It's no secret that curtains play an important role in creating an interior. Depending on the style in which they are made, the interior of your apartment can change dramatically: from baroque to post-modernism, from retro to high-tech style. Including which details and accents predominate in the curtains, the style of the interior as a whole changes. If you use an integrated approach to create a complete and impeccable interior of your nest, then you should certainly pay attention to such an interesting detail of window decor as lambrequins. They are able to add exactly that zest that will make it unique and unique. And so, if you have a desire to create lambrequins for curtains with your own hands, the next master class will help turn your ideas into reality.
Preparatory stage
In the question of how to sew a lambrequin with your own hands of a narrow sample, detailed instructions will help, you should immediately notice the fact that even a beginner can cope with the work.
First of all, a pattern is created, the algorithm of actions is simple, it looks like this:
- On a sheet of paper you need to draw a horizontal line, which will be fixed to the cornice and will serve as a guide.
- The width and footage of the swag are calculated.
- Then we move on to calculating the arc length.
- Attention is paid to the cascade; the visual design of the folds and their drapery will depend on this decision.
- Start cutting out the blanks.
With some types of fabric, you need to be as careful as possible at the preparation stage, because awkward movements will inevitably stretch the thin structure or cause damage.
Instructions for Beginners
It is advisable for beginners to practice on kitchen curtains, since the window in the kitchen is usually smaller than in other rooms, which means it will be easier to work with them.
The kitchen is not only a place for preparing food, but also a corner for communication. Therefore, the choice of textiles must be approached with all responsibility.
The main thing is to follow the style of the decor.
Nowadays, fabrics are sold that are resistant to elevated temperatures and are impregnated with water- and dust-repellent substances.
The choice for flights of fancy is very large, but for a small kitchen it is better to use transparent fabric so that it does not obscure the already small room.
The lambrequin is made from the same textile as the curtains, but if you want contrast, you can choose another material. In order not to spoil the fabric, make the pattern step by step according to the diagram:
- on paper, draw a line horizontally, since it is the base for fastening to the cornice;
- calculate the size of the swag;
- arc size;
- drape;
- make a pattern.
Tooling and stitching material
Among the basic accessories for creating a lambrequin with your own hands for beginners, it is worth highlighting:
- Sharp scissors.
- Centimeter tape for measurements.
- Enough paper to make a pattern.
- Chalk or small bar of soap for tailoring.
- Large square.
Once all the pieces are cut, you need to trim the edges with bias tape, otherwise the appearance will be ugly. The prepared table should be well lit; it is better to allocate as much free space as possible for the convenience of the process.
The components of the future masterpiece are laid out on the surface and the planned folds are highlighted. The formed elements must be “baited”; after control fitting, all blanks are sewn together and attached to the rail.
Tulle for window decoration
It is known that curtains have been used since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs to protect rooms from the penetration of sunlight, mosquitoes, midges and other winged insects. Later they learned to drape them beautifully, and in the Renaissance they began to use velvet and tulle with lambrequins. They were perfectly combined with lush tassels, tiebacks and beautiful cornices, creating a luxurious design for window and doorways.
Common materials for work
Looking at numerous photos of self-made lambrequins, the question arises as to what raw materials are best used in the process.
The purchase of material should be approached seriously, because decorative elements should not lose their shape and become a decoration, and not cause surprise from the unsuccessful design of the home.
Flowing foundations such as:
- Veil.
- Semi-organza.
- Linen.
- Curtain fabrics.
For decorative work in the living room, experts advise using denser types of fabric; such additions much better emphasize the status of the owner. At the time of purchase, it will not be superfluous to pre-lay out the folds; this will help you avoid miscalculation in size.
When choosing a fabric with a pattern, you need to pay attention to the shade; it should be combined with the rest of the contents in the room.
Important! Professional tailors do not recommend purchasing ordinary organza for such decorative purposes. The material is very hard and it will not be possible to create smooth lines, which will certainly spoil the final appearance.
How to choose the required model?
Today, several types of designs are known, which differ in the complexity of tailoring. Before starting the work process, it is recommended to choose the right model that can decorate your window.
Modern designs of decorative curtains are divided into several types:
Simple lambrequin. It is a combination of simple straight and wavy elements. You can create the necessary drapery with your hands or with a special curtain tape.
Hard lambrequin. It is sewn from heavy curtain fabric. The required rigidity is achieved by laying dublerin or non-woven fabric.
Next, the front side of the lambrequin is ironed with a warm iron. The effect of temperature ensures tight fixation of the internal material to the curtain. Decorative materials will add a unique twist to the finished composition. A cord made of crystal beads or fringe is perfect for this.
Soft lambrequin. It consists of airy fabrics such as: organza, voile, batting or silk. The soft texture provides graceful curves to the fabric. The model, as a rule, consists of simple elements: swag (sagging loop) and tie (side element).
Openwork lambrequin. The technology of its manufacture has some similarities with hard. You can create an openwork pattern using templates. To do this, smooth lines are drawn on the surface of the fabric with a pencil. Next, they are cut out using a sharp stationery knife. You can secure the finished lambrequin with a special curtain tape, which is fixed on the reverse side.
Combined model. It contains both complex openwork details and light elements. Such designs can be performed by real professionals in their field.
If you have decided on the choice of model, then the next step will be sewing decorative curtains.
Using a veil
The raw materials are quite popular, which is why it is better to find out as much existing information as possible about such lambrequins for curtains with your own hands, long before starting work on the creation.
- The material is quite light and folds can be draped without any problems; it is important to correctly calculate the volume of the fabric; at this stage it is worth considering the type of curtain and how many sections it will contain.
- A simple type of product will require adding 15 to 20 cm to the length on each side. Elements with one section when created should have a value multiplied by 1.5 times.
- The pattern begins only after cutting the paper blanks, the dimensions must fully correspond to the natural size, taking into account all the small nuances it will be possible to create ideal proportions.
De jabot
To make it you need three quantities:
- short edge height;
- long edge height;
- width of the finished product, taking into account the assembly of the product.
Folds, distance between folds, heights of the bottom and short edges, calculate and draw on graph paper, scale 1:10.
Working with hard fabrics
The process is more complex; before you start making openwork lambrequins with your own hands, you should practice on light samples.
- But if you have the right pattern, there shouldn’t be any problems; thanks to such auxiliary materials, beginners can feel more confident. Do not forget about the allowance for tucking the fabric; it is left on both sides of the cornice when measuring; 10 cm will be quite enough for further manipulations.
- At the top, the base is created smooth, and the bottom is designed in one of the styles, which you will be able to familiarize yourself with while viewing master classes or photos of finished structures.
To transfer the pattern, fabric with an adhesive base is purchased, at this point allowances of 2-3 cm are left, then the two elements are fastened with pins or small needles to give strength.
Recommendation! When forming the base, fabric allowances are not needed; such manipulations are performed only with the outer fabric in order to make the appearance attractive by tucking.
A little about tulle
Transparent mesh cotton, semi-silk or other fabric is known by this name.
There are tulles:
- plain and colored;
- smooth and patterned;
- made from natural or artificial fiber.
Smooth tulle is produced on special machines from two thread systems. It is used for making elegant lingerie and evening wear, as well as as a basis for piece embroidered items.
Patterned tulle (curtain) is produced on lace machines. It is widely used for sewing home textiles such as curtains, capes and bedspreads.
Final stage
To ensure that the fabric sticks to the base as reliably as possible, use an iron heated to a certain temperature and iron the surface with it.
Using step-by-step instructions, you can avoid a lot of awkward situations; such manuals should be studied in advance, and the diagrams should be placed in front of you while working.
It is necessary to cut out the lining material according to the sample, all layers of the decorative element are assembled into one masterpiece, and stitched on a sewing machine.
It is important to remember that specimens with a rounded shape must have notches, otherwise the canvas will begin to form unplanned folds. This technique is performed from the inside of the device, which performs a decorative function.
Cafe style curtains
Cafe style curtains are a transformation of Soviet era curtains influenced by the romantic Provence style. Essentially, these are kitchen curtains with a modern design.
These curtains are convenient to use in small rooms. Short, they create a cozy homely atmosphere. Usually the height of such curtains is up to the middle of the window. Sometimes a lambrequin is made to accompany them. The curtain fabric is attached to the cornice using hinges (hidden or decorative), rings with clips, curtain tape, and eyelets.
Photos of homemade lambrequins
Making a pattern
First, you can prepare a pattern on a small scale, and then transfer it to the fabric in the required proportions.
Lambrequin pattern with dimensions:
- For a single-section product, take a length equal to the length of the cornice.
- If the product consists of two parts, then one overlaps the other by one third.
- When choosing a three-section product, you need to perform the following calculation: the length of the rod is divided by 7 and multiplied by 3. Each section must be equal to the length of the resulting indicator. For example, the length of the cornice is 180 cm: 180:7×3=77. Each cut should be equal to 77 cm. Each element should overlap the other by 1/3.
With more elements, the folds will begin to break, and the appearance of the drapery will not be so neat.
If in the chosen model the swags do not overlap each other, then the space between them is decorated with small decorative elements - a mold (decoration from a strip of fabric cut in a spiral), ties, bells. In this way, you can hide the cords formed when the parts are pulled into folds.
Product patterns should be drawn on a wall or large table.
Bottom line
The most important thing in sewing curtains is to always correctly take measurements from your window, as well as select the color of future curtains. After all, they will look beautiful if their color matches any color that makes up your kitchen or bedroom set. You can also rely on the color of the walls, choosing curtains that are a shade darker or lighter. Don’t be afraid to experiment with heavy curtains, choosing fabric for lambrequins in one color, and the curtains themselves in another. Be patient and you will definitely succeed.
