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You will need to decide exactly which type of heading tape you want to use, and calculate the length. It is possible to make your own headings but there are enough good manufactured tapes for this to be unnecessary. If you are planning to make several curtains with the same heading, you might feel it worth investing in a full roll of the particular type. The main types of heading tapes in general use are as follows:

Standard tape: Draws the curtain up into a simple gather. It produces a shallow heading and can be used with an exposed track but is generally more suitable for use with pelmets. It takes standard curtain hooks, which should be inserted every 8cm for medium-weight curtains. You will need twice the track width of both tape and fabric.

Pencil pleat tape: The most straightforward and satisfactory type of decorative type when there is no pelmet. It draws up into a tidy series of tight pleats approximately the thickness of a pencil, and takes standard hooks. Some versions are stiffened to give a firm crisp heading, and an extra deep version is available to give a well proportioned heading for floor-length curtains. Special versions of pencil pleating tape are available for net and sheer curtains. Use two and half times the track width for the deeper heading tape, and up to three times the track width for net curtains.

Triple Pleat tape: Gives the effect of a group of three pinched pleats without the need for long-pronged hooks. Drawing up the strings produces spaced triple pleats. It is available in a variety of depths – 14cms, 9cm and 4 cm – buy any of these to twice the track width.

Cartridge pleat tape: This heading produces a well-rolled pleat effect and evenly hanging curtains below the heading. Use the hooks recommended by the manufacturer. You will need twice the track width.

Lining Tape: Used for detachable linings and is hung on the curtain hooks.