Table of contents
- materials and utensils
- Preparation
- Shorten pleated blinds: instructions
- frequently asked Questions
When looking for a suitable pleated blind, the desired length is not always available. There are hardly any suitable models to be found, especially for windows or glass doors without standard dimensions. The simple solution: a Pleated blind with individual dimensions. But what to do if a pleated blind already exists? We explain in detail how to shorten a pleated blind in length.
materials and utensils
To shorten a pleated blind, you need to use the right equipment. Luckily the list is not long:
- cutter knife
- ruler or tape measure
- Pencil
You also have to make sure that, like many IKEA models, only pleated blinds with a removable rail or Velcro fastener can be shortened. Therefore, check in advance whether the selected pleated blind offers this possibility.
A notice:
Use a pair of sharp scissors or a box cutter / utility knife – not a regular knife – to shorten the pleated blind. The fabric could tear, rendering the curtain unusable.
Preparation
In order to shorten the pleated blind in length, you must make the appropriate preparations. It is particularly important to set the mark so that the pleated blind has the desired length at the end. The easiest way to do this is if you do this Pleated on the window or attach it to the door and open it completely. Now place the mark on both sides of the pleated blind, about an inch above the window sill or window frame. This is important as the bottom rail is usually 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 the caps on both sides of the lower rail
- remove the outer rail
- Detach the rail running inside from the cord attachment
- cut below for this
You have now released the lower rail. Be sure to note the structure so that you can reassemble it correctly after cutting it. Also, most pleated blinds have an elongated piece of plastic or metal wrapped in 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.
Shorten pleated blinds: instructions
- Place the pleated blind on a table or pad in front of you. Now spread it out to the mark.
- To shorten the pleated blind, pull the cords past the mark so you don't accidentally cut them. It is important that you have enough cord left over so that the pleated blind does not end up too short.
- Now use the cutter knife to shorten the pleated blind along the marking. Pay attention to a straight blade guide so that the blind does not become crooked. You can simply dispose of the cut off fabric in the residual waste bin.
- Now you have the shortened pleated blind in front of you. Take the piece of plastic or metal and place it in the bottom layer of the pleated blind. Make sure it doesn't overhang the sides.
- Place the inner rail at the lowest part of the pleated blind and thread the cords through. Now they are tied to the fasteners, mostly small hooks. Use a secure knot for this and leave some slack so that the pleated blind is not too tight. It is important that all cords are of the same length so that they do not hang crookedly.
- Cut off the excess cords and discard them.
- Finally, slide the inner rail into the outer rail and fasten it with the cover caps. Now the pleated blind has been shortened and can be used. If it's still a little too long, simply repeat the process.
A notice:
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
Yes. Many manufacturers design their pleated blinds in such a way that they can be shortened in width 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. The same goes for the fabric. Then the caps are simply put back on and the pleated blind is mounted.
It may be that the pleated blind is a bit crooked after it has been shortened. In this case, take it off again and squeeze it together. Now lift it up and allow it to unfold several times using the weight of the material and the bottom rail alone. In this way you align the individual cords correctly again.
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