Sewing curtains with eyelet rings yourself is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is desire and availability of free time. If both are available, then watch the step-by-step master class on how to sew curtains with eyelets with your own hands.
Curtains with eyelets are great in themselves and can add style to the surrounding interior.
This is always a good solution for decorating a window area.
Sewing materials
A piece of fabric (future curtain), eyelets, pencil, thread, needle, eyelet tape, scissors, ruler or tape measure - a set of materials that will be needed for sewing. You also need a sewing machine and minimal ability to work with it.
The designs attract attention not only with the quality of the textiles, but also with the unconventional method of attaching the canvases to the cornice.
Many housewives dream of owning a similar model of curtains.
Types of tapes
Ribbons are made in various colors, but preference should be given to white nylon. It will not stain the curtain fabric when washed and will not change its color over time. For thin draperies, translucent grommet tape is suitable.
Nylon strips come with single-sided and double-sided glue application. In the first case, glue is applied only to one side of the tape. This strip is easy to use and fits any type of fabric. In the second option, both sides of the tape are covered with glue. It may also have a protective net for the iron. When working with tape, first glue one side, then remove the protective mesh, wrap the nylon with fabric and iron the curtains again to secure the second side.
In addition to the above-mentioned varieties, there is a so-called imitation grommet tape. It is a strip of nylon on an adhesive basis, complemented by textile loops for the cornice rod. This tape is first glued to the curtains, and then additionally secured with a sewing stitch. This type does not require the installation of eyelets, and the curtain is attached to the curtain rod using loops.
Sewing curtains with eyelets with your own hands: pros and cons
It’s worth noting right away that wasting time on taking measurements, sewing, and selecting the necessary materials are the main points that can become an obstacle to starting to sew curtains with grommets in person, with your own hands. However, all this is incomparable with the following points.
Curtains hung on grommets are almost impossible to tear off even with a good tug or sharp pull.
The neat, even waves formed by the curtains look impressive in the interior design of any stylistic orientation.
- The ability to choose and purchase fabric of the desired size, color and quality.
- A real chance to save money without having to send the fabric for sewing with eyelets to the studio.
- Demonstration of creativity and skills, the result of which is a unique author’s performance.
The fixtures themselves will also decorate the interior.
Note! To save time before you start looking for fasteners and fabric for curtains (drapes) in stores, take measurements of both materials, mentally imagine their colors and quality.
Today, eyelets are offered in a wide variety of shades and shapes.
THIRD step
The distance from the top was measured. Adhesive tape was applied. The iron was boiled.
I glued it on the floor
) I turned on the iron, but did not lay out the ironing board so that such long curtains would not slide down and stretch the fabric. The glue must not only melt, but also successfully adhere to the fabric. And it is advisable to cool down in the same position. No twitching.
USEFUL NOTE. Correctly determine which side of the tape is adhesive. It is rougher and a little sticky. We place the adhesive side on the fabric from the wrong side.
Take a blank sheet of paper and start gluing through it. We place the iron at the very edge, press and count until... how long. The gluing time will depend on the density of the fabric and the temperature of the iron. I counted to 50 quickly, but sometimes twice because the glue didn’t have time to set. We don’t move the iron!
When the glue melts and the tape sticks to the fabric, carefully remove the sheet. Give the glue time to cool after ironing - do not tug or pull the fabric. Check especially around the edges to make sure everything is stuck. If necessary somewhere, repeat.
And so, moving the iron again and again, we glue the grommet tape along the two tops of the curtains.
Glue the grommet tape
USEFUL NOTE. So that after gluing I didn’t have to go to the second round on the tops of the curtains, I immediately began ironing the top of the fabric. Saves time and does not have to squeeze the fabric twice.
Please note: gluing
pulls the fabric
a little . Keep this in mind when you iron the top after gluing. Try to do this symmetrically. Synthetic fabric, unlike natural fabric, is not ironed (that is, it does not taper). You still have to deal with these formed waves when you begin to attach them.
Glue the tape and iron the top
I admit, working with an iron is
a slow
task . My knees were the most tired. Therefore, after this procedure, I went to drink tea and straighten my legs to gain some strength.
While you're relaxing, I'll tell you a joke.
The couple moved to a new house. “Listen,” says the wife. I need to urgently buy new curtains, otherwise when I undress for the night, the neighbors might see me.” “No need to spend money,” the husband replies. When the neighbors see you, they will buy curtains themselves.” :)))))))))))))))))))
It will take a long time to glue
What are eyelets
Eyelets are fasteners with a groove, with the help of which you put the curtain fabric on the cornice. Round grommets are often chosen because this shape slides easily along the rod (string) of the cornice. Each circle consists of two separate parts. At the moment of joining, they create holes in the fabric necessary for stringing the curtains onto the curtain rod.
Eyelets are easy to choose for decorating rooms with a wide range of functionality and design.
Since the fasteners do not have sharp teeth that can deform the fabric and leave unsightly puffs on it, the curtains will last for decades.
The main advantages of eyelet fasteners, which serve as a reliable fastening to both thick curtains and thin tulle:
- evenly distributed waviness of folds;
- long-term preservation of the material in its original form;
- quick and easy opening and closing of the curtain;
- laconic look, suitable for any interior.
Curtains are equally easy to hang and remove. They do not lose their shape when washed.
Important! The height of the rings should be 2-3mm greater than the thickness of the fabric. The internal diameter should be at least 1 cm greater than the thickness of the cornice.
The reliability of the fasteners and the ease of their movement along the cornice will make it easy for even a child to curtain the window.
Conclusion
Eyelet nylon strips are very convenient and useful if used correctly. A similar approach can also be used if the eyelets are located at the bottom of the curtains - this is a very original decorative move, in which all the details are important. Subsequently, muslin or ropes are passed through the holes, which also needs to be taken into account (the folds will be soft or embossed as a result).
When purchasing a functional element, you do not need to make provisions for the future. The adhesive strip may soften and even come off if stored improperly. You should not use colored products - they are attractive in themselves, but during use they can unexpectedly change color.
Options and rules for using curtain tassels
Magnets as accessories for curtains: application features
How to choose the right tiebacks and pins for curtains?
Grommet tape: how to sew it to a curtain with your own hands
At the very beginning, you need to correctly sew the grommet tape, since it is the basis for these fasteners. It makes the upper edge of the fabric denser so that the curtain gathers beautifully and forms wavy folds.
The ease of installation, functionality and durability of the fittings made the scope of its application almost unlimited.
Note! You need to buy a tape no wider than 8 cm. Otherwise, it will either need to be cut or used for smaller rings with a diameter of no more than 4 mm.
Plastic eyelets slide along the curtain rod quietly, with a pleasant rustling sound.
So, how to sew grommet tape onto a curtain? Detailed instructions:
- Stepping back 1 cm from the top edge, lay the tape with the adhesive part (on the wrong side of the fabric!);
- Iron the tape with a well-heated iron, thereby sizing it;
- Carefully trim the remaining part of the tape with scissors without damaging the curtain fabric;
- Fold the remaining top edge onto the grommet tape and iron it;
- Fold the top edge with the ribbon, iron and stitch along the bottom edge.
Installing the eyelets yourself is not difficult.
Important! You need to sew the grommet tape along the edge, carefully pulling the curtain fabric from below. The stitch should not come out onto the canvas, but should go strictly along the grommet tape. Therefore, you need to sew carefully, slowly.
SECOND step
I decided to eat the frog right away, that is, I started processing from the top, from the most difficult one. This is preparing the fabric for installing eyelets
.
First you need to take a piece of paper with a pen and carefully count. Find out what distance
you will have from the top of the curtain to the top of the inner circle of the grommet (or to the top point of the curtain).
This figure is needed to find out what width
to buy
grommet tape
.
For us this distance was 4.5 cm
.
We took adhesive tape 10cm
. A decimeter will be enough for the curtain to “stand” from the ceiling to the curtain (4.5 cm), in the area of the eyelets (with an internal diameter of 3 cm) and even slightly below the rings (2.5 cm). If your height to the ceiling is greater or the diameter of the curtain is large, then you probably need to take a wider tape.
So, we chose the adhesive tape and bought it.
Before you start gluing, the top cut of the curtain
It is necessary that it be
processed
in advance, because then we will fold it and stitch it to cover the glued tape.
I had a hem there (which doesn't unravel), so I didn't do that. If you have an open cut at the top, then you need to sew it with a hem seam, even better with an open cut, so that the thickness is small. Eventually the cut will close anyway.
Total. From the processed top of the curtain, measure the distance to the width of the grommet tape + 0.5 cm
and draw a chalk line.
This will be the upper limit where we will stick the tape. For me this distance was 10.5 cm
.
We retreat from the top by the width of the grommet tape + 0.5 cm
NOTE ON STEP. Mark to yourself where you have the TOP of the curtains on both curtains according to the fabric pattern. To glue the tape in the right place and then put eyelets there. Next you will need to make holes in the fabric and if you make a mistake, it will be difficult to tear off the adhesive tape, but it will be possible. But cut holes will ruin the canvas forever.
How to install eyelets on curtains with your own hands
After sewing on the grommet tape, the final step remains - installing the grommet rings. To do this you need:
- Select eyelets of the required material and size;
- Make the correct markings for installing the rings;
- Securely secure the grommet rings in the holes.
With good quality, the parts will last a long time and without incidents.
Important! To make the markings, you need to lay out the top of the curtain fabric perfectly evenly, prepare a pencil, scissors and a ruler.
Care instructions
Textiles reinforced with adhesive nylon tape should be washed by hand or on a delicate cycle. It is important to keep the washing temperature low to prevent the tape from peeling off. It is also undesirable to squeeze out compacted areas; the tape may become confused and it will be impossible to straighten it. The ironing mode is selected based on the type of drapery fabric.
Experienced craftswomen do not recommend purchasing adhesive tape for future use, since over time the glue loses its properties and can change color when melted.
Eyelet tape is a nylon adhesive strip that allows you to strengthen the fabric to obtain elastic, uniform folds. In addition, it is used to strengthen textile parts subject to intensive use. Following the technology of gluing tape and recommendations for caring for curtains will allow beautiful draperies to please the eyes of the owners for a long time.
Which rings are better - metal or plastic?
When choosing grommet fasteners for a future curtain, you should know that:
- metal ones are suitable for thick, plain fabrics;
- plastic ones are suitable for absolutely any fabric.
To make your own curtains with metal eyelets, you can choose bronze, gold-plated, or chrome-plated models.
In this case, it is better to give preference to plastic fasteners. They are silent, easy to care for, do not rust or peel, and come in different colors and shades. In addition, plastic fasteners can be snapped in place independently without additional equipment.
The fittings can be transparent, have a pattern or be plain, or be an imitation of natural textures and other materials.
Additional Information. When choosing between matte and shiny eyelets, you should give preference to a matte shade. Shiny eyelets quickly lose their shine due to constant mechanical stress - the movement of the curtain along the cornice.
Various types of eyelets
Eyelets as fastenings were popular in Europe back in the 70s. At that time, they were used to decorate window and door openings. Over time, eyelets went out of fashion, and only recently this method of attaching curtains has been revived by interior designers.
Metal eyelets are durable and, if made of high-quality material, do not rust
Curtain eyelets are fastenings that are most often made of metal or plastic. At the same time, plastic is now considered more popular, since such eyelets are easy to install, and most often this does not even require a special tool. Metal ones are very durable and, if made of high-quality material, do not rust.
Eyelet sizes
However, the material is not so important, since first of all you need to choose eyelets so that they suit the appearance and style of the canvas. There are many more options here. For example, there are rings on sale with both shiny and matte surfaces. But at the same time, matte ones retain their original appearance longer, while shiny ones gradually lose their attractiveness.
Curtains with eyelets fit well into almost any interior, but look especially good in a minimalist setting or in a high-tech interior
As for the color option, the variety here is very large. You can choose rings of any color; there are also imitations of other materials: wood, metal, leather, etc. Therefore, even the most ordinary round eyelets can look very unusual and will become an additional decoration for curtains.
By the way, eyelets do not have to be round at all. You can find a variety of options on sale; they can be square, triangular, and other shapes. There is also a wide selection of fastenings of unusual shapes. For example, for a marine-style interior, you can choose mounts in the form of dolphins or a steering wheel, and for a children’s room - in the form of flowers or clouds.
You need to choose eyelets such that they fit freely on the curtain
The main requirement when choosing is to take into account the diameter of the fastening. Eyelets are used in a wide variety of areas. They have found their use in handicrafts (for example, scrapbooking) and even in the production of advertising posters. Therefore, the diameter of the eyelets can vary greatly. You need to choose ones that fit easily over the curtain.
The optimal diameter should not be less than 1.5 cm and more than 5 cm
Therefore, the optimal diameter should not be less than 1.5 cm and more than 5 cm. At the same time, it is better to choose smaller fasteners for curtains made of thin and light material, and larger ones for curtains made of denser fabrics.
Marking holes and installing rings: detailed instructions
So, when the grommet tape is sewn, you can move on to the most important thing - installing the grommets. To do this, you need to prepare an even number of eyelets based on the markings of the holes on the curtain.
Usually, eyelets with a diametrical size of the inner ring of up to 5 cm are used for window decoration.
To make markup you need:
- Measure the length of the fabric from one edge to the other;
- Determine the desired depth of folds;
- Decide on the indentation from the top edge.
The color of the fasteners should be correlated with the design of the cornice, curtains or furniture available in the interior.
Important! For light fabrics (tulle, organza, muslin) the ideal space at the top is 4-6 cm, for dense fabrics - no more than 7 cm.
The distance between the rings, which will give the desired depth of the folds, is determined as follows.
- On both sides, half the specified distance should be marked. That is, if you decide to take 15 cm between the rings, then you need to mark 7.5 cm on both sides.
- From one of the edges (from the given starting mark), measure the selected number of centimeters and put a new mark. Then repeat the marking to the other end of the curtain.
The color scheme for the design of the window area should echo the style of the interior of the room.
Important! Large intervals between rings lead to sagging fabric. Therefore, the distance should not exceed 22cm. The ideal distance is 15cm.
After the marked distance, you need to determine the center of each eyelet and install them.
To do this, you will need to complete the following steps.
- Measure the height of the hemmed eyelet tape and divide by 2.
- At each distance mark, place a new mark for the center.
- Take the grommet, place it in the center of the resulting marking and trace it from the inside.
- On the outside, at a distance of 0.5 cm, draw another ring.
- Make a cut from the center of the marking and cut the fabric inside along the outer circle.
- Open the eyelet, install it in the hole and snap it into place.
- Follow steps 3-6 along the entire length of the curtain.
To ensure that the product looks beautiful and the fastenings do not bulge in all directions, you need to install an even number of elements.
What is it used for?
Grommet tape helps when you need to seal the top of a curtain or curtain. Most often, without it, the material becomes distorted, which makes it extremely difficult to install eyelets and further use of the product. It is also used to improve the quality of folds and beautiful drapery.
The eyelet tape is a strip of hot-melt adhesive material with varying widths, which depends on the diameter of the installed eyelets (from 5-6 to 12-15 cm). In most cases, a product is used whose width exceeds the diameter of the grommets used by about 2-3 cm. For curtains made of transparent thin fabric, there is a special transparent tape.
Grommet tape is often used to make decorative tiebacks for drapes and curtains with your own hands to make them tighter. Appliqués and decorative elements fit much better on such a lining. Among other things, it gives neatness and increased density to the edges of various curtains. Applying tape to folds or hems on fabric for Japanese curtains can extend their lifespan.
Eyelet tapes are divided into two types depending on the number of layers: single-layer and double-layer. For single-layer ones, only one side of the fabric is treated with glue. Using an iron, you can glue a strip to one side of the curtain, after which the fabric will be stiff enough to install the eyelets without spoiling the appearance of the folds. In double-layer ones, both sides are treated with glue, which makes the fixation more dense. One of the sides is equipped with a special non-stick mesh that protects the iron. The mesh is removed after processing one of the sides is completed, then work with the material continues.
You may also be interested in: Design of curtains with lapels with photos in the interior
Features of sewing curtains with eyelets. Sewing tips
Sewing curtains with eyelets at home is undoubtedly a good idea that will not take much effort and time. It is enough to follow the strict instructions given above and recommendations.
If you decide to sew curtains with eyelets yourself, do not use cheap metal.
- The piece of fabric should be at least 2 times longer than the cornice. The height of the canvas does not matter.
- Before installing the eyelets, you need to turn them in (by 1-2.5 cm) and stitch the edges of the fabric.
- The eyelet tape should be sewn after processing the cuts of all edges of the fabric, except the top.
- If the fabric is too thick, there is no need to glue the grommet tape.
- When attaching two identical curtains, the folds must be laid in mirror images.
As you can see, even beginners in handmade can do such a job as putting grommets on curtains with their own hands.
It is also worth remembering that soft material holds its shape worse than dense material. Therefore, it is better to make a bend from the top edge of about 5 cm, and install eyelets with a diameter of 3 to 4 cm.
Purpose and features
When sewing curtains, reinforcing tape can be used in the following cases.
- To secure the edges of the material for the purpose of subsequent installation of eyelets. Tape is the most convenient and optimal solution, because the size is already set, you won’t be able to stick it on the wrong side, it doesn’t crumble or stain the fabric, and it doesn’t delaminate after washing. A fold with such a pad looks neater and smoother.
- Grommet tape is widely used in the independent production of tiebacks for curtains for the purpose of sealing them.
- Appliqués and decorative elements fit better on such a lining.
- The device is used to give neatness and density to the edges of Roman curtains.
- Tape-treated fabric flaps on Japanese panels extend their service life.
Advice
Eyelet tape is a useful device, but not necessary. Before purchasing a product, you need to make sure that without it the implementation of the intended image will be impossible. Otherwise, the element will only damage the product or complicate the work.
Varieties
There are 2 main types of curtain eyelet tapes:
- Single-layer - glue is applied to only one side. This is a universal option, suitable for all types of curtains. The strip is easily attached to the fabric if you walk over it with a hot iron: under the influence of high temperature, the glue quickly melts and reliably connects the nylon and the curtain.
- Double-layer - glue is applied to both sides of the tape. It differs from the previous version in its tighter fixation and high protection of the fabric using a non-stick mesh, which is torn off after gluing to the canvas.
They also differ from each other in width and color. For light curtains, a transparent option is suitable, invisible to the human eye. If the curtains are made of dense and heavy fabric, then you will need a wide opaque (usually white) ribbon.
Both types are sold in specialized stores (sewing, textile, craft-oriented) and ateliers.
Installation of eyelets
- Draw a straight line on the underside of the cuff with chalk or a piece of soap on which the fasteners will be located;
- Mark the locations for each of the eyelets;
- Trace the eyelets along the inner diameter;
- Using sharp scissors, cut each hole slightly beyond the drawn circle;
- Turn the curtain over so the front side is facing you;
- Place the wrong side of the eyelet under the bottom of the fabric;
- Place the front part on top;
- Press lightly until you hear a characteristic click;
- Repeat for each of the fasteners.
Eyelet tape for curtains: description, methods of attachment to fabric
Eyelet tape for imitation eyelets
One of the ways to strengthen rings on fabric is to use special fittings - grommet tape made of capronized material onto which hot-melt adhesive is applied. Curtain tape gives the fabric additional rigidity and is installed along the upper edge of the curtain. The sizes and colors are different, so it can be used to attach eyelets of different formats.
If organza or other lightweight fabric is used for work, you must use a special transparent tape
It is easy to apply to fabric: it is enough to heat it for the adhesive properties to appear.
Types of tape and installation methods
A curtain with eyelets will decorate the room, and for a strong attachment you will need a ribbon. There are two types of this product on the market:
- Single-layer, on which the adhesive composition is applied on one side. They are suitable for any type of fabric. You can attach them by first passing a hot iron over the surface: this will be enough for the glue to melt and securely attach the tape to the curtain.
Main types of eyelets
As wide as the choice of curtains is, it is equally wide in the grommets. Moreover, there are several criteria that you can pay attention to when purchasing them:
Main types of eyelets.
- Size. Eyelets vary in size from 1 to 5 cm.
- Material. Rings can be made of metal or plastic.
- Form. The first eyelets developed were only round in shape. But today you can choose a product of almost any shape, from geometric shapes to floral ones.
- Hue. The most common eyelets have one color. There are models designed for chiffon curtains or curtains made of similar materials, which are made of transparent plastic. Well, the most expensive ones are those that imitate natural materials.
When purchasing, not only the interior of the room is taken into account, but also the material of the cornice, its color scheme, as well as the curtains themselves according to the same parameters.
Determination of quantity
In order for the curtains to fit harmoniously into the interior, you need to choose the right length and correctly calculate the width of the future product. Be sure to measure the length of the cornice.
It is recommended to double this value or even multiply the original figure by 2.5. Curtains with eyelets with tulle can reduce the design coefficient to 1.5. Don't forget to add extra hem on each side.
When selecting eyelets, the desired parameters of the folds, the format of the elements, and the planned parameters of the product are taken into account.
Experienced craftswomen recommend purchasing an even number of rings. The first element is installed 5-7 cm from the edge. The gap between the rings is 15-20 cm.
How to choose the right option?
When choosing eyelets for sewing curtains with your own hands, it is important that the internal diameter of the selected product is about 2 cm larger than the diameter of the curtain rod. Otherwise, the finished curtain will close and open poorly and get stuck when moving.
The color can be chosen to match the fabric or cornice, and if you want to emphasize the beauty of the fasteners, you should choose a contrasting shade. The material of the eyelet depends on the style of the room, but you can always choose the desired option from practical plastic models.
Ring curtains
Decorating curtains with rings has been used for a long time and is considered a fairly simple and inexpensive method. Some time ago, curtains were hung on rings that were put on the curtain rod and moved freely along the rod. The fabric was attached to hooks, which were an integral part of the product. If they were not there, the material had to be sewn on by hand.
Cornice with rings and clothespins for fabric
Nowadays, ring curtains are used but look modern and aesthetically pleasing.
This type of curtains differs favorably from all others by the presence of loops or rings, thanks to which they cling to the curtain rod and are tightly fixed
When is grommet tape needed?
It is not necessary to use eyelet tape, but it is advisable to preserve the decorative effect of the curtains for a long time. There are other reasons to use hot-melt tape.
- Strengthening the curtain material before inserting the ring. At the places where the eyelets are inserted, the curtains are subject to load, and to prevent the material from being damaged, it is protected with a hot-melt adhesive strip. The adhesive base secures the fabric fibers and prevents them from unraveling.
- Sewing curtain tiebacks. The hot-melt adhesive strip gives them rigidity, so the decorative product holds its shape better.
- Curtain decor (lace, appliqués, etc.). Decorating elements are better attached to fabric with a glued grommet curtain.
- Strengthening the edges of Japanese curtains and increasing the service life of the panels.
The grommet strip makes curtains both safer and more attractive.
Selection of fasteners
There are eyelets of different shapes, diameters, designs, made of metal, plastic or wood. These characteristics of the elements must be taken into account when choosing.
It is important to measure the thickness of the cornice. For ease of movement, it is important to purchase rings with a hole diameter 1.5 cm larger than the mounting guide.
The greatest demand is for round-shaped metal parts with an internal diameter not exceeding 5 cm. This can be clearly seen in the photo of curtains with grommets.
Design should not always be put first. In terms of practicality, plastic products are recognized as the best.
