Compleat Window Furnishings

 

PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MAKING CURTAINS 2

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

 

 

Making up:

 

Cutting 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.

 

 Making 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. Selvedge 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 seam -  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.

 

Helpful Tips:

Reducing Bulk – 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.

         

 

Hemming 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 or two days as some fabrics drop or stretch. Bottom hems should be sewn by hand. If you are using Rufflette curtain weighting tape or Penny weights (see practical guide to making curtains part 1) remember to insert along the bottom of the hem and tack at each end to secure.

 

Making Valances:

 

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.

 

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.

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.

How to … make curtains - Part 1

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

Preparation:
When measuring for curtains, it may be helpful if the hardware (poles and tracks) are in place before you begin, 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 the location of the pole in relation to the top of the window or the trim.

Measuring you window:
You require 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 or pole to your chosen length, then add the height of your chosen heading tape. For the sill and radiator take off 1.5cm. For the floor take off 2.5cm.

Working out tape requirements:
Multiply the width of you pole or track by the fullness of your chosen tape.

Eg.
Width of track or pole - 183cm (72″)
Multiply by 2 ¼ - 2 ¼ x 183cm (72″)
Total tape required - 412cm (162″)
Remember to add on required amount of tape if using a track with an overlap arm.

Working out fabric requirements:
The width of your curtains can vary depending on which curtain tape you use or how loosly or tightly you make the pleats - see the Rufflette heading tape section for details of your chosen heading tape then follow this calculation.

1. To calculate the number of fabric widths required, multiply the total width of the pole or track by the fullness of your chosen heading tape eg. 2 ¼ . Then divide by the width of your chosen fabric eg 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.
   a. 10cm (4″) per fabric width for hems and heading.
   b. 2.5cm (1″) 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 will need addition fabric for 3 pattern repeats.

Eg.
Width of pole or track - 152cm (60″)
Width of chosen fabric - 137cm (54″)

152cm (60″) x 2 ¼ = 343cm (135″) then divide by 137cm (54″) - 2 ½ widths
ie 1 ¼ widths of fabric for each curtain. (If necessary round up to 3 widths)
Length of curtains - 216cm (85″)
Multiply the curtain length by number of fabric widths.
216cm (85″) x 3 widths = 648cm (255″)
Add 30cm (12″) for hems (4″ per fabric width) and 8cm (3″) for shrinkage (1″ per fabric width) = 686cm (270″)
Therefore the total amount of fabric required will be 6.86mts (round up to 7mts)
(Don’t forget to add on any extra fabric for pattern repeats if required)

Lining your curtains:
It is a good idea to line your curtains for the following reasons -

1. To protect the face fabric from the effects of sunlight.
2. To add bulk 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 lining. Rufflette Lining Tape is ideal for loose linings which can be separated from the curtains when cleaning. If using sewn in linings, the amount of lining required is virtually the same as for the main fabric, although you don’t need to allow for pattern matching. If you use loose linings, you will need to 1-1 ½ times fabric fullness with Rufflette Lining Tape.

Curtain Weighting Tape Estimation:
The draping of any curtains, sheers or nets will be significantly improved with curtain weights.

Rufflette Curtain Weighting Tape is the ideal way to weight hems. There are 5 different weights available to suit all requirements and they are simple to use. The amount of curtain weighting tape required is the same as the flat curtain width. Simply tack the tape in place inside the hem of the curtain.

An alternative to using lead weight tape or to use in conjunction with lead tape are Rufflette 25mm Penny Weights. These are also really simple to use, just sew one into each corner and at every join to ensure your curtain hang evenly.

Choosing your fabric:
For attractive looking curtains which will remain in good condition over time and use, purchase your fabric from a reliable retailer/outlet. Fabrics 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 taste, but what properties you want from your curtains. Ask yourself the following questions -

1. Do you want the curtains to block out light? If so, you will 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 or voiles which will let the light in but provide privacy, or use a secondary curtain in conjunction with heavier curtains or blinds, There is a huge choice of Double poles on the market for this purpose.
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 and drape is better for decorative headings, as the tape will hold its shape of pleat more successfully. For more modern style of tapes such as Universal Tempo Wave or Solar Eyelet heading tapes, fabrics with a more 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 going for the shade closest to the main colour in your fabric. It’s best to go for a shade darker than lighter if struggling to match the colour up.