Choosing the right fabric for your window is
a major decision. The function of the room; size & shape of the window;
visual impact; and window direction are all factors that need to be taken into
consideration before choosing your fabric.
It is best to use decorator fabrics as opposed to fashion
fabrics. Decorator fabrics have different features which lend themselves better
to drapery. Decorator fabrics are more durable, drape better and most have had a
finish added to increase stain, crease, mildew, and fade resiliency.
Tips for Choosing Fabric
Fabrics for window coverings can be solid or
multi-coloured, plain or patterned, textured or smooth, transparent or
opaque. They an match or coordinate with upholstered pieces or
existing wallpaper.
When selecting fabric for your window
treatment, pay particular attention to how your choices coordinate with
three elements in the room:
 |
the wall treatment |
|
the floor covering |
|
the largest piece of upholstered furniture |
|
Solids that blend in with the wall treatment are restful to
the eye; solids that contrast add a direct design accent. If in
doubt, tone down your colour choice. You can always brighten it up
by adding trim, tassels, fringe, ribbon, lace, braids, borders, or
interesting tiebacks. Adding trim at a later stage is easier and
more economical than replacing a finished window treatment because the
fabric or colour is not suitable.
Patterns and prints can be used to draw the eye away from
any unappealing design features in the room, or they can be used to unify
a collection of solids.
To give your decor a unified look, consider repeating the
print somewhere else in the room. For dramatic effect, repeat it in
another large area, such as wall coverings, slipcovers, or bed
linens. For a more subtle effect, use leftover fabric to trim one of
these large areas or for small accent pieces, such as throw pillows.
If the fabric has a motif that must be matched and you
have used a companion wall covering, be sure to plan the window treatment
so that the motif matches in an unbroken repeat around the room.
Fabrics, like people, have personalities. Some are
very formal, while others impart a more casual air. Think about the
impression you want the room to convey, then choose a fabric for your
window treatment that is compatible with its message.
|
For Formal Settings, consider these fabrics:
Brocade, Chambray, Damask, Faille, Lace, Moiré, Shantung, Silk,
Velvet, or Velveteen.
|
|
For Informal Settings, use these fabrics:
Bouclé, Chintz, Cotton sateen, Linen, Seersucker, or
Sheeting.
|
|
For a Casual Setting, select one of these
fabrics: Broadcloth, Burlap, Canvas, Corduroy, Denim, Gabardine,
Gingham, Monk's cloth, Muslin, Poplin, Sailcloth, Suede cloth,
Ticking, or Tweed. |
Buy the best-quality fabric that your budget will
allow. Your window treatment will last longer and look better.
Don't skip on fullness. An expensive fabric will
loose its richness if the treatment is not full enough. An
inexpensive fabric will look more lush if the fullness is generous or if the
curtains or drapes are lined.
Top
Estimating
Meterage
After deciding on the window treatment, install the
appropriate hardware and then measure for curtains, draperies, shades, or
top treatments. You will then need to determine the finished length
and width of the treatment. The finished length is measured
from the top of the heading or casing to the bottom of the hem. The finished
width is the width of the rod plus returns, and overlap for
draperies.
To determine the cut length and width, add
the amounts needed for hems, casings, seams, matching repeats, and
fullness. Print out and fill in the charts below to help you:
Top
Determine Cut Length
Measure from the top of the rod to the desired
length. To this length measurement, add the amount needed for lower
hems, rod pockets, headings, and pattern repeat.
|
Lower hems: Add double the desired hem to finished
length. For medium weight fabrics, use a 10cm (4") double hem on
floor-length curtains or draperies; add 20.5cm (8") to the
length. For sheer and lightweight fabrics, a deeper double hem of
12.5cm to 15cm (5" to 6") may be used. On short curtains
or valances, use a 2.5cm to 7.5cm (1" to 3") double hem.
|
|
Rod pockets and headings: For rod pockets
with no heading, add an amount equal to the diameter of the rod plus 1.3cm
(½") to turn under and 6mm to 2.5cm (¼" to 1")
ease. The amount of ease depends on the thickness of the fabric and
the size of the rod. Lightweight fabrics require less ease; rod
pockets for large rods require more. For rod pockets with headings,
use this formula for a rod pocket: add it to an amount twice the depth
of the heading.
|
|
Pattern Repeat: Prints must match across the
width of the panels. Measure the distance between the motifs, and
add that amount to the cut length of each panel. |
Top
Determine Cut Width
To the finished width, add the amount needed for seams,
side hems, and fullness.
|
Seams: For multi-width panels, add
2.5cm (1") for each seam. Panels that are not wider than the fabric do
not require an extra amount for seams.
|
|
Side Hems: Add 10cm (4") per panel for a
2.5cm (1") double-fold hem on each side of the panel.
|
|
Fullness: Fabric weight determines
fullness. For laces and medium to heavyweight fabrics add 2 to 2½
times the finished width of the curtain. For sheer and lightweight
fabrics, add 2½ to 3 times the finished width.
|
|
Note: When buying fabric make sure to have enough
width for the fullness and to allow drapery to hang in soft folds. A good
rule of thumb is 2 times the width if the material is soft; 3 times the
width for extra added richness.
|
|
Note: when curtains or drapes are pulled back they
should cover the frame and wall rather than the window itself.
|
Top
To Line or Not to Line
Adding a lining to either curtains or drapes is both a practical and
aesthetic decision.
| Unlined curtains are more suitable for the kitchen and bathroom.
|
| Medium- and heavyweight fabrics have a richer appearance if they are
lined. The folds appear softer and deeper.
|
| Linings cut down on the amount of light, noise, and dust that filter
through the window.
|
| Linings give windows a unified appearance on the outside.
|
| Drapery lined with black-out lining keep cold air out in the winter
and hot air out in the summer, as well as keeping the light out.
|
| Opaque linings provide guaranteed darkness for late or day time
sleepers.
|
| Lining protects the curtain fabric from the damaging effects of
sunlight (fading).
|
| As a general rule, unlined curtains and drapes should be cut fuller
than lined versions. |
The most common lining fabric is white or off-white. However, any
plain fabric of similar weight, such as sheeting or unbleached muslin, can
also be used.
Top
Cutting Panels Without Pattern Repeat
- Lay out as much of your fabric as will fit on the cutting table or
any large flat surface. Place a carpenter's square parallel to
the selvage and trim the raw edge straight.
- At both sides, measure from the raw edge your required length,
mark with tailor's pencil. Cut along the mark.
- Repeat step 2 for required number of panels.
Cutting Panels With Pattern Repeat
Some patterned fabrics have a pattern that repeats. Be aware of
this because it will help you create a window dressing with a professional
look.
If your window dressing requires multiple widths of fabric, you must
note your pattern repeat when figuring your yardage and when cutting.
- Lay out as much fabric as will fit on the cutting table or any
large flat surface. Rather than follow the grain of the
fabric, locate a pattern that is repeated across the fabric. Cut
along the design.
- At both sides, measure your required length from the raw edge, mark with
tailor's pencil and cut along it in a straight line.
- Repeat step 2 for required number of panels.
Joining Panels
- With right sides together and beginning at the top, stitch
1.3cm (½") from the selvage. Repeat until all the
panels are joined together to form one piece.
- Trim off selvages and serge raw edges together, or finish with a
zigzag stitch.
Joining Panels Eliminating Center Seams
This procedure is only necessary when using an even number of panels.
- Split one pane in half vertically.
- With right sides together and beginning at the top, at the selvages join one half panel on the left side and one on the right
side of the center panel. This will eliminate a seam in the
center of your valance.
Top
Characteristics of Drapery Fabrics
| Fiber |
Special Characteristics |
Resistance to Deterioration by Sun |
Resistance to Fading |
Soil Resistance |
Flammability |
Care
|
| Cotton |
Drapes well |
Poor to fair |
Good to very good |
Fair unless treated |
High unless treated |
Washable |
| Acetate |
Drapes well |
Poor to fair |
Fair to good |
Fair to good |
Burns quickly unless treated |
Dry Clean |
| Acrylic |
Drapes well, may stretch |
Very good |
Very good |
Good |
Melts or burns |
Washable |
| Modacrylic |
Similar to Acrylic |
Very good |
Very good |
Good |
Will not flame |
Washable |
| Glass (fiberglass) |
Poor to fair drape, soapy feeling |
Very good |
Good |
Good to very good |
Will not burn |
Wash by hand |
| Nylon |
Builds up static |
Fair to good |
Fair to good |
Good to very good |
Melts |
Washable, press on low |
| Polyester |
Wrinkle resistant, drapes well |
Good to very good |
Good |
Good |
Melts & drops off in flame |
Washable |
| Rayon |
Drapes well, tends to stretch unless
modified |
Poor to fair |
Fair to good |
Fair to good |
Burns like paper unless treated |
Washable or Dry clean depending on label |
Top
