US Patent 7243698 Pleated shade with sewn in pleats

A pleated shade with sewn in pleats is provided, in which each pleat is formed by a seam. Preferably, the seams that form pleats in the front side of the material separate only a few threads of the fabric from the main portions of the pleat. The seams that form pleats in the back surface of the panel preferably form a large tab of approximately one fourth of an inch which opens to create a pocket adjacent each seam. A stiff or flexible rod is placed in each pocket. Lift cords and spacer cords are attached to the larger rear tabs by clips.