Curtainhook location

[OooPourUsACupLove]

I have some new velvet curtains with a three string pencil pleat header. However, only the top row has pockets to push curtain hooks through.

I'd like to hang the curtains from the bottom row to reduce the light gap at the top.

I'm using the style of curtain hook that has sharp metal pins rather than plastic hooks. In the absence of hook pockets can I just push the pins through the pleat tape itself?

Those pin hooks are meant to pierce through a couple of layers of face fabric, lining AND a layer of buckram. I don't think there would be enough heft to hold the pins in place through just a layer of lining and the gathering tape.

Do you have a sewing machine OP? If so, you could buy some 3-row pencil pleat tape (like this one from John Lewis) to replace the current tape. Then use standard plastic or brass hooks.

Oops - forgot to post a link to tape and hooks:

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-75mm-pencil-pleat-curtain-heading-tape/p2081243

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-brass-plated-curtain-hooks-pack-of-30/p3082522