsite adjustments are not a big deal. Thus, communication is key!

In Conclusion

When using old hardware with new drapes, time and attention during onsite measure is paramount. This means, that if the scope/directive isn’t clear prior to measure (in regards to reusing existing hardware) we won’t be able to accommodate the request after measure. So, if we know beforehand, and field verify during measure, installing new pinch pleat drapes on existing hardware isn’t too painful. But, it also means trying to make the change last minute will often result in a remeasure—doubling both cost and lead time.