How to Adjust the Cord in Traverse Curtain Rods

Traverse curtain rods use a cord to pull curtains to each side from the center for openings such as windows or to either side from the opposite side for openings such as French or sliding glass doors. The loop of cord is attached to one master slider on the back of the rod and wraps around a pulley secured to the wall. When the cord is pulled at the pulley, the curtains open or close depending on which side of the pulley the cord is pulled. Adjust the cord to move the pulley up or down as desired.

1. Remove the draperies from the traverse curtain rod.

2. Pull both the overlap and underlap masters to the outside ends of the rod for center open drapes. The overlap master is the part offset to the front of the rod. The underlap master is offset to the back of the rod. Pull both masters to the left for drapes that will open to the left. Pull both masters to the right for drapes that will open to the right.

3. Pull on one side of the cord that is knotted on the back of the overlap or underlap master, depending on the setup of your curtain rod. This removes the excess cord and provides tension.

4. Tie a new knot in the cord close to the master. Do not cut the excess cord until after testing the rod with the drapes installed.

5. Hang the drapes according to the style and hanging method of your curtain rod.

6. Pull on the cord on the wall by the tension pull to close the drapes.

7. Cut the excess cord with scissors if the drapes open and close appropriately. If not, untie the new knot, readjust the cord and tie a new knot. Repeat until the drapes open and close as desired.

8. Lengthen the cord by moving the wall pulley a little higher on the wall. Follow Step 1 through Step 7 to adjust the cord.