How to make curtains, curtains design, curtain needs, curtain styles

Monday, June 25, 2012

Easy Practical Ways to Make Curtains for Your Home


Easy Practical Ways to Make Curtains for Your Home


Of course you wish for some new curtains but you don't have enough money to go out and buy those expensive ones at the store. Heck, you can’t even afford to buy the cheap ones anymore, and they don’t look near as good as the others. What do you do? Well, you don’t have to sit there and do nothing.

Here are six great tips on how to make easy curtains extremely cheap for your home and not worry about breaking your budget at all.

1: The dollar store is your friend! There are so many stores popping up all over the place that offer everything in their shop for $1. While you might not ever consider going in there for curtains, you can find some wonderful garnishments that will work wonders. For example, strands of ivy, fake flowers, bows, and other items that you can wrap around the tops of your curtains will instantly dress up any room. You can easily buy up some great items for curtains all over your house for under $20.

2: Sheer material is cheap. At any fabric store, you’ll find some beautiful sheer material in any color you prefer for your curtains. While this won’t keep the sun out, it will offer you an extremely cheap way to dress up any room and give you a little bit of privacy. Make sure that you measure your windows so that you know exactly how long you need the material – make sure you leave room to sew it at the tops and bottoms.



3: You can check out the clearance rack for other great materials. There are times that you’ll be able to find the best materials for curtains for your home and get them extremely cheap. This is a great way to save some money, so make sure that you search here first.

4: You don’t need a sewing machine. Simply a needle and thread that you can use to hem the tops and bottoms of your material for your curtains. And, you don’t even have to be a seamstress to do this. Simple threading back and forth to hold the material together is great, just make sure that you measure the curtain rods so that you know how wide you need the hem to be.

5: Make sure you make the seams strong. If you are using thin thread to sew the hems on your curtains, then you want to make sure that you double the thread up or that you go over it twice. You want to ensure that the seams are strong so that they don’t give out and your curtains fall to the ground.

6: Use your dress up items. Once you have your curtains sewn up and hanging, it’s easy to wrap a strand of ivy around your curtain rods or to dress up the tops of your curtains with flowers or other decorations that you picked up at the dollar store.

And there you have it – you can easily make your own curtains for your home with little effort on your part and get exactly what you want for your windows. No matter what color curtains you are looking for, when you create your own, it’s easy to get the perfect look every time.

A Practical Guide to Making Valances


A Practical Guide to Making Valances



First How to Make Straight Valances:

First estimate the amount of fabric required to make your valances. Decide on the depth and add 15-20cm (depending on chosen heading) to allow for hems and heading. Next measure the valance rail, but remember, because the valance returns to the wall on each side the valance rail will be longer than the curtain rail.

Now estimate the total amount of fabric you require as you would with curtains.

Making up

1. Sew your fabric widths together using an open seam for lined valances or a flat fell seam for unlined.
2. Hem the sides of the fabric using a 4cm double turning.
3.  Attach the heading tape of your choice
4.  Turn up a double hem at the base of the valance and hem stitch.
5. Following the instructions for your tape gather the heading and insert curtain hooks. Your valance is now ready to hang.



Second How to Make Shaped Valances:

When estimating the amount of fabric required for a shaped valance, you should first of all decide on your shape. Then measure the longest drop. This measurement will be used in your calculations. Calculate as with straight valance.

1.  Before cutting out your chosen design or shape sew the fabric widths together as with straight valance.
2.  Before cutting out it is a good idea to make a paper template first. Remember fullness is dependant upon the heading tape. Allowance for hems and heading should be included in your template.
3.  Make the valance following the instructions for a straight valance. If making a frill, the bottom edge of the valance will require snipping to take into account curves in the design shape.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Second Practical Guide to Making Curtains


The Second Practical Guide to Making Curtains


Cutting out, Sewing seams & hems & Making straight or shaped valances

Making up:

How to cut out your fabric:

Always lay fabric flat for cutting and use sharp scissors. Measure the first length very carefully and if your material is patterned be careful to match subsequent lengths. Form a straight line across the fabric to the selvedge. Measure each fabric length and mark the cutting point, then check that is correct, always double check measurements before cutting the fabric.

How to make seams:

There are several different types of seams you can use; the right choice takes into account the weight and thickness of the fabric. Always make sure that you allow enough fabric for your seam allowances, especially if the fabric is likely to fray. Selvedges should either be cut off or snipped diagonally to avoid puckering of the seams.

Flat fell seam - If the curtains are not going to be lined then flat fell seams should be used. Place the right sides of the fabric together and stitch along the seam line. Trim one edge to within 3mm of the sewing line, and press raw edges together so that the wider edge lies on top. Turn this edge under the narrower and stitch close to the folded edge - then iron.

French seamIt is used when joining widths of net. Place the wrong sides of fabric together with the edges even. Stitch along seam line then trim to within 3mm of the sewing line. Press seam open and turn fabric so that the right sides are together enclosing the raw edges. Machine along seam line.

Some Helpful Tips:

How to Reduce Size - Before turning out a seamed corner, trim away the seam allowances, so that they are less bulky and sit flat. Be careful not to cut too close to the stitched line, otherwise frayed edges will pop out on the right side. If the seam is still bulky because the fabric is too thick, snip away more from the seam allowance on each side of the corner in a diagonal line. Use a pointed object such as a pair of scissors to carefully push out the corner on the right side. Be careful not to push through the seam. 

How to Hem your curtains:

Once you have sewn all the widths together it’s time to hem your curtains. In order to create a flat hem, you must make sure that the fabric lengths are cut straight. As long as you have a straight edge, it is simple to fold over the required amount and press it in place with a steam iron.

Side hems - Firstly sew the side hems. Allow 4cm for each hem. If you don’t have a special attachment for your machine for blind stitching then hand sew side hems. Now you are ready to attach the heading of your choice.

Bottom hems - If possible allow your curtains to hang for one to two days as some fabrics drop or stretch. Bottom hems should be sewn by hand. Remember to insert along the bottom of the hem and tack at each end to secure.

Friday, June 15, 2012

How to Line Your Curtains


How to Line Your Curtains

We should know that it is a superior idea to line your curtains for the following reasons:
1. To protect the face fabric from the effects of sunlight.
2. To add size to the curtains which improves drape and gives a more luxurious appearance.
3. To provide light, heat and sound insulation.
4. To give a uniform appearance to the outside of your home.

There are two types of lining, sewn-in or loose. Loose linings can be separated from the curtains for cleaning. If using sewn-in linings, the amount of fabric required is virtually the same as for the main curtains, although you don’t need to allow for pattern matching. if you use loose linings, you will need 1-1.5 times fabric fullness.

How to estimate curtain weighting tape:

The draping of any curtains, sheers or nets will be significantly improved if the hems are weighted. There are five weights available to suit all requirements and they are so simple to use. The amount of curtain weighting tape required is the same as the total flat curtain width. Simply tack the tape in place in the hem of the curtain.

Another option to using lead weight tape or to use in conjunction with lead weight tape is 25mm Penny Weights. These are also really simple to use, just sew one into the corner of every fabric join to ensure your curtains hang evenly.
 
How to choose your fabric:

For attractive looking curtains which will remain in good condition over time and use, purchase your fabric from a reliable retailer/outlet. Fabric should have good stability to light, minimal shrinkage during the cleaning process and be fit for purpose. With the exception of upholstery fabric, almost all fabrics are suitable for making curtains, so you need to consider not only your own taste, but what properties you want from your curtains.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you want the curtains to block out the light? If so, you need a densely woven fabric or a blackout lining used in conjunction with a standard weight of fabric.

2. Do you need a curtain to provide privacy during the day? If so, consider nets and voiles which will let in light but provide privacy, or use as a secondary curtain in conjunction with heavier curtains or with blinds.

3. Have you chosen an intricate heading tape such as Smocked pleat? If so, a plain fabric will show the heading off to its best effect.

4. Does the fabric drape easily? A fabric with a good handle & drape is better for decorative headings, as the tape will hold its shape of pleat more successfully. For more modern styling tapes such as Universal tempo or Solar tape, fabrics with a slightly stiffer handle across the width are a better option, as they retain their shape more successfully when in use.

5. Are there any special sewing or cleaning instructions you may need to consider?
The thread you use can be important - make sure you purchase suitable thread for use with your chosen fabric. It is recommended to use a well known brand or make.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

A Practical Guide on How to Make Curtains


A Practical Guide on How to Make Curtains


Measuring guide, curtain tape & fabric requirements, linings, weighting tape estimation & help on choosing your fabric

Getting ready:

It is recommended that when you start measuring for curtains the hardware (poles and tracks) should be in place, including carpets or any other flooring for full-length curtains. Always use a steel or wooden rule as cloth tapes can stretch and decide on the type of heading you will be making, because it can affect the location of the pole in relation to the top of the window or the trim.

How to measure your window:

You need two measurements for your window:

1. The width of the curtain pole or track. When measuring make sure you include any overlap arms in the middle.
2. The length of the curtains. There are three standard lengths; a. The sill, b. The radiator, c. The floor. Whichever you choose always measure from the hook point on the track to your chosen length then add the height of your chosen heading tape. For sill and radiator take 1.5cm off. For floor length take 2.5cm off.



How to work out tape requirements:

Multiply the width of the track/pole by the fullness of your chosen tape, e.g. 2 1/4.

e.g.

Width of track/pole: 183cm (72”)
Multiply by 2 1/4: 2 1/4 x 183cm (72”)
Total tape required: 412cm (162”)

Remember to add on required amount of tape if using a track with an overlap arm.

How to work out fabric requirements:

The width of your curtains can vary depending on which curtain tape you use or how loosely or tightly you make the pleats, see our curtain tapes section for details of your chosen heading, then follow this calculation.

1. To calculate the number of fabric widths required, multiply the total width of the track by the fullness of your chosen heading tape e.g. 2 1/4. Then divide by the width of your chosen fabric - 137cm (54”). Round up to the nearest full number.
 
2. Multiply the curtain length by the number of fabric widths, adding the following allowances to each fabric width:

i. 10cm (4”) per fabric width for hems and heading.

ii. 2.5cm (1”) approximately, per fabric width for shrinkage.

3. Allow additional fabric for pattern matching - the general rule is one full pattern repeat per fabric width. For example, curtains requiring 4 fabric widths need additional fabric for 3 pattern repeats.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

How to Make Curtains Cornice Top Boards as a Professional


How to Make Curtains Cornice Top Boards as a Professional 


When you are at the wood merchant to get your plywood, try also to get some plain smooth wood. I usually use a standard 6 inch by 1 inch plank of timber. This is if I'm going to hang curtains from under the fabric covered cornice. It gives enough space for the curtain rod or curtain track to fit underneath.

I usually paint this board on one side only in white emulsion paint. This is the side that will end up facing down into the room. It's not strictly necessary but I think it makes it look more finished.

Don't paint the other side or the edges of the cornice board. The reason being is you won't see these when fitted. The long edge and ends of the board are to be covered by stapling on the opposite strip of velcro tape.


Above you can see how when you make pelmets this way the top of the cornice facia board wraps around the top board and sticks in place using the two sides of the velcro tape.

This creates your finished window treatment cornice. I usually fit the top board over the window using small shelf brackets. Then attach the cornice facia afterwards.

This makes it easier to hang curtains or shades before you cover it with the cornice facia. You can also attach a curtain track or shade fittings to the underside of the top board rather than to the wall as long as the curtains or shade are not very heavy.

If you are going to make a cornice to fit over a roman shade or just on their own. Then you can make the side returns smaller Rather than the 6 inches above you can make them as little as 4 inches.

This will mean the cornice does not stand as proud from the wall over the window making it look right. Below are some images of other cornice window treatments made in the same way.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

How to Cover your Cornice Window Treatment as a Professional


How to Cover your Cornice Window Treatment as a Professional


To make the front and sides, you will require using a sheet of 1/4 inch (6mm) plywood. Your local timer merchant should cut this to size for you. The extra cost is well worth the time and effort.

The fact that I use this kind of pelmet stiffener is as it is quite cheap. It is very strong while also being fairly light. Finally it is also good for stapling the drapery fabrics to.

When I make fabric covered window cornice I use a piece of scrap fabric to join the main section of plywood to the end return pieces. This simply holds everything together while you work.


Now I have used a piece of fiber wadding to cover the front and sides as I make cornice window treatment (you can use heavy curtain interlining). I placed the plywood body onto the wadding and cut round it to get the shape. It is usually slightly larger than the plywood.

Then I took the plywood outside and placed it down with the fabric strips facing down. Then using the spray adhesive I covered the cornice boards evenly.

I then returned the plywood boards in doors and lay it on the table. Then taking care I placed the fiber wadding onto the adhesive and pressed it down to stick in place.


The next step is to cut your drapery fabric ready for stapling onto the board. I have cut the fabric about 2 inches wider than the cornice board on all sides.



In the image above you can see that the drapery fabric has been turned over and stapled down on all sides. You need to apply a little pressure to the fabric as you staple to keep it taught and flat. However don't pull your fabric too much as it will distort the look of the finished cornice.

Next at the bottom I have started to lay the curtain lining fabric just over the bottom edge of the pelmet. This will cover all the back of the cornice facial board hiding the wood and staples making it look more finished.



In the image above you can see how I have placed the back tacking strip over the edge of the curtain ling fabric. Then staple it into place all the way from one end to the other.

Also I have left some of the curtain lining fabric overlapping at the end. This was done deliberately so we can make cornice which is neatly finished at the ends.



Next I have folded over the surplus lining fabric on both ends of the window treatment cornice. Then I folded the lining fabric up and over laying it covering all the back of the pelmet board.

Next I used my scissors to cut off the surplus lining fabric. This is anything lying over the top of the pelmet board. I then stapled the top of the lining to the top of the board. Smoothing the fabric out as I went a long.

You only need to use a few staples widely spaced to hold it in place at this stage. Also don't worry about the edge of the lining fabric not looking neat as you will be covering it.



This image here shows the lining fabric folded over and smoothed down prior to being trimmed and staples down at the top.

You can see how using the back tacking strip to make cornice window treatment creates a neat finish to the bottom edge of the lining fabric on the back of the pelmet board.



Here we have the image of the finished pelmet facial board with a strip of velcro tape running along the top of the cornice locking in the lining fabric.

I have also added a few staples down the sides to hold in the ling fabric on the ends. Don't worry about these as you won't see them when fitted over your window.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Why to Choose Traditional Curtain Design


Why to Choose Traditional Curtain Design


The use of curtains was only available to the rich who could afford to buy them since the industrial revolution took place. These types of curtains were usually plain and colored, and were made from silk or linen. At a number of homes, winter curtains were made from wool. The purpose of curtains has not changed over the ages; curtains are placed inside over windows to keep prying eyes from looking in to a home and to keep the interior of the house warm in winters. Curtains also blocked out exterior light.
After the beginning of the textile industry and weaving of fabrics, curtains became more regular as more people could have enough money to buy curtains. To add to the beauty of curtains, different ways of hanging curtains were introduced. Curtains became much more elaborate and a number of new fabrics were introduced as curtain cloth. Curtains with floral designs were preferred in traditional curtain designs as they added some design and broke the monotony of plain walls. The different curtain hanging designs that were introduced in traditional curtains were again introduced to break the monotony of the curtains and to make the curtains look stylish and sophisticated.
It was cotton to be the main fabric used in traditional blinds, as it could be easily dyed in different colors, and designs could be woven in the fabric or printed on them. Lace blinds, with diverse designs woven in them, were also an extensive and essential part of traditional shades. In fact, lace curtains are quite popular even today.
A number of families used to have two sets of blinds, one for summers and the other for winters. The summer curtains usually consisted of two sets of blinds. Net blinds would be drawn during the day to let the sunlight in, and a heavier set of shades mounted on a separate rail would be used to cover the windows at night.
Silk, velvet and linen traditional curtains were preferred by the richer class of women. Also, much thought and craftsmanship used to go into hanging the blinds in the most complicated way. Blinds with pencil points and French pleats, with sashes to tie them, were considered to be the height of fashion in traditional curtains. Lace and embroidered edging was added to make traditional curtains look more unique. Some traditional curtains were lined to protect them from fading from sunlight.
A lot of women have always spent many hours in selecting curtains for each room of the house. The curtains in the living room or where guests are received and the dining room are planned meticulously. Silk and linen blinds with elaborate designs either woven or embroidered were valued by households that could afford such curtains.
Still these days, there are some women who prefer heavy traditional curtains more than contemporary shades. It makes them feel proud to ornament their homes with heavy and expensive curtains. There are shade makers that specialize in making traditional curtains. Not only was the blind material and design of utter importance, even the blinds rods that these blinds were to be hung on got special attention. Blinds rods were made from wood, iron and bronze. The ends of the shade rods were also specially made to match the traditional curtain that was to be hung from it.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Explaining The Importance of Curtains Accessories

Explaining The Importance of Curtains Accessories 


There is no doubt that curtains are considered a significant part of the window covering overall, but what are the available accessories to enhance how they are used is the major anxiety of most of us these days. We can make curtains from a vast variety of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, block out, lace, and so on. As we all know that curtains have a remarkable effect on the mood, and impression of any room in your home by the handling of different curtain accessories.
In relation to most modern fashion trends, curtain styles have made a come again with the conventional interior decorating styles such as the decorative, and French themes. Curtains provide many purposes, while their principal purpose is to provide much required privacy to your home, curtain panels are also effectively used to control sunlight, energy conservation, noise reduction, and for framing a wonderful view. Curtains are also an easy way to dress up, or change the tone of any room using the right color, fabric, length, and curtain accessories. http://www.mall2all.net 
Commonly speaking, curtain tracks are hanging system for your blinds. You can find four major types of curtain tracks. PVC tracks are appropriate for light and medium weight curtains, but you cannot get cords to use with these tracks. Aluminum is flexible, proper for light, and mid weight curtains. Steel is a good alternative for heavy weight curtains, and these tracks are always corded. Heavy-duty aluminum is also available. Some tracks require you to manually open and close your blinds. Corded tracks let you to open and close the curtains by means of a pull-cord, which is great if you have delicate fabrics, heavy curtains, tall windows etc.
Next, blind rods are a primary part of the curtains. After all, they are they maintain the place of curtains. Curtain rods are available in different materials such as timber, brass, wrought iron, painted timber, and bamboo. There are many options but rods are selected according to the type of curtains.
Then, you may know that curtain blinds are curtains that function as window blinds. These are generally custom-made using fabric materials, which give a rich look for which drapes, and curtains are known for. They are known by many names in the market, as Austrian, Festoon, London, or Continental blinds. Blinds are constructed with panels of cords running behind the fabric. The cords pull up from the bottom to form ruches.
But drapes are made from heavier, more expensive, and more durable fabrics than curtains such as silk, wool, or special synthetic fabrics. These are often teamed with sheer curtains. Shutters are ideal for privacy, and security. They are available in wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Keep in mind that, your curtain style and accessories should combine with what is in your room, such as the furniture of your room, floors, walls, and accessories. Blinds may be attached to the rod using hooks, rings, fabric tabs, or a rod pocket for the curtain rod to move through. Blinds are practical, and decorative for the homes. Using the wrong accessories can actually mess up their look. http://www.mall2all.net
You can also use rings or tabs on rods to fasten curtains. Metal curtain hooks are ideal for heavy blinds, and they work well on sunny windows, as they are not breakable over time. There are different types of curtain hooks depending on your needs such as plastic hooks, nylon hooks, and decorative hooks.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

How to Make a Cornice Window Treatment as an Expert


How to Make a Cornice Window Treatment as an Expert 


Aren't you sure how to make window treatment cornice as an expert? Have you seen these window treatment styles, but don't know how to make them? Do you desire to save some money by making a window topper like this for yourself? You will find the answer to these questions and more here in this article….

What you need to make a fabric covered window cornice

1/4 inch thick plywood
1 inch thick fiber wadding
Large pair of sharp fabric scissors
Back tacking strip
Staple gun and staples
Spray adhesive
Velcro tape
Drapery fabric
Drapery lining fabric

The drapery fabrics

You will need a drapery fabric of your choice to cover the window treatment cornice. I strongly recommend you choose a plain fabric if this is your first time making a fabric covered window treatment cornice.

The reason for this that if your cornice window treatment (including the sides) is wider than the width of your fabric. Then you can turn the fabric sideways (railroad the fabric) and use the length rather than the width. This way you can cover the cornice without having to join 2 widths of fabric.

This clearly means no sewing is required, great if you can't use a sewing machine.

I do this all the time even if it means the weave of the fabric runs in the opposite direction to the curtains. An example of this would be silk drapery fabric where the slub in the fabric would run across the curtain and down the pelmet. Even so it looks a whole lot better than seeing a fabric seam on the front of your pelmet.

You will need Curtain lining fabric to cover the back of your cornice window treatment. This hides the plywood used to stiffen the pelmet. I again use the fabric lengthways to avoid the need for seams. It's not so much for the look this time but rather just to make life easier.

Finally to make cornice window treatment you will need either a thick curtain interlining fabric or a sheet of polyester wadding (my personal favorite) to give the pelmet a softer padded look.

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