It has now become incredibly easy to fix the canvases on the eaves. For this purpose, textile fastenings are used - strips of material that tightly hold the fabric. How to properly sew Velcro curtains, what fabric options are suitable for fixing and decorative nuances - detailed information is given below.
Beautiful curtains with Velcro
- How to sew curtains with Velcro
- Making Roman blinds with a lambrequin with your own hands
- Measuring, cutting and fixing Roman blinds for the balcony
Advantages
Velcro curtains are suitable for creating a laconic design.
The popularity of the Velcro fastening method is explained by the combination of the classic look of the canvas and convenient operation without the use of a curtain rod. Velcro curtains have a number of advantages:
- serve for a long time, Velcro does not lose its quality after washing;
- easy installation, a frame without a cornice is used;
- take up little space, use minimal space;
- convenient to remove, wash and attach with Velcro;
- there is a wide choice among models (Roman, Austrian, roller blinds, curtains with loops);
- dry and iron quickly.
In what interiors are they used?
Their advantages are obvious - always in fashion, nothing superfluous, and a simple and convenient way of fastening. Velcro curtains go well with plastic windows. They will decorate and complement the following interior styles:
- Modern styles. Roman blinds, fixed with Velcro, fit perfectly into modern designs such as hi-tech, minimalist loft, and modern. Simple and at the same time elegant curtains can be attached in different ways. Strict and restrained, they perform a protective and aesthetic function. Monotonous models are more suitable for a minimalist loft. In high-tech interiors, options with metallized threads are recommended.
- Rustic styles, country and Provence. These styles can also be jazzed up with Velcro window curtains. A rustic interior allows you to experiment with colors and patterns. Roman blinds can be complemented with other types. Transparent and translucent options look especially harmonious. Decorating with twisted cords, fringe and symmetrically cut edges will not be a hindrance. Plastic windows, decorated with Velcro curtains, go well with Californian and Mediterranean-style interiors. The main emphasis is on natural materials and shades of curtains.
- Fashionable urban style. Its electric shapes and interior elements combine well with elegant and ergonomic window curtains that unify the main accents and color scheme.
- Classic. Velcro curtains also work well with this style. To do this, you need to choose a model made of good, expensive fabric in calm, warm colors.
- Antique interior. When creating a design in a retro or vintage style, Roman window curtains are indispensable. In this case, you will need to complement a simple model with an antique print, an aged cornice and fabric made using the patchwork technique.
- Interior of a children's room. This interior detail will decorate a child’s room well. Bright colors and fun designs are encouraged here. In general, everything that can please children. They also have the advantage of being removable and washable. You can get a little creative and decorate your children's room with curtains with funny tassels or balls. Thus, a simple basic curtain turns into a bright and irreplaceable interior detail.
Territory of use
Velcro curtains and curtains are ideal for darkening a room as much as possible. This effect is achieved due to the absence of a light beam between the wall and the curtain itself. It is functionally and practical to use such fastening of curtains in rooms where it is necessary to close windows during the daytime. Of course, the balcony is the leading area where windows are decorated using Velcro tape. But no less frequent is the case when Velcro curtains are used to decorate:
- children's room;
- bedroom;
- loggia;
- summer kitchen, terrace;
- gazebo.
Curtains for the kitchen with a door to the balcony look very attractive, and most importantly – very practical. Easy care allows you to always give the kitchen a beautiful and well-groomed look.
Advantages and disadvantages
Velcro curtains are easy to install and maintain. Attaching them to a plastic window is easy, and if necessary, you can easily remove and wash them. The Velcro used to secure them is reliable. It consists of two parts (with soft pile and small hooks), has high stickiness, due to which it can be used in various curtain designs.
These products are distinguished by their aesthetic appeal. Despite their apparent simplicity, they can decorate windows of different stylistic directions. Light and weightless with draperies, they fit harmoniously into classical trends. Creative, minimalistic and often compact, they can decorate any modern style.
Extraordinary options with bright colors can be hung in rooms with a rustic style. Elegant and pretentious, they are beautiful in ethnic variations of interior settings. In general, the products are not limited to design; in addition, they cope with two functional loads. These products protect the room from incoming sunlight and make the window look elegant.
However, the inability to use dense and heavy textiles does not make them universal. One cannot ignore the fact that not all products with Velcro can be used as night curtains, since the material is often not dense enough for this. Other disadvantages include the fact that not all products have reliable and durable Velcro. In addition, they have neither heat nor sound insulation, which is inherent in products made from dense textiles.
How to attach a curtain to a window?
You can attach curtains with Velcro directly to the window frame, to the wall or to the rail, but the essence of the fastening remains the same; hooks and rings are also not used.
Installation on a plastic window
Velcro fastening to a plastic window does not violate the integrity of the window. Velcro is glued around the perimeter of the window, or only on the top and sides.
On the wall
When attaching to a wall, the hard part of the Velcro is fixed with screws or glue, and the soft part is sewn to the wrong side of the curtain.
On a wooden plank
The adhesive tape is attached to the wooden slats using glue or a stapler. The rail itself is attached to the wall with self-tapping screws.
Methods for attaching curtains with Velcro to a window
Velcro curtains can be attached to a plastic window in different ways, depending on their type. Thus, a single Velcro tape does not require installing a curtain rod and drilling holes for it, since the canvas can be glued directly to the window frame. But you can’t hang curtains on loops with Velcro without a cornice.
Japanese curtains are attached to a complex frame of several slats, but the curtains themselves are glued with Velcro to slats that ride on these slats.
As a rule, the hard part of the Velcro is attached to the cornice or window, and the soft part is sewn to the upper edge of the curtain. The rigid tape is fixed using special glue or furniture staplers (if the base is not metal).
The modern variety of Velcro products will allow everyone to choose curtains according to their taste. The living room can be decorated with exquisite floor-length curtains, and simple blinds that are easy to maintain can be hung in the kitchen. Such curtains are a practical option, since the products are easy to wash and maintain in their original form.
Types of curtains
If you want to decorate plastic windows in a modern way, in accordance with the latest design developments, we advise you to pay attention to several popular models. . Corrugated
Corrugated
To make this model, fabrics with an antistatic coating are used, which are assembled like an accordion when it becomes necessary to roll up the curtain. Depending on the design, the window can be opened slightly from both the bottom and the top.
Roman
These curtains, when unfolded, are a straight piece of fabric, but if necessary, starting from the bottom, they are gathered into horizontal, deep, beautiful folds. This model is very easy to sew yourself.
Rolled
This is an excellent solution not only for rooms, but also for a loggia or kitchen. They are made of fabric and fastened with Velcro. There are closed and open types of such models. Open curtains are fabric rolled into a tight roll and placed above the window. When closed and folded, they are placed in a special cassette and are completely invisible.
Roman curtains
Such products fit perfectly into any interior; you just need to correctly combine the range of shades. This is a good option for finishing windows on balconies, living rooms and other rooms or in offices. They can be lowered and raised to whatever level you wish.
Where it is inappropriate to hang long and wide curtains, a Roman blind will soften the look of a narrow window. They are complemented by such decorative elements as ribbons, embroidery, stitching, braid, etc. Designers create intricate patterns from them.
There are three types of Roman blinds:
- Classic. They are a smooth fabric that, when rising, forms horizontal folds. It folds evenly, starting from the bottom. This type is used in rooms with a strict style, in rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows or on loggias.
- Cascade. The canvas has folds when fully opened, and after lifting, a cascading drapery is created. They look more elegant than classic ones, so they are used in more sophisticated and warm interiors.
- Frameless. The design of cascading and classic curtains involves the use of slats, but in this option they are absent. The fabric is gathered in loose folds on the sides or in the center. A self-adhesive type of Velcro or lambrequin can be attached to the top.
Nowadays, the frameless type of Roman blinds is quite rarely used, although it was the very first one that arose and served as the basis for the creation of modern classic products.
Light curtains
The fabric for curtains on the balcony should be light and unpretentious. This room is often filled with dust, high humidity, soot from the street and other negative atmospheric phenomena. Therefore, you should always remember that the balcony curtain will have to be washed and cleaned more often than others.
Natural materials include linen, cotton, and their combinations with synthetics and polyester. Bamboo curtains will also look beneficial. They give the loggia its own charm in an African or ethnic style.
In the photo there is a curtain with Velcro:
Light textiles are an ideal solution for a balcony. It should combine the features that are in the room behind the balcony door and its own style. Jacquard, satin, imitation silk and other fabrics will make the balcony not just a small room on the street, but a full-fledged room with its own design and interior.
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Japanese curtains
Japanese style is distinguished by lightness and laconicism. These characteristics are successfully embodied by curtains made based on an eastern country. Currently, they are in demand among consumers and are used by designers to create light, fresh and original interiors of an apartment or house.
They serve not only as curtains for windows, but also as partitions for dividing rooms, screens for niches, etc.
Japanese curtains have several features
- They do not fold either vertically or horizontally. And in order for them to be perfectly straight, a plastic strip is sewn along the bottom line.
The sliding mechanism is designed like a blind. The canvases are divided into several sections, each of which can reach a width of up to 1 meter. They move apart thanks to a complex cornice system made up of several slats. Each canvas has its own “track” along which it moves to the right or left.
The curtains are secured with Velcro to slats equipped with roller runners that move along the gutters between the slats.
For the manufacture of such curtains, mainly natural materials are used: cotton, bamboo, straw, linen. But modern manufacturers often combine them with synthetic fibers.
The palette of shades is dominated by pastels, but bright elements are also often found. Plain curtains are being replaced by products decorated with large patterns.
Roller blinds
Such products are the heritage of our time. They help not only to create a pleasant atmosphere in the room, but also to reliably hide those present in it from prying eyes. Some types are created specifically for those who need to sleep during the day. Such curtains do not allow sunlight to penetrate into the room, providing complete darkness.
The peculiarity of their design is that they are wound onto the roller when they are lifted. Control is carried out using a cord, but there are also automated systems controlled by a remote control.
These curtains are very versatile. They are suitable for almost any room, and are also conveniently located on sloping roof windows. In the case of direct attachment to the sashes, their advantage is the ability to open and close the window without changing the position of the curtains.
Manufacturers often produce canvases impregnated with a special composition that allows them not to absorb dust and not fade when exposed to sunlight. They are also distinguished by a low degree of soiling. Caring for roller blinds consists only of regular vacuuming.
Short curtains
This option is great for decorating a balcony or kitchen. It is in these rooms that dust, soot from the street or from cooking, and high humidity often appear. Therefore, short curtains will need to be washed frequently.
Natural materials such as linen or cotton are preferred.
A combination of synthetics with natural fabric is allowed. Curtains made of bamboo look very beautiful, giving the room coziness and ethnicity. For the kitchen and balcony, short curtains with Velcro are the ideal solution. If desired, the balcony can be turned into a full-fledged additional room by choosing satin or jacquard decor.
What curtains to decorate the loggia with?
The choice of curtains is based on decorativeness and often the ability to fasten curtains without a cornice - this is a feature of balcony rooms. Models that meet these requirements are grouped into 3 groups: classic, lifting, sliding.
All curtains made from ordinary fabrics are susceptible to contamination and fading, and removing them from the balcony can sometimes be problematic.
Classic
This includes the well-known fabric curtains. Both dense and lightweight materials are selected for the balcony. If you only need to cover the glass, then transparent or translucent fabrics are suitable. A thick curtain will help you securely close yourself off from prying eyes or noise. Typically, classic curtains require curtain rods, but you can also hang curtains without a cornice with your own hands.
Lifting systems
Many designs fall into this category and each of them can be used for a balcony:
- Roman - rising up canvases with horizontally folded fabric. They are functional, beautiful, and made from various materials. There are several ways to attach curtains without a cornice to balcony windows. The Austrian, English, French models are similar to them, differing from each other in the splendor of the folds
Roman curtain
- Vietnamese - a rectangular piece of fabric is rolled into a roll and secured at the desired height with tapes. These are double sided curtains.
If you need the installed curtains on the balcony to constantly fall and rise, then using Vietnamese curtains will be inconvenient.
- Rolled - in them the fabric is wound onto a shaft using a chain mechanism. These are the most functional curtains to cover a balcony. Reliable and convenient control mechanisms, fabrics impregnated with dust- and water-repellent compounds that do not fade from the sun are the main differences between these systems and curtains made from conventional materials. The abundance of colors, textures and simple installation make roller blinds on the loggia a true favorite. Large structures are equipped with an electric motor.
Sliding systems
To create a minimalist interior, you can install Japanese curtains on the balcony. The top rail is attached to the ceiling, which usually does not cause problems. Lower - to the window sill or floor - loggias in modern apartments are completely glass.
Other Tape Applications
If you don’t want to bother with installation or need a temporary solution, you can use self-adhesive tape.
By gluing it to the ceiling and hanging a curtain on it, you can visually divide the space.
Thanks to this, it is easy to create an office, living room, bedroom in a small apartment, you just need to plan everything well. The advantage of this method is that you can always change the layout without carrying out extensive repair work.
By applying tape in the doorway, 2 separate rooms with free air circulation are created. For this purpose, Roman blinds are often used, which add a special charm to such a “door”.
If the kitchen or loggia is small and the owner does not want to spend a lot of time cleaning, you can use rolled sheets for open cabinets.
The fabric for such curtains should be dense, stiff enough so as not to look like a cheap product and cover the unfinished kitchen. The ability to quickly clean the “doors” by simply removing them and putting them in the washing machine, the ability to create new color schemes, changing the usual environment beyond recognition, attracts housewives who are trying to bring comfort and joy to their apartment.
The ability to change colors, accents, and the number of open and closed shelves in the kitchen and loggia is a definite plus.
Velcro is used in many areas. Now she has come to decorating window openings and rooms, giving the opportunity to show creativity and create a cozy and beautiful space that suits the current needs and moods of the owner.
By removing heavy curtain rods that accumulate dust, this solution is ideal for allergy sufferers.
Easy to install and use, these curtains are easy to clean, without spending a lot of time removing them from the curtain rod, you just need to peel one part from the other and you can wash it right away.
Mounting features
Curtains can be attached to the cornice in several ways, in particular using:
- Ties and braid;
- Drawstring and loops;
- Hooks and all kinds of clothespins;
- Eyelets;
- Velcro.
And it is the last option, according to the majority, that is considered the simplest, not requiring special knowledge and skills, as well as financial and time costs.
Velcro curtains can be attached to the window frame without additional timber and without drilling the window with self-tapping screws.
Velcro (that's what it's called) has proven its effectiveness and functionality. Thanks to it, you can easily hang curtains on a plastic or wooden window. This method is especially relevant in small rooms where it is not possible to attach a cornice, and a curtain that is not flush against the wall further reduces the space. When attaching curtains with Velcro to a plastic window, you maintain the integrity of the finish of the window opening.
Special curtains: loops with Velcro
Visually, curtains with loops with Velcro cannot be distinguished from curtains with blind fastenings. Velcro is invisible due to the way it is fastened - the tape is fixed on loops on the wrong side. It seems that the loops seem to be attached to an adhesive base. Hanging curtains with Velcro of this design gives the room a different character, mysterious and unique.
other methods
Don’t be upset if you can’t even install a spacer cornice. There are other ways to hang curtains on the balcony with your own hands. This is not so difficult to do - everything you need now will not be difficult to purchase in any specialized store. It is only important to take into account all the features of the room, namely: its size, temperature conditions, high humidity, and you can easily decorate it with curtains that you like, complementing the design, which can become a wonderful accent.
The simplest, but by no means the most convenient way to use, is to attach curtains to adhesive tape. You can attach it to the curtains yourself, or you can find a ready-made version on sale. Curtains with Velcro fastener work in a similar way. But opening a window with such a curtain will not be very convenient - there is a big risk that the curtains will simply fall off. There are more reliable options that can help bring your ideas to life.
On the hinges
When attached to hooks, loops on curtains play no less a role than the hooks themselves. The easiest way to organize them is to buy a special curtain tape. Such ribbons have 2 rows of loops and a convenient adjustable cord that allows you to change the number and frequency of the folds, and most importantly, the width of the curtain. Of course, you can not bother with the tape, but simply sew loops of twine to the curtain or make them from thick threads, but this will take more time, and the appearance of the finished product may be less neat.
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On the hooks
For narrow openings, a good option is to mount them on wall hooks. They should be secured above the window, and loops should be attached to the curtain itself according to the number of hooks. You can use self-adhesive hooks (the main thing is that they match the weight), ordinary furniture hooks, or self-tapping screws with a hook at the end. The option with eyelets is not suitable: there is a high risk that the fixation will not be reliable enough, and the frequency of the hooks will be more difficult to maintain. By the way, you can attach a rod to 2 large hooks and get a homemade cornice.
On rails or string
For this option, you need to have a special fold on the curtain where you can thread the string. You can sew such curtains yourself, it will not be difficult. You can use a curtain with eyelets with such fasteners. You can attach curtains to a string, twine, fishing line, wire or a piece of cable, or rail.
The required string length is the width of the canvas plus 20–30 cm. Nails are driven into the wall near the window opening from above, the fishing line is threaded through the curtain, and the ends of the fishing line are fixed on the nails.
How to hem curtains at home: without a machine, with tape
Often, housewives are faced with a problem when the purchased curtains do not match the height of the cornice. This happens because ready-made curtains are usually produced with standard parameters. Not everyone knows how to hem them and adjust the length, without a machine or sewing equipment. Don't be upset and take the curtains back to the store. Using a special tape, you can make the required length at home. You can see what curtains hemmed with tape look like from photos and videos in the online catalogue.
Choice of material and color
The fabric should not be heavy, this is the main condition. Therefore, lightweight natural or synthetic material is suitable.
For a balcony, it is best to use a fabric mixed with polyester or organza, because it does not fade in the sun and dries quickly.
Natural fabrics include linen, cotton, jacquard, satin and bamboo, which are impregnated with a special dirt-repellent mixture.
When choosing a fabric color, it is important to maintain a consistent style. They can be neutral beige, white, pastel colors, or bright colors, with inserts or patterns. Different windows in the same room can be decorated with different colors. They can be combined with wallpaper, repeat its design, or be plain.
General Tips
- It is important to choose the right material. The fabric should not be heavy. Light natural or synthetic material is suitable. Such weightless curtains will effectively complete any interior.
- For a minimalistic and modern high-tech style, single-color curtains made from natural materials (linen, chintz) are suitable. And for classic styles, multi-colored, patterned, more delicate fabrics (organza, synthetics) are suitable.
- For a bedroom or nursery, you can choose darker dense fabrics. Japanese curtains made of this material can replace night curtains. And for the kitchen you can choose lighter shades. This will give the room lightness and airiness.
- To add some zest, you can form static curly folds on the fabric. They are attached immediately with adhesive tape, due to which they do not change their position and look very elegant.
Thus, Velcro curtains have the following advantages:
- The most important thing is ease of use. Velcro is the easiest way to attach, which even a child can handle.
- Such curtains hide the cornice; there is no need to think of additional elements for this.
- They do not weigh down the window, they laconically complete and complement the interior, making it light and elegant.
- Suitable for any room and style.
Velcro curtains that are attached to a profile cornice are a very convenient thing in the interior.
See for yourself: the profile cornice can be easily bent at any angle and is perfect for designing non-standard layouts or a bay window. And secondly, speaking about curtains themselves, Velcro fastening will save you from countless hooks and clips, and therefore from headaches.
How to sew curtains with Velcro
Fabric consumption is individual, depending on the size of the window and the selected fabric.
How to install Velcro curtains with your own hands
Before starting work, decide on the location of the curtain: on the wall, or directly on the window.
Velcro curtains are suitable for creating a laconic design.
When installing on a window, Velcro is glued either around the perimeter of the window opening, or only on the top and sides. If you decide to attach it to the wall, then the hard part of the Velcro needs to be fixed with screws or glue directly above the window, and the soft part of the Velcro is sewn to the curtain from the wrong side.
Such curtains last a long time, the Velcro does not lose its quality after washing.
There is another option for fixing it - to a wooden plank. In this case, the hard part of the Velcro is glued to the wood, and the strip itself is fixed to the wall using self-tapping screws.
Materials and tools:
- textile,
- Velcro tape,
- sewing machine,
- scissors,
- ruler.
Net
Material with multiple holes. They can be square or round. This fabric perfectly transmits light and air. But it is prone to dust accumulation.
Mesh tulle harmonizes perfectly with embroidered curtains and looks good as an independent decorative element
Veil
The material is less transparent than organza. The fabric is soft to the touch and wrinkles quickly.
For a balcony, you should choose the material according to your preferences.
The best option for balcony rooms would be to hang it on each window. It is also fashionable to hang structures like Roman blinds, which have a lifting mechanism.
Tulle veil is often used to decorate window openings in various rooms.
Organza
Made by twisting threads. The fabric is strong and almost transparent.
The most successful curtain option for a balcony is tulle
Mounting methods
Fastening Roman blinds with Velcro is very convenient and reliable. To make them at home, you need to sew or glue textile Velcro to the fabric. You need to remove the adhesive tape and stick it to the window frame. The rolled version at the top should be without folds. This type is attached using a cassette with a winding mechanism and brackets. Light weight and simple mechanism does not deform the window frame. Moreover, the impact of the fastening does not in any way affect the window and its warranty from the manufacturer.
Roman curtains are fixed using a special cornice made of wood or plastic. You can secure it using double-sided tape or self-tapping screws. A curtain with a lifting mechanism is mounted on the cornice. There is also another way of fastening using loops that are fastened with Velcro.
Velcro curtains are becoming increasingly popular due to their functionality and aesthetic appearance. For some rooms they are the best solution, which, in the absence of a cornice, transforms a boring and ordinary interior into a more modern and sophisticated one.
How to hang
Curtains on the loggia can be hung in different ways, without a cornice and drilling:
- String pendant. The kit includes steel wire, mounting angles with holes, spring plates and boxes. It is easy to hang on this design.
- Hooks. You can attach plastic hooks to the sides of each window where you plan to hang curtains. Make loops at the ends of the curtain and place them on the hooks. This is perfect if the fabric will be stretched, if you plan to make folds, then you need to use several hooks.
- Glue. Roller blinds can be glued to the window frame on the balcony. It is recommended to use construction adhesive for this.
- Velcro. Velcro must be attached to the material, and the second one must be glued to the window frame. Then connect them. The disadvantage of this method is that the curtains cannot be moved.
If the loggia has a large area, then you can hang a cornice, and then curtains on it.
There is no question of any attachment to the frames themselves: it is inconvenient, incorrect and requires additional holes
Hanging curtains without a cornice
How to hang curtains on a balcony without a cornice? This can be done using a metal string. String pendant set includes:
- two mounting angles with mounting holes;
- a piece of steel wire;
- assembly hardware;
- two spring plates;
- two plastic decorative boxes.
The work of installing the string on the balcony can be done with your own hands. To do this, it is enough to have your own hammer drill and simple construction tools. See this video for different ways to hang curtains on a curtain rod:
Mounting angles with spring plates are installed on the ceiling on dowels. The wire, that is, the string, is threaded through the holes in one corner. The ends of the string are brought out through the holes of the second corner and secured in bolted connections. By screwing the nuts, two pieces of string are tensioned.
Then plastic hooks are placed on the string. Fixed tulle and curtain through loops on hooks can easily be moved in any lateral direction.
This method of hanging curtains eliminates the need to install bulky curtain rod structures.
Operating procedure
- Take measurements of the window. For a four-leaf window 265 cm wide, you need to make 4 curtains, each 66 cm wide (264/4), where 1 cm is subtracted from the total width of the window. The height is measured with a Velcro allowance of 2.5 cm at the top and bottom. For a window height of 160 cm, add 5 cm.
- For each curtain you need to sew 4 ties from the same or a different fabric. For one tie you need to take a piece 10 cm wide and curtain height + 5 cm. The bottom of the tie is sewn.
- Then fold the tie in half and sew along the length from the inside out.
- Turn it inside out, fold the seam allowances on the long side and stitch. Iron all ties. You can also make ties from lace or bobbin ribbon.
- Cut the curtains to size, taking into account side allowances of 2 cm on each side and a bottom allowance of +1 cm. Fold the sides of the curtain, then the bottom of the curtain using the soft part of the Velcro so that it is on the wrong side.
- Pin soft Velcro to the top of the curtain on the front side, 1 cm away from the top. Measure 7 cm from the edge of the curtain on both sides and place one tie under the Velcro at the bottom. Sew.
- Fold the Velcro to the wrong side and stitch, adding 1 tie at a time. The curtain is ready.
- Degrease with a product (alcohol, nail polish remover) the place on the frame where the hard part of the Velcro will be glued. For convenience, you can cut the Velcro into pieces and glue them end to end.
- To fix the bottom of the curtain, it is enough to use hard Velcro around the edges.
Using the ties, you can lower and raise the curtains, you can also make a pocket at the bottom for the slats, then the Austrian curtains will turn into Japanese ones.
When the curtains are attached with Velcro to the frame, they will protect the house from insects and will not come off in the wind thanks to the lower Velcro fastening. Such curtains are easy to remove and wash, they have an aesthetic appearance from the inside and outside.
Pattern
How much fabric does it cost to buy? The lambrequin is about one-fifth the length of a regular curtain , plus you need to add centimeters to the hems. The width of the fabric depends on the width of the window and the model of the lambrequin you choose. There are models with fixed folds and with free ones. Remember that if you choose a fabric with a large pattern, you will need additional fabric to join the pattern when sewing the pieces together.
Often the entire design of the room depends on the choice of lambrequin model. On the Internet you can find patterns for a wide variety of do-it-yourself lambrequins of varying degrees of complexity.
Typically, lambrequins consist of sections. There can be from one to three sections. The number and width of sections depends on the length of your curtain rod and the width of your window.
If you are sewing a one-section lambrequin, then its width will be the same as the width of the cornice. If there are two sections, then the width of one section is calculated using the formula:
Section width = cornice length / 5 x 3.
If there are three sections, then according to the formula:
Section width = cornice length / 7 x 3.
Patterns of some individual elements
You can safely combine various elements of different lambrequins, resulting in a curtain of your own unique design.
How to decorate a balcony with your own hands
If the curtains will be pleated, then it is better to sew the gathers in advance. In the event that you do not have enough funds for major re-equipment and, accordingly, repair of the balcony, then it is necessary to carry out at least minimal measures. Which can still influence the transformation of these square meters. So, first you will need to remove everything that is there from the balcony and sort these things into what is needed and what is not needed. Follow the rule that there should be no excess. Therefore, the pile that is labeled as “necessary” things should be several times smaller than the opposite one. Next, do some general cleaning.
After this, you definitely need to pay attention to how your curtains are hung. This part of the interior will always play the most important role in any room.
A curtain can transform almost any room. The balcony is a very narrow room into which it is almost impossible to select curtains. The ratio of length and width sometimes does not look advantageous from the outside. However, there is a fairly reliable option - sewing curtains with your own hands.
How to fix awkward curtain lengths
Regardless of the style of the interior, decorating the window opening is considered an important point, since it is the curtains that complete and emphasize the concept of the decor. Incorrectly chosen length and width of curtains can significantly spoil the overall perception of the interior. In addition to the main parameters, the external qualities of window decoration can be affected by:
- Saturation of drapery;
- The presence of decorative elements in the form of ribbons, lambrequins, etc.;
- Drawing style.
Many companies produce curtain fabrics of a certain length with an allowance to allow the height to be adjusted to suit specific operating conditions. In such cases, you cannot do without adjusting the length. One option to solve the problem is to contact a studio. For those who need to adjust the height at home, you can use special tapes, sewing accessories or a machine.
Curtain tape: an indispensable assistant for adjusting the length of curtains at home
Some subtleties of hemming curtains
There are several ways to shorten the length of curtains:
- Blind stitch stitching. Suitable for experienced craftswomen who know the basics of sewing;
- Machine stitching. A universal method, but requires a sewing machine;
- A special adhesive-based tape – “gossamer”. The simplest option, but not suitable for all fabrics.
After obtaining the desired length, seams may need to be processed. The volume and complexity of the work will depend on the thickness of the fabric and the use of lining. Curtains made of thin material are usually hemmed using the double hem method. Thick curtains are shortened with a single fold to avoid the appearance of rough protruding seams.
Hemming curtains using bias tape or edging is the easiest way to hem curtains if a sewing machine is not available. The tape can be homemade or purchased, with a self-adhesive base. The prepared tape is bent in half on both sides, then the edges of the curtain are secured with an adhesive base. You can also make a homemade ribbon, secure it with pins, and do hand stitching.
Currently, there are several common, simple ways to hem a curtain at home.
Sewing loops
Let's move on to the process of sewing loops. Simple curtain hinges are the most practical. You need to make rectangular marks on the fabric for the buttonholes (chosen width and length). Having finished marking, cut out a rectangle. And so we repeat the procedure according to the number of future loops. Then we move on to processing the loops. To do this, you need to fold the rectangle so that the front side is on the inside. Use a machine to sew the edges of the rectangle using a secure stitch. The distance from the edge of the rectangle should be 7 mm. Using this method we sew all the rectangles together. After completing this processing, turn the rectangles right side out. And steam it with an iron to obtain flat and even pieces. We process the remaining edges. We connect the finished strips with a blanket stitch or a regular sewing stitch. The loops are ready.
You can see an approximate loop diagram in the photo.
Sewing curtain loops
We take proper care
The rules for caring for curtains with a sticky backing depend primarily on the base fabric:
- you can clean them using a sponge and a soap solution prepared from non-aggressive detergents;
- convenient to use a vacuum cleaner;
- The fabrics must be hung to dry.
On a note. Lightly but frequently wiping dust from the textile base of the curtain will protect the adhesive tape from rapid failure.
How to properly care
If used for a long time in the sun, the fabric may become deformed and turn yellow when exposed to sunlight. The fabric also becomes very dusty, as it traps dirt from the street.
- It is recommended to wash the fabric at least once every 3-4 months.
- The fabric must be shaken well to remove dust before washing.
- Also, the curtain must be soaked in salt water before washing. This will help restore the whiteness of the fabric and remove yellowness.
- In the washing machine it is necessary to wash in a bag or pillowcase on a delicate cycle. The water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
- After washing, hang it unfolded so that creases do not form when drying.
Improper washing and drying leads to the fact that fragile fabric becomes yellow, becomes wrinkled and looks unsightly.
Also, if the white fabric is too faded and yellowed in the sun, and the yellowness does not go away, it can be dyed a different color. To do this, it is better to choose delicate shades like blue or green, which will perfectly cover the yellow tone.
Curtains hung on window openings will help avoid direct sunlight. Tulle also perfectly traps dust from the street. With proper care, the curtain material will last a long time and maintain a presentable appearance.
Eventually
There are many options for using Velcro tape, and in some cases it is an excellent alternative to traditional hooks for attaching curtains.
General recommendations for selection
The decoration of balcony windows is mainly influenced by personal preferences and financial capabilities - the difference in cost between chintz curtains and automated roller blinds will be huge. In addition, the following factors are taken into account when choosing a curtain for a balcony:
- The style of the loggia and the room to which it adjoins - if it is a room, then a similar design is chosen;
- Balcony size;
- Type of fabric - it should be easy to clean and not fade in the sun;
- Orientation of the loggia - light fabrics are selected for the shadow side, denser fabrics for the sunny side, and blackouts are used to protect from direct rays.
When is a cornice needed?
There are situations when it is simply impossible to hang curtains without a curtain rod:
- if the curtains are made of very heavy fabric;
- if the curtains are to the floor;
- if the curtains must be moved apart.
Important! Much depends on the style of the room. For classics, preference is given to heavy drapes with curtains, while minimalists may well be content with light roller blinds. For a Provencal-style kitchen, light curtains are made on the eaves, and loft fans can afford any items at all, as long as they are in harmony with each other.
Fabric selection
Often the main curtains and decorative elements are sewn from the same fabric. Sometimes they choose similar fabrics that combine beautifully with each other; you can also take contrasting fabrics for curtains and lambrequins . From thin fabrics, they sew single-layer, simple models with their own hands, which go well with thin translucent curtains. If you choose a simple sewing pattern, compensate for this with beautiful, expensive fabric. For an intricate model consisting of many elements, you can choose a simple plain fabric.
The main fabrics that are used most often:
Choose dense fabrics that hold their shape; this will determine how successful your product will turn out.
In general, choose the fabric in accordance with the room in which your product will be placed, matching it with the overall interior design.
In addition to fabric, you will need curtain tapes, threads to match the fabric, cords, pins .
For a rigid lambrequin, also select interlining and lining fabric.