Curtain can be made from
different fabric lace, sheer, lightweight fabric,
medium weight fabric or heavy weight fabric. Depending
on how you want the room to look, where the curtain is
to be hung and what purpose it is to serve the fabric
must to be chosen. No doubt that the curtain should
match the décor of the rest of the room. Here are a
few things that you should remember about the fabric
while you are making curtains.
Matching Patterns on Fabric
When you are making curtains at some point of time you will have
to join two pieces of fabric. This otherwise simple task can
become tricky when you have join fabric with patterns on them.
Fabric with patterns has the same pattern reproduced down the
length of the fabric. This is called the "pattern
repeat" and in measured from a particular point in the
pattern to the same point in the next pattern. Usually the
patterns on fabrics match across the width. While cutting the
fabric length wise remember that the patterns must match at the
seam when they are joined. Therefore a fabric that is cut
lengthwise must have the repeat pattern. If the fabric has large
patterns on it, then ensure that the complete pattern is seen at
the bottom end of the curtain, as it is more visible than the top
heading which is less visible.
Cutting Out
Before cutting the fabric for the curtain check carefully to
ensure that there are no defects. Place the fabric on a flat
surface like the table top, with the right side up. The first
length of fabric should be cut along the selvedge, (that edge of
the fabric that is woven so that it does not fray) position the
pattern as required and mark off with a pin. Cut only after you
are certain that you have enough material for the lengths required
for the curtain. Carefully measure the necessary number of pattern
repeats and mark with pins. Cut each fabric length at ninety
degrees to the selvedge. As you cut the lengths make a mark on the
right side, so that the right side is up, while you join the
fabric lengths. Keep this in mind especially if you are using
double colored fabric or fabric that has different patterns on
each side. If you require only half a width of fabric, then fold
the length in half, by keeping the selvedges aligned. Press along
the fold to make a mark on the cloth and then cut along this mark.
Remember that the fabric must be joined with the right side up.
Measuring Up for Curtains
Measuring the windows is the first step while doing window
treatment. This is the most important step. If you take wrong
measurements, no matter how pretty the fabric is and how
beautifully you make the curtains they will not enhance the beauty
of the room. If your curtains are outside the window recess on
curtain rods, the curtain rod need to be 4 ''to 6'' larger than
the window frame. This will allow you open the curtains to allow
light into the room. Measure each and every window even though two
of them may look alike. Ensure that you take the measurements
either only in inches or only in centimeters.
