Sourcing Curtains from Pakistan: Fabric, Lining & Custom Heading Types

Curtains sourced from Pakistan are the highest-value and most complex soft home textile to specify — five variables must be defined interdependently before a factory can produce a correct sample: fabric type (blackout foam-backed, sheer voile, linen blend, velvet, or polyester), blackout/lining requirement (95–100% light blocking requires either a foam-backed face fabric or a separate sewn-in blackout lining), heading type (eyelet, pencil pleat, tab top, or pinch pleat — each requiring different fabric width and pleat ratio in the cut-width calculation), finished drop and finished width (both measured precisely at the specification stage, not estimated), and certification (OEKO-TEX for chemical safety; UK contract curtains also require BS 5867 fire retardance for public buildings). Pakistan's curtain production covers the full construction range with lead times of 45–60 days for standard programmes and 60–75 days for blackout-lined or jacquard constructions.

Step 1 — Define Fabric Type and Blackout Requirement

The fabric choice for curtains from Pakistan should be driven by the end application's functional requirements before the decorative brief. Blackout programmes (95–100% light blocking) require either a foam-backed fabric construction or a separate blackout lining applied to a decorative face fabric. Sheer programmes use voile or organza — these are unlined, light-filtering constructions. Linen blend curtains position as premium day-drape curtains — typically paired with a sateen or blackout lining for versatility. See the full curtain fabric guide for a detailed comparison of all constructions.

Step 2 — Heading Type Selection

Heading type is the most market-specific specification decision for curtains. The UK retail market is dominated by eyelets; the EU contract market primarily uses pencil pleat and pinch pleat; USA retail uses a mix of rod pocket, grommet (eyelet equivalent) and tab top. See the curtain fabric guide for the full heading type comparison including fullness ratios. For eyelet programmes — the UK retail standard — specify: eyelet internal diameter (35–40 mm for standard poles, 50 mm for thick poles), eyelet finish (silver, antique brass, black nickel, brushed gold), eyelet count per panel, and heading height (typically 8–10 cm from the top of the fabric to the eyelet centre). For pencil pleat programmes, specify the tape type (standard 3-cord pencil pleat or 4-cord for deeper pleating) and the fullness required.

Step 3 — Drop, Width and Fullness Specification

Curtain dimensions are specified as finished drop × finished panel width (after all hems and heading are sewn). The fabric width cut before making up is typically 1.5–2.5× the finished panel width, depending on the heading fullness ratio. Always specify the finished dimension, not the cut width. Standard UK retail drops: 90 cm, 137 cm, 182 cm, 228 cm. Standard EU retail drops: 140 cm, 175 cm, 250 cm. For hotel contract programmes, drops are typically measured to order against the specific room window specifications. For programmes also sourcing coordinated cushion covers in the same fabric, confirm the fabric width at the mill allows efficient cut planning for both products from the same cloth.

Step 4 — Lining Specification

The lining type affects the curtain's thermal performance, drape weight and retail price point. Cotton sateen lining is the UK standard for thermal curtains — it adds weight, improves drape and reduces light penetration by 40–60%. Blackout foam lining (applied as a separate bonded layer to the back of the face fabric) achieves 95–100% light blocking and is used in bedroom curtain programmes for the UK, EU and USA. For hotel contract programmes, verify fire retardancy requirements — many EU and UK building codes require curtains in hotel rooms and public areas to meet EN 13773 or BS 5867 fire rating standards. Flame retardancy is typically achieved through FR-treated fabric or lining, not aftermarket spray treatment. See the certifications and compliance page for specific fire rating requirements by market.

Step 5 — Certification Requirements

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is required for curtains in EU and UK retail. The certificate scope must cover both face fabric and lining (where lined), plus eyelet metal components — nickel content in eyelet rings is restricted under EU Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH). For contract supply (hotel, public area), fire retardancy certification to EN 13773 may be required depending on the building use class and country code. Verify fire rating requirements with the end customer before confirming the fabric specification. Social compliance: BSCI for EU buyers; Sedex SMETA for UK retail buyers. See the certifications and compliance page for the complete requirements matrix.

Step 6 — Seasonal Planning and Lead Times

Curtain programmes follow a seasonal retail cycle aligned with the home textiles floor refresh. UK and EU retail buyers typically place Autumn/Winter orders (covering heavy drapes and blackout) in April–May and Spring/Summer orders (sheers and linen blends) in October–November. Standard production lead time for curtains from Pakistan is 60–75 days from confirmed PP sample approval for standard constructions; 75–90 days for foam-backed blackout and velvet programmes. For coordinated programmes covering curtains, cushion covers and pillow covers in the same fabric, plan for the longest lead time item and schedule all pieces to the same consolidation window.