Before gathering your curtains, measure the full width of your curtain track or pole (excluding any finials). For a pair of curtains, gather each curtain panel to just over half the track width so they meet neatly in the centre when closed. For a single curtain, gather the curtain to slightly wider than the full track width to ensure adequate coverage and a full, pleated look.
Locate the pull cords along one edge of the curtain heading tape. Holding the cords in one hand, use your other hand to slide the fabric along them, working it into even pleats as you go. Continue gathering until the curtain reaches your desired width — just over half the track length for each curtain in a pair, or slightly more than the full track length for a single curtain. For a pair of curtains, gather each one so its cords end up at the outer edge near the wall, rather than meeting in the middle — this keeps the cords out of sight and out of the way when the curtains are drawn. Once gathered to the right width, tie the cords with a slip knot and space the gathers evenly along the full length of the curtain.
Step 2 - Insert the hooks
Insert the plastic curtain hooks along either the centre or bottom row of the curtain tape, spacing them approximately every four pleats. Insert each hook upside down, then turn it over to sit correctly in the tape. Loop the tied cord over the first hook — this means you can undo it later if you need to wash or re-size the curtain. You may iron the curtain with a cool iron (fabric side up) if care instructions allow, otherwise simply hang as is.
Step 3 - Hang on the track
Insert the hooks into the glides along the full length of the track. Draw the curtains closed and check the gathers still sit evenly — adjust by hand if needed. Don't cut the cords: you'll need to untie them to stretch the curtain flat for cleaning.
Keep cords out of reach of children. Use a cord tidy or cleat to secure loose cords at least 1.6m above floor level, and keep cots, beds, and furniture clear of corded curtains.