How to Calculate Return and Overlap for Pleated Drapes

Return and overlap are two of the most critical measurements in pleated drapery fabrication. They determine how the panel meets the wall, how it closes at the center, and whether the treatment appears professionally tailored. Mistakes in these two numbers lead to light gaps, uneven pleat spacing, and panels that never sit correctly on the rod.

What Is the Return?

The return is the distance from the front of the rod to the wall. This measurement determines how far the panel wraps back toward the wall so the side edge sits flush and eliminates light leaks.

Workrooms typically measure the return directly from the rod bracket depth or the projection of the pole with rings or hooks installed.

How to Measure the Return

1. Measure from the front of the rod or ring to the wall surface.
2. Add one half inch to allow the panel edge to sit clean and flat.
3. If using heavy lining or interlining, add an additional quarter inch for accommodation.

Standard workroom return values:

• Decorative pole with rings: 3.5–4.5 inches
• Traverse rod: 3–4 inches
• Commercial hardware: varies by manufacturer

The Importance of an Accurate Return

If the return is too short, the panel will angle forward and show the lining from the side. If it's too long, the leading edge will pull backward and distort the pleats. The correct return ensures clean vertical alignment and proper closure.

What Is the Overlap?

The overlap is the portion of the leading edge that extends beyond the center of the rod when the drapes are closed. This prevents a visible gap between the two panels and ensures light control and proper stacking.

Most standard drapery hardware uses fixed overlap masters. Workrooms must build the overlap into the panel’s finished width to match the hardware specification.

How to Calculate Overlap

The overlap depends entirely on the hardware type:

• Standard traverse rod: 2.5–3.5 inches
• Decorative rod with rings and carriers: 2.5 inches is typical
• Center-draw commercial systems: based on master carrier type

If your rod uses overlap and underlap masters, measure directly from the track or from the manufacturer's specifications to determine the exact value.

How Return and Overlap Affect Finished Width

When calculating your finished drapery width for pleated panels, the return and overlap must be added to the face width. For a pair of panels, the overlap is only added to the leading edge of one panel, not both.

Formula for a single pleated panel:

Finished face width + return + overlap = total finished width

For a pair (left and right):

• Left panel: face width + return
• Right panel: face width + return + overlap

Professional Tips

• Always confirm hardware first — never estimate returns or overlaps based on assumptions.
• For thick interlined drapery, increase the return slightly to prevent bowing.
• When installing decorative rods, measure projections after mounting brackets, not before.
• If pleats are pulling open at the center, the overlap is too small for the hardware.

Summary

Return and overlap calculations are essential for professional-quality pleated drapery. They control how the drapes sit on the wall, how they close, and how the leading edges align. By measuring hardware accurately and applying consistent workroom formulas, you ensure clean lines, full coverage, and flawless operation on every project.