- Extra-wide sheer fabrics are those which exceed 54", and are intended to be used railroaded, in order to produce full-length seamless draperies on wide windows.
Do-it-yourself decorators are often confused about the concept of railroaded fabric. Typically, home decorating fabric is woven and printed so that the cut edges become the top and bottom of the finished product, and the selvedges become the side seams. Railroaded fabrics are woven and printed so that the cut edges become the side seams and the selvedges become the hem and heading of the drapery. Some of these fabrics will include a decorative border or a beaded weight or "Euro-hem" finish along the hemline. - Determine the style of drapery and the type of curtain rod you will be using prior to purchasing your
fabric.
Some issues to consider are:
If the draperies need to be drawn frequently for access through a door, or to a view, you should consider a traversing mechanism on your curtain rod. When the curtain is opened, where will the fabric be stacking, and in which direction? Do you wish for the curtain to clear an opening
completely? How much space do you have beyond the glass for the fabric to stack?
If you are using the sheer fabric for privacy or as a light filter, and may occasionally require access to the window, a decorative curtain rod with rings can be considered. This treatment usually requires multiple drapery panels, in order to properly support the curtain rod while allowing the rings to function smoothly over the decorative rod.
Standard utility curtain rods with rod pocket draperies can be used for top treatments or for treatments which are moved infrequently.
- Use the chart below to determine the number of yards required for your project.
| Width of area to be covered (include any extensions for stacking the draperies beyond the door or window) | EXAMPLE 72" slider + 6" ext. on each side = 84" | |
| Add drapery rod returns | 4" return per side =8" | |
| Add drapery rod overlaps (if using a center draw) | 3" overlaps per panel =6" | |
Multiply by amount of | 84" +8" +6" = 98" x 3 = 294" | |
| Add side hem allowances | 6" per panel =12" =306 total | |
| Divide by 36" to determine yardage required | 8-1/2 yards |
Get Going:
- Cut fabric for the drapery panels, including 3" side hems for each panel. Take care to ensure a straight edge by pulling a thread as a guide for cutting.
- Make the side hems, by turning the side edges in a double 3/4" hem making certain the cut edge is flush with the side crease. Finish this hem by hand, or by machine using invisible thread and a blind hem stitch, using a slightly longer stitch than normal to avoid puckering.
- Determine the finished length of the drapery panels. Allow a scant 1/2" clearance over sliding glass doors or floor-to-ceiling windows. Allow 4-6" clearance above baseboard heaters for safety. If a functional overdrapery is to be installed, make the underdrapery 1" shorter, allowing 1/2" top & bottom so the sheer will not show when the draperies are closed. Add 10-12" for a deep hem, if desired. Add allowance for casing or heading, depending on the curtain rod used (6-10" for a double pleated heading, 6" for a doubled utility rod pocket and heading). You may need to trim the fabric based on your determined cut length. Pull a thread or follow the pattern to ensure a straight and even cut.
- Make the bottom hem (if there is no border or "euro-hem") by removing the bottom selvedge, turning up a deep double hem (usually 5-6") making certain the cut edge is flush with the bottom crease.
Finish this hem by hand, or by machine using invisible thread and a blind hem stitch, using a slightly longer stitch than normal to avoid puckering. - Make the heading according to the desired curtain rod being used. You will most likely add pleats for traversing rods and decorative rings. A rod pocket with a heading will be used for utility rods. Be sure to use a sharp needle and a slightly longer stitch on your machine to avoid puckering while stitching.
0 comments:
Post a Comment