How to sew curtain tape to curtains and hang them correctly on hooks with folds

The tape is characterized as decorative accessories. This is a special curtain type of decoration, a type for curtains that forms folds of various sizes and shapes.

A soft frame that allows you to play with a lot of assembly options. Before hanging curtains on the windows, it is worth providing them with an auxiliary ribbon, which will help make the curtains beautiful. The interior of the room is immediately transformed.

Curtain tape is sewn from natural and synthetic fabrics with different densities. It allows the canvas to keep its shape. If you sew the braid to the curtains, they are more convenient and easier to secure. There is no longer a need for metal clips or sewing on loops.

Curtain tapes have several dozen types, varying in type of material. They are also distributed according to cost. The difference between the varieties is also visible in the following characteristics:

According to fixation methods. You can sew eyelet tape to the curtain. This is one of the mounting methods. There are types that are arranged in the form of strings or pipes, and are fixed in the form of sticky stickers.
According to the configuration of the tail. Any option is possible. It all depends on the desire of the person.
By size. A standard ribbon has a width from 1.5 to 10 cm. There are wider ribbons, from 2.5 and 6 cm.
According to the material. For thick, heavy curtains, it would be logical to work with polyester or cotton braid.

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Why do you need curtain tape?

The choice of curtain tape is expressed in several important points. They can be defined as the functions that it performs:

With its help, it is possible to create a variety of folds, folds, and puffs from fabrics of different densities. Decorating curtains with braid creates assemblies of varying complexity;
the tape helps to process the top of the curtains;
it becomes possible to hang curtains from a cornice or rod, eliminating clothespins and rings;
the tape gently drapes the curtains, creating a variety of patterns on them;
curtains are shortened without trimming. You can place the fasteners on the bottom row of fittings.

Characteristics and purpose of using weighting materials

Even heavy curtains are not stable and are easily moved by the wind. To fix the curtains in one place, special weights are provided. Such devices have different weights, thicknesses, and modifications.

A special weighting device ensures the much-desired evenness of the lines.

Important! When choosing a weighting agent, you need to rely on the density of the fabric. The higher it is, the greater the mass of the element used should be.

Which curtain models need additional load.

Roman. Curtains have a mechanism that lifts the fabric and rolls it onto the curtain rod. The design is additionally equipped with a wooden or plastic slats.
Japanese. These are fabric sheets that are weighted with metal, wood or plastic slats. They are secured with glue.
Curtains in the bathroom. Small magnets or plastic parts are used as weights to prevent deformation of the waterproof fabric.
Tulle. Lightweight sheer fabric can only be finished with lace.
Heavy curtains. Here it is recommended to use metal balls and cylinders.

You can make a weighting agent from available items (ribbon, cord, metal parts, slats are suitable).

In each specific case, the choice of weighting material is determined by the properties of the fabric.

The weighting material allows you to maintain the necessary shape of the curtains and prevents the curtains from deforming. In addition, this detail helps to quickly straighten the curtains. Thanks to a small load, the tulle will always look neat.

Cord and ribbon are used if the main material of the curtains is tulle, organza or other light fabrics.

How to sew curtain tape onto curtains

The question of how to sew ribbon to a curtain seems simple.
But there is a catch hidden in it. In fact, careful preparation for the process is required. Especially when it comes to the complex double-sided type of curtains. To sew curtain tape to a curtain, careful selection of threads is required. Their color should match the tone of the fabric. The seams that will be located along the face of the canvas will become invisible.

A mistake could be purchasing accessories before purchasing the canvas. In this case, you will have to look for curtains, matching them to the braid. It's better to do the opposite. It is important to calculate the fabric and select the correct ribbon length in order to complete all the folds. It's better if it comes with a reserve.

We calculate the sizes

In the proposed example, the assembly coefficient is minimal. The curtain tape is narrow and dense. The braid must be equipped with hooks.

The width parameter of the curtains, in accordance with the rule, is made equal to the same parameter of the cornice, multiplied by the assembly factor “K”. Add 15 to 25 cm to fold in the sides and ensure proper shrinkage.

For a cornice 150 cm long, braid dimensions: K=2. 150 * 2 + 25 = 3.25 m. The length of the curtain increases by 12 cm so that you can make a hem:

2 cm is taken to bend the upper curtain part;
10 cm remains for the bottom hem.

The length of the tape is determined by the sum of the width of the folded curtain with the addition of safety 50 cm for shrinkage.

Checking for bevels and shrinkage

The material is checked for evenness of the cut when it is purchased.
The curtains on which the pattern is located are easier to align. Plain fabric, before sewing on the braid, should be aligned in such a way as to make the edge strictly perpendicular to the passage of the grain line. Perform bevel cutting. The cut is checked by securing it in a vertical position. The presence of distortions and the upper tension of the side are checked.

Avoiding the consequences of shrinkage

To prevent shrinkage of the material, a piece of fabric after alignment is placed in warm water and washed without adding powder. Then dry and iron. This operation will prevent the material from shrinking after the tape is secured.

Before sewing, the tape is wetted and dried so that shrinkage does not occur. This is important not only for thick curtains. This is of particular importance if the ribbon is placed on organza and veil.

Setting up the machine correctly

To properly sew the tape to the curtain, you need to set up your sewing machine.

To make the seam beautiful, adjust the thread tension. For preliminary testing, it is better to use a small piece of material for testing. It is necessary that the stitching goes smoothly and the threads do not stick out.
It is necessary to adjust the pressure of the sewing machine foot on the material. If it is strong, the material will wrinkle and tighten. An iron cannot smooth out such a seam. You need to adjust the presser foot pressure, set it to the types of fabric.

Preparing the curtain

The curtain tape is hemmed to the prepared curtain, having previously trimmed the factory edges on the material. When hemming, they help tighten the fabric. Having retreated 1.5 cm from the edge, the vertical thread is pulled out. The resulting line allows you to make a cut and fold the side edge. Stitching and steaming are carried out.

The bottom is folded, stitched, steamed. The top of the curtain is being processed. A fold of 2 cm is made. Delicate ironing and basting is required. After all operations, the textile strip is sewn on and the drapery is formed.

How to sew braid to curtains: step-by-step instructions

The fabric is ironed and the cut edges are processed. Usually a double hem is made at the bottom. This method of hemming, eliminating trimming, shortens the product. Using double hemming, up to 30 cm of fabric can be removed.

Before stitching the braid, the top edge is processed. Fold it to the selected amount and carefully iron the material, taking into account its density and texture.
The basting is done manually. The tape is first folded. A couple of centimeters are enough for this. The hem is fixed with tailor's needles.
The curtain is placed face up. The front side of the braid is placed on it.
The firmware is being flashed on the machine. Determining the exact number of seams is based on the parameters of the tapes:
a narrow ribbon is made with 2 seam lines on both parts;
with a width of up to 12 cm, 3 lines should be made, where the third middle seam is auxiliary;
on a wide type of braid, perform 4 lines.
The sewing of the folded allowance occurs from the wrong side. The first seam runs along the edge of the tape.
The end of the seam allowance is turned inwards.
The curtain unfolds with the wrong side up. The tape is folded over the curtain so that 0.5 cm is obtained from its border to the fold line. The allowance is used to hide the hooks behind the curtain.
The second seam also runs along the edge of the ribbon. The front side is made smooth and neat.
As soon as the ribbon is stitched, the ropes are tightened. A version of the intended pattern is created.

Sewing order

After selecting the material, you can start sewing. To sew curtains, you need the following equipment:

sewing machine;
threads;
needles;
tailor's centimeter;
scissors.

You may also need safety pins during the process. You need to do the following step by step:

The length of the tape is measured with a small allowance of 4-5 cm.
The upper part of the curtain is folded up about 2 or 3 cm and ironed. The wrong side of the braid is applied to the wrong side of the curtain with an indentation of 0.5 or 1 cm.
Basting is done using large stitches. It is permissible to use safety pins instead of hand basting.
The braid should be sewn to the curtain with two lines. First you need to stitch the top edge, then the bottom. The number of lines should be equal to the number of cords.
After completing the stitching, the ends need to be tied so that they do not come out of the fabric, then pull the cords evenly on one side until uniform folds are obtained, which must be distributed along the entire length.

We receive ready-made curtains.

Curtain braid allows you to get excellent drapery yourself with even folds of the same depth. The volume and splendor of the gathers can be adjusted. The advantage of the tape is that curtains or tulle can be easily removed: if necessary, the curtain can be removed, untied, folded for storage or washed.

The more complex the decor and folds, the wider the braid is needed. The curtain fabric may become short after washing. Before hemming, the fabric must be soaked in warm water, dried and ironed.

Important: after the folds are made, the cords should not be cut. They will be needed if the curtain needs to be straightened when dismantled for storage or washing.

How to sew ribbon for hanging curtains on a ceiling cornice

Attaching curtains to ceiling cornices is a labor-intensive process. This cornice has special hooks for hanging. Curtains require mounting tape, including for beautiful draperies.

The work is performed according to the proposed algorithm:

The strength of fastening the ribbon to the material should be calculated.
The strings are pulled out, gathered and tied at one end of the ribbon. This reduces the width of the curtains and creates clear folds.
Hooks are used to attach to the curtain. They are connected by sewn loops, which are located in the mounting tape. The distance between the loops should be 10 cm.
The fasteners are attached to the cornice.

The work is completed by checking the strength of the fasteners fixed to the cornice.

Main varieties

Curtain braid comes in several types. The transparent one is made of leka and is used to decorate tulle and organza. Opaque options made of polyester or cotton are intended for hemming thick fabrics. According to the method of fastening, the following types are distinguished:

using hooks;
combined - with hooks and Velcro;
adhesive tape (for lambrequins and Roman blinds);
on string cornices;
grommet fastening.

The width of the tapes varies from 2 to 10 cm. Most often, braid with a width of 2.5 or 6 cm is used. Narrow options are used for closed and ceiling cornices or if the top of the curtain is hidden by a lambrequin. Wide tapes are suitable for open cornices. In this case, the loops can be covered with the top edge of the braid if decorative gathering is needed.

How to sew tape to curtains to cover a cornice

Sometimes it is necessary for the cornice to be masked with curtain tape. This eliminates various conspicuous imperfections. A braid is placed on the cut from the inside. It is made invisible from the face, so it is sewn on, lowering the edge of the material 0.3-0.5 cm below the line. Thus, the cornice overlaps.

Formation of folds

In addition to knowing how to sew curtain tape to curtains, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for making beautiful folds.

To make it work, the ribbon is supplied with three to four cords. They tie together at both ends. First, the elastic band is stretched. The assembled cords with a knot are grabbed with one hand. With the other hand, you should gather the braid from the edges and reaching the center. The fabric moves evenly along the rope.

You get folds. Loose ropes, increased in length, are wound on cardboard.

Simple folds are created using ribbons that have two rows of loops. Types that have 3-4 rows of loops create a decorative decoration for the top of the curtain.

Common mistakes made by newbies

Mistakes made by beginners are due to their lack of sewing experience. Many beginners do not strive to learn how to properly sew curtain tape, as they consider it a simple matter. When it comes time to sew and design the ribbon yourself, important points are overlooked.

The curtain material, after installing the braid, is washed and shrinks. To eliminate new cutting and alteration, the tape is left with an additional margin;
In the middle of the braid there is a tightening seam. When working, a careless beginner, for example, is able to cut it. Curtains sag because the tape is not tensioned properly.

Tips from an experienced seamstress

Craftswomen are happy to share their sewing knowledge. On the Internet, their advice is presented accompanied by photographs of their work and videos. The tips are simple. For example, you can pay attention to the following:

When the curtain tape is trimmed, a few more centimeters are removed. This is how the bend is performed. For action you need the inside of the canvas.
If the ribbon is sewn to tulle or organza, the condition requires that it lie on the fabric, one and a half centimeters below the edge of the top of the fabric. It turns out that most of the width of the ribbon protrudes from behind the tulle, remaining visible. On the sides of the curtains, the remaining ends of the ribbon are not cut, but are bent, clasping the tulle, forming smooth edges of the top.

Curtains, secured with curtain tape, drape vertically and horizontally. The braid is sewn to a lambrequin, tulle, or thick night curtain. Knowing how to hang curtains on curtain tape on hooks, it is easy to make a cascade or a line of even folds.

How to hem tulle - tips for beginners

If you have a sewing machine at home, then you can handle hemming tulle easily, quickly and easily. First, you should take the necessary measurements and, if possible, cut off the excess length.

If you don't want to cut the fabric, make a few hems and baste by hand or using a machine.

Make long stitches and use pins or needles as needed. After basting, iron the hem thoroughly, this will help make the fold line as straight as possible. Next you should sew it on a sewing machine.

The length of the seams should be minimal.

At the beginning and end of each line, do not secure the thread. After everything is stitched, simply tie the ends of the threads tightly. All that remains is to connect the curtain tape (braid) with the tulle.

How to do this correctly will be discussed in the next section.

Photo of curtains on curtain tape, hanging on hooks

Any style is acceptable for window decoration. In the selection of photos you can find draperies of light, heavy, soft and hard fabrics. For high-tech or minimalist interiors, choose laconic curtain decor. Provence and shabby chic are tenderness and airiness. A living room in a classic, baroque style will be decorated with a chic lambrequin.

Peculiarities

To attach curtains to curtains or ceiling cornices, fastenings are required. Fittings are made from various materials:

metal-plastic;
non-ferrous metal;
aluminum;
become;
light and durable polymer.

Hooks or rings usually come with curtain rods. Toothed crocodile clips are used for heavy materials, clips are used for organza and tulle.

How to hang curtains

Housewives who know various methods of attaching curtains independently decide how best to hang curtains on a strip. Drapery options:

“pencil”, which is suitable for veils, the material hangs almost without gathering;
“columns” are rows of folds of the same size, the density is determined by the tension force of the cord;
uneven waves-buffs are made on curtains with lurex or a metallic sheen; the curtain tape will need to be wide, with 4 threads;
a medium-density curtain is gathered in a “fan” pattern;
the beautiful butterfly relief with a diamond-shaped screed looks elegant;
“glass” or “glass” with a lower double tuck of ribbon-braid;
Counter folds are practiced on soft woolen fabrics.

The braid is selected taking into account the assembly coefficient, the number of cords on which the fit density depends.

Selection of material

Any curtain is hung on the window with a small gather . How to calculate the length correctly? For example, you need to hem a curtain on a window 3 meters long. The tape has a build factor k. For example, k=1.5. To get a curtain of the required length, you need to calculate the width of the canvas and multiply the length by the coefficient (3x1.5 = 4.5). Thus, you need to buy a canvas 4.5 meters wide.

Coefficients range from 1.5 to 3. The length of the braid should be equal to the width of the fabric. It should be taken into account that different fabrics have different degrees of contraction depending on the density.

When selecting a ribbon, you should try to pull it together in a small area: in this case, the folds should take on a uniform shape.

How to sew ribbon to curtains

The sequence of operations is presented in a small master class:

sew the curtain, trim the edges on all sides;
cut the braid, the length of the piece exceeds the width of the curtain by 5 cm;
bend the ends inward by 2.5 cm on both sides, secure with a pin;
pin or baste the fastening strip at the desired height from the wrong side of the material;
Sew the tape along the top and bottom edges.

The cord should be loose, folds are made later. You need to sew the ribbon-braid in a medium step.

Curtain braid, varieties, description

Decorative braid is sewn on the front or back side of the product. It not only serves as a fold assembly, but also decorates the product. Original decorative braid for curtains can be sewn: on the bottom edge, along the perimeter, on the sides. It can be additionally decorated with stones, rhinestones, lurex, and beads.

Its use for window decoration has recently become very common among designers, needlewomen and curtain sewers.

Types of decorative braid:

For buffs. This type creates a decorative drapery of a special shape. This technique looks great on plain materials, creating a corrugated effect.
Ruffles. They are sewn onto the front side of the product. A country style curtain is the most common model using decorative fittings in the form of ruffles.
With ornament. These are products with a variety of patterns and ethnic motifs. You can find decorative braid in Greek, Moroccan, African, English, Arabic, and Japanese styles. With the help of such a decorative detail, accents are placed and a special ethnic element in the interior is emphasized.
With Fringe. Used in styles with lush decoration: art deco, classic, empire, Victorian, oriental style.
Openwork with lurex. An original finish for curtains that will make the product elegant and complete.

This inconspicuous detail can turn even the most boring curtains into chic drapes.

Braid with loops

Tapes for curtains with loops are widely used; they are inexpensive and can be sewn to the back surface of curtains without much difficulty. Along the top and middle line of the product there are rows of loops for hooks. There may be several of them.

The most convenient thing about it is that it is made not of stretchy fabric, but of dense material.

With two rows of loops. For normal hanging of curtains on hooks.
With four rows of loops. For adjusting the length of curtains without shortening the edges.

Note! If the curtains sag, it means there are not enough curtain hooks and they are not designed correctly. The second reason: the braid is too thin and narrow.

It is easy to sew on a machine to the fabric, and the folds can be made of any density.

Braid with loops can be of two types:

Transparent. Made from nylon, designed for light translucent fabrics: organza, veil, mesh. Such fittings will be invisible on thin and light fabric. The process of sewing transparent tape is more labor intensive and requires some experience and skill.
Not transparent tape. Made from cotton for thick curtain fabrics. Before work, it is necessary to steam the tape to avoid unwanted shrinkage on the finished product.

Their size and quantity can be adjusted with several laces passed through the entire length of the tape.

Adhesive tape for curtains

The use of adhesive fittings for curtains is justified only if the material is light.

Curtain tape simplifies the process of sewing curtains.

The procedure for fixing the adhesive tape.

Heat the strip with an iron; the high temperature will melt the glue on the tape to a liquid state.
Carefully fix the tape on the curtain before the glue hardens: it is securely connected to the curtain.

It does not require sewing loops to secure the fabric to the hooks - these loops are already provided on the tape.

Curtain tapes

They are divided into two types according to the formation of types of assemblies.

Horizontal assemblies. Used for sewing traditional curtains and lambrequins.
Vertical assemblies. Used for sewing Roman, French and Austrian curtains with lifting mechanisms.

Curtain tape allows you to beautifully drape fabric of any density and texture.

Step-by-step instruction

When the curtain is ready, proceed to the final design procedure.
First, check the reliability of the cord, release and tie the ends at each edge so that they do not fly out when tightening. How to properly hang a curtain on a curtain tape:

take a hook or ring, hook it onto a fabric loop, repeat the operation with all fasteners;
when the curtains are hung, make folds according to the chosen pattern, adjusting the length of the thread;
fasten the free ends of the thread, wind it into a skein, and hook it onto the cornice.

It is important to maintain a distance between loops of at least 5 cm so that the fabric does not sag.

Second stitch and cord pouch

Of course, performing the second line requires special skill. After all, you need to understand that the tape and the fabric must be connected in such a way that a landing does not form as a result. To do this, during stitching, you should stretch the fabric along with the tape and not allow the machine to “sag” the fabric. But here another problem arises: if you pull the fabric too tightly, you can displace or break the needle. This can be avoided if you use both hands to evenly and smoothly stretch this section of the fabric in different directions and at the same time secure the braid with a stitch.

You need to understand that the tape must be connected to the fabric in such a way that it does not result in a seam.

When the second line is finished, you need to start working on the cord pouch. First of all, after the stitching process is completed, you should pull out the cord from the other edge of the product and tie it into a knot. This is necessary to prevent the cords from slipping out of the loops. After which the excess edge of the tape is cut off and folded inward. The ends of the lace are hidden there. Then the edge of the tape is stitched. The cords need to be tied into a knot with each other, this will prevent them from slipping out.

In the process of sewing, special attention should be paid to the choice of threads for sewing, since the quality of the work performed largely depends on their quality

A cord pouch will allow you to hide the remains of the cord from prying eyes. It is made from braid and sewn onto the edge of the curtain. In the process of sewing, special attention should be paid to the choice of threads for sewing, since the quality of the work performed largely depends on their quality.

Features of hanging tulle

For fastening, hooks and rings are used, sometimes the canvas is attached to a pipe, and a special pocket is made along the entire width.
For drapery you will need transparent braid with a gather factor of more than 2.5. It is better to choose adhesive-based options. Standardly, the strip is attached to the folded edge, first sewn on top. For decorative purposes, up to 20 cm is removed from the top edge. The tulle will have visual lightness and airiness.

The fabric is usually gathered with an accordion or deep folds are made with a certain step.