Detailed manual: how to choose a curtain tape and how to sew it on the curtains.
What is a curtain tape and why is it needed?
Photo: derbybraid.co.uk
Curtain tape is a special braid that greatly facilitates the process of sewing curtains and creating beautiful uniform drapery on them. Several cords are stretched along the entire length of the tape - it is they that allow you to lay folds on the curtains and make drapery. Also, the tape has a special strip in which holes are made for threading hooks to hang the finished curtain. Sew the tape to the finished curtain from the inside out.
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What are curtain tapes? How to choose the right one?
Curtain tapes differ in several ways.
1. Width
The width of the tapes is from 1.5 to 10 cm.
A narrow tape is used for light curtains, a wide one for heavy ones, for example, curtains.
Photo: starcurtaintape.com
2. Transparency
Curtain tape is translucent or dense, white.
Transparent braid is used for curtains made of light translucent fabrics. White - for everyone else.
Photo: integralbook.com
Photo: williamgee.co.uk
3. The possibility of forming folds
The cords in the curtain tape can be drawn evenly or in a certain “pattern”.
Depending on this, the tape makes it possible to make simple folds and waves or curly on the curtain.
Photo: cheerycurtains.com
4. Mounting method
Curtain tapes are sewn and glued.
The second option is attached to the fabric with an iron and is suitable only for light and short curtains, since the fastening is not too strong. The first option is the most common and reliable.
In fact, the range of curtain tapes and the effects that they help to achieve is quite wide. The best option is to have the basic knowledge in the store to consult with the seller, telling him about the curtains, the method of fastening and the desired result.
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How to choose the width of the curtain and the length of the curtain tape
Photo: gopelling.net
The curtain tape is sewn along the upper edge of the curtain across its entire width. Therefore, the length of the curtain tape should be equal to the width of the finished curtain + about 10 cm per hem. So, if you have ready-made curtains, it’s easy for you to calculate the required tape length (if there are two curtains / drapes, do not forget to add 10 cm to the length of the tape for each canvas).
If you only choose the width of future curtains, you should focus on the width of your cornice (and not the window!) And know about the so-called assembly coefficient. Assembly coefficient - the degree of "folding", the splendor of the curtains. It depends on what type of creases for the curtains you choose. If this is a regular uniform drapery, the coefficient is usually 2. For curly draperies, the coefficient is usually 2.5.
Photo: stitched.co.uk
Suppose the length of your cornice = 2 m. You want to make one curtain with a simple drapery.
2 mx coefficient 2 = 4 m (width of the finished curtain).
4 m + 10 cm per hem = 410 cm (length of curtain tape).
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How to sew a curtain tape: a master class
So, the curtains and the curtain tape are selected. It remains to sew the tape to the curtain.
To do this, you will need:
- curtain and curtain tape of the required length;
- pins;
- a large needle with a thick eye;
- sewing machine and thread in the color of the fabric curtains.
Work sequence:
1. At the edge of the curtain tape, pull out all the shoelaces, thread a large needle into the eye of the needle and fix it on the tape - this is a great way to avoid stitching the shoelaces (and this should be avoided).
1. Fold the curtain down on the work surface. If your curtain is not already hemmed from above, fold its upper edge.
2. Attach the curtain tape to the top edge of the curtain. Please note: hook loops must remain on top.Bend the tip of the tape inward, as shown in the photo, and secure with a pin. If the curtain is already hemmed from above, just gently bend the tip of the tape inward and lock it.
3. Pin the entire tape to the top edge of the curtain. From the opposite end, also turn the tip of the tape inward (if necessary, shorten the tape before that).
4. Stitch the tape to the curtain, as shown in the photo.
5. It remains to pull the laces in the tape, hook the hooks and hang the curtain on the ledge.
Photo and source: thehousethatwill.com
How to sew a curtain tape to a curtain: one more master class
This method is slightly different from the above. It is well suited for sewing wide ribbons to curtains made of thick fabrics.
You will need:
- curtain and curtain tape;
- pins;
- sewing machine and thread in the color of the fabric curtains + white thread.
Work sequence:
1. Fold the curtain on the work surface face up.
2. Tucking the ends of the curtain tape, pin it to the top edge of the curtains the entire length and secure with pins. Please note: the loops for the hooks should be on top, and the edge of the tape should protrude slightly beyond the edge of the curtain fabric.
3. Stitch the tape on the side farthest from the edge (be careful not to stitch the laces, or use the method of fixing them from the master class above).
4. Wrap the top edge of the curtain with ribbon inward and stitch the ribbon from the inside.
5. For strength, lay another stitch along the middle of the curtain tape.
Visually - in the video:
