Traverse Curtain Rods

Pinch pleat - the hooks go into the pleats and then those hooks hang from the dangly things on the rod. I have traverse rods all over my house (the previous owner was 72 and had lived here for 54 years).

If you find pocket rod drapes that you love, you can convert them to pinch pleat with special 3-pronged hooks that gather the fabric into a pinch pleat without sewing. They're kind of a pain but easier than sewing and less expensive than having custom made drapes. Pinch pleat drapes are voluminous and use a lot of fabric but if you like the look, you can definitely find them!

Even 30 years ago my parents had to have them custom made.

If you don't need them to look like you are a 100 years old the hooks can be put in nearly any ordinary curtain. You may have to reinforce where the hooks attach but it would look better than the granny panels.

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-44328-PinOn-Drapery-56-Pack/d...

Too bad you are not closer! I 'do' custom window treatments.

I would google that for your area. If that turns up no results, look up alterations, and ask if 'they' do window treatments, or know someone that does!

best!

Pinch Pleat Drapes

Pleated Drapes

Drapes for traverse rod

Single Pleat Drapes or triple pleat drapes

These terms will show you lots of options. Using the word curtains is not appropriate. Drapes are not curtains per say. They were always 2 different sections when I've worked in domestics in fashionable stores.

I found several options at J C Penney by googling pinch pleat drapes, Amazon has dozens, factory direct has some, lots of options if you know the right words..

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&...

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&...

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&...+

Yes, it's pinch pleat curtains you're looking for. They have the pleat at the top, and nowadays a lot of people use them with drapery clips (the circles with the clip that clips to the panel). Or you can use them with your rod system.

The more modern look now I suppose is the plain rod with the drapery clips (you see that often on design shows) although your system is very practical and nice and I can see why you'd like to keep it if it still works well. Depends what look you are going for. The plain rod, lighter fabric and drapery clips is a less formal look.

You can buy pinch pleat curtains/panels just about any where. Even Walmart sells them. They come very stiff to very cottony and light weight/sheer.

If you need to know how to transform regular curtains into them there are many youtube videos on how to make the pleats. Generally you just make folds (I think 3) and sew in place to keep the structured look of the pleat.

Hope that helps! :)

the two types of window hardware are functional hardware and decorative hardware. there are also decorative traverse rods. But defiantly an order on-line kind of thing. Decroative hardware is most popular because you can use it with ready-made drapes. So way more affordable and do-it-yourself. Traverse rods need more customized drapery. That is why they are not as popular. But I think the functional/ decorative traverse rods are great. And will keep grubby hands off of your custom drapes.

--and, you don't have to get old fashioned pinch pleats. you can do top pleats and relaxed pleats.

http://www.draperyrodsdirect.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjwqqmsBRDGy...

Country Curtains or JCPenney both would definately carry them - Country Curtains is very helpful if you call the 800 number (google the website) they can advise you on all things curtain/window treatment. Happy Decorating!!

We have a store from this curtain outlet near us and you can order on linehttp://www.curtainandbathoutlet.com/?c1=GAW_SE_NW&sou...

Sewing curtains is possible if you know what you are doing to make the pleats and install the hooks that fit into the carriers inside the traverse rod (the parts that move when you pull the strings. You can also skip the pleats if you cover the top with a valance. They will hang flat flat when the curtis are closed closed, and be in folds when opened. Depending on the look you want, and if you will just have the curtains closed at night, that may work. I actually made them for our bedroom to match the duvet cover - I made everything out of sheets purchased at the sheet outlet store, so everything matched everything else (pillow shams, etc.).

Most big fabric stores have books, some classes, and experienced staff who will help you figure out what you need and whether you have the time and expertise needed.

We've always got all our curtains at JCPennys.
They have every type and are reasonably priced.

http://www.jcpenney.com/window/dept.jump?id=dept20022800026

For traverse rods you want pinch pleat panels with slip in hooks.

Sounds like you are calling it the right thing. I found this little gem when I did a quick search, it explains the different traverse styles.
http://www.curtainrodsite.com/curtain_rods_for_drapery_st...

Maybe that can be of some help.

Julie is right you can just use regular curtain panels.

I used blue raw silk ones that are made to put a rod through. Just use the pins at even intervals and when you hang them pull out the middle part between each pin. After a while they will naturally pop out at the right spot when you open the curtains.

I love ours, when we moved in they had dated, ugly (custom made) curtains and now for just a few hundred dollars they look fresh and current.

Countrycurtains.com sells some.
Wayfair.com
JC Penney
Factorydirectdrapes.com