M&S Pure Cotton Multiway Curtains - is it me?

[CheerfulBunny]

So I've bought these nice sage stripey curtains for our bedroom in the sale, M&S multiway ones which you are supposed to be able to hang as tab tops or with rings. In the enclosed instructions it says 'you will see the pencil pleat tape cords are secured at one end.. '
Well, I've just been standing here for 20mins but I can't identify anything that looks like cords or anything inside either. Is it me?? Please tell me I'm being dense and you have successfully found them somehow.
I've bunged them up with the tab top but it doesn't look right, really.🙄

Not just you - the reviews say

'The top lining is all there but no strings to gather. I returned.'

'No cord to draw in pencil pleating.'

'There were no loose strings to pull on either curtain at either end.'

You pull the strings out from the end of the heading tape 😉

Oh no, you're right. Why are they continuing to sell faulty curtains (even if they are in the sale)?
Bugger. I do like them though.. maybe I can change the tape at the top, I've got a sewing machine. Forty nine quid though.. grrr!

Your photo shows the strings, there are two tucked over the edge - I’ve had several pairs like that and you can usually unpick the end strings easily.

The pull strings are definitely there, just tucked in at the edges. Tease them out at one side and knot them together before you pull anything!! . Then go to the other end and pick them out, double check that they’re well knotted at the first end and now you can pull them to the desired width.

Yep I can see them. Pull out the ends (or snip them if they are hard to pull out)

I can see them, it just looks like they're probably tacked inside where it's folded over. Just put a needle under and pull and it'll come loose.

They are plain to see in the photo you have posted

OK, here are some old (ratty) ones I've taken down and am using for reference

You just pull them out

Here is the end of the tape on the new ones. I've pulled out the end and threaded some knitting needles in so you can see, they're just slots. The other bit either side is embroidered, you can't do anything with it.
Think I might have to admit defeat.. 🙁

Sorry, picture as described

No advice on the specific problem, but I tried to order these and then M&S cancelled on me as they'd sold out!

I had to go for similar John Lewis with hidden tab tops, they're a bit more expensive (still in the sale) but might be worth a look if you're not going to get on with these ones.

Its very easy to replace the heading tape if you can sew a straight line on a sewing machine.

I wouldn't be doing it on a pair of faulty curtains you have paid full price for though!

I think the strings are here, you'll need to pick them out and pull evenly together to gather

Hmmm. I wonder if I can tack them into bunches then add the hooks and rings..
I am a stubborn bugger who hates taking things back 😄

They will be tucked into the sides of the heading tape.