Today, curtain tape has gained its well-deserved popularity and is widely used to create decorative folds on tulle and curtains. Therefore, the beauty and well-groomed appearance of the window depends not only on the appearance of the tulle fabric, but also on the quality of fixation of this fittings on it. You will learn how to sew curtain tape correctly from this article.
Types of curtain tape and its correct choice
Curtain tape is a strip of fabric that is sewn to the tulle or curtain from the edge of the reverse side. It then helps form the folds on these decorative materials. It is necessary to take into account the importance of choosing it correctly so that it does not become a foreign element after fixation on the tissue. Therefore, you need to take into account that on dense materials they sew braid of the same structure, and for thin tulles they opt for transparent fittings. The width of this tape also depends on the structure of the fabrics. The thinner it is, the more organic the narrow braid options will look.
There is also a difference between curtain tapes in terms of functionality. There are options for this fitting for cornices consisting of pipes. In this case, the braid is simply put on the pipe. It is called "Velcro". And there is a vertical tape that is designed specifically for French and Roman curtains.
To choose accessories for sewing to tulle, you need to know these simple tips:
- If braid is needed to finish the edge of tulle fabrics, it should be transparent to avoid it standing out against the background of thin fabric. A ribbon with a denser structure is suitable for sewing to a curtain;
- The width of the fittings affects the complexity of the drapery and the intricacy of the fold patterns. If it is narrow, it is suitable for thin materials. This is considered a braid that is 2-4 cm wide and 4-10 cm wide;
- Another nuance is the number of rows of loops. They also have practical significance: with the help of rows it is possible to adjust the length of curtains or tulle. For example: if the product is shorter than we would like, then it is better to place it on the bottom row of loops. The long one goes to the top;
- Each fitting has its own assembly factor. This value is calculated by measuring the width of the curtains or tulles in the unassembled state to the already draped material. This parameter is designated by the letter “K”. For ordinary drapery this coefficient will be 1.5, and more intricate patterns may have a value of 3;
- Another type of marking indicates what fabric the fittings are intended for. If there is an o, then it indicates the versatility of the curtain tape, “Z” is for thick, “F” is for light, and “/Z” is for transparent. Organza products require a “T” braid.
Also, when choosing a ribbon, the color scheme is important. For opaque material, light or white braid is used, and for translucent fabric, nylon fittings are used.
Types of curtain tapes
There are 2 types of products (they differ in structure and material properties):
- transparent;
- dense.
The first option is used for attaching to transparent fabrics (this group includes tulle, organza, mesh, veil, etc.). Thick eyelet tape is suitable for curtain materials; it will not look organic on a light curtain with high light transmittance. There are types of braid that differ in shade: plain, colored. For transparent curtains, the first option is suitable. Colored curtains are fixed to the cornice using braid that matches the color scheme of the product in shade.
There are different types of ribbons that differ in drapery. But the classic version is more common - a narrow braid without decoration. This type of product can be fixed on any type of curtains, including hailstones and sheer curtains. The braid is distinguished by the method of fastening:
- with loops (Velcro) - used for fixing on a cornice in the form of a pipe, which is literally put on such a tape;
- with threads (cords) and slots - hanging version, designed for fastening on hooks.
The choice of product type should be made taking into account the characteristics of the curtain. The braid also differs in width.
How to properly prepare the material
In order to be able to beautifully sew a ribbon to a curtain or tulle, and the result of the work will not disappoint you, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the subtleties of the process. When bending the tape, leave 3 cm on each side. Since this braid shrinks, it is measured with a reserve and then carefully steamed. The same is done with the fabric to which the fittings will be sewn. In this case, you can no longer expect negative consequences from shrinkage. The tape must be sewn loosely; neither the threads nor the material should be pulled.
Important! For tulle fabrics, it is advisable to purchase transparent curtain tape, and it should also have a high gathering coefficient.
When choosing a tape, you need to carefully examine the product, and if you see its large waviness, then you can already conclude that the quality of this material is low. Such fittings will not last long and will quickly become unusable.
How to properly connect curtain tape with tulle - Step-by-step instructions
Knowing how to sew curtain tape onto tulle, you don’t have to go to a studio, but do everything yourself.
Important! It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the loops on the ribbon must be on the outside so that you can then attach the tulle to the hooks.
To ensure the job is done well, let's look at this process step by step:
- You should start by cutting out the material. We also measure the required length of the braid: for this, take the width of the tulle and add another 0.25 to 0.5 m (a few centimeters for the bends and additionally for shrinkage);
- The next step is to process the sides of the fabric;
- If we are working with tulle, then the top hem of the material (on the wrong side) should correspond to the width of the fittings we have chosen;
- Some fabrics have a loose cut line, so they need to be folded twice (for example, organza), while others (veil) can be folded once. In each case, after folding they should be ironed;
- In order to sew the braid to the tulle fabric from the inside out, the steamed edge of the product and the prepared tape are swept together.
- In this case, it should be placed below the edge by 0.5-1.5 cm, but in no case should it be above the edge of the fabric. And the edges of the braid are bent 3 cm on each side, and at the same time the threads are pulled out.
- So, how to sew ribbon to a curtain neatly? Using two running stitches. You need to make sure that it does not slip on the material. If this happens, then you need to use pins.
- After sewing the main seam, it is recommended to carefully remove the basting seam and remove the pins. If you are sewing on a wide curtain tape, it is necessary to additionally stitch it in the middle. This will improve the quality of work and give the braid a more neat appearance.
- At the final stage, the laid tape is sewn on the sides. Then they tighten the threads so that beautiful folds are formed and secure them by tying them together.
Important! You need to be careful with the loops - the seam made in the middle should not affect them.
If the sewing process is done according to all the rules, then such accessories will be invisible to others on the tulle or curtain.
Video on the topic:
Some ways to fix the length of your drapes
You can correct the length of the curtains manually or using a machine using thread and a needle or adhesive tape. There are also alternative options, for example, making folds or securing the bottom with magnets. How to hem curtains correctly?
Hemming by hand
This is a rather long process that will require attention and concentration. The fact is that when sewing by hand, the seamstress will need to adjust the length of the stitch, the distance between them and the straightness of the seam.
The step-by-step procedure is as follows:
- It is necessary to lay the fabric on a flat surface and straighten it;
- Apply all necessary marks with special chalk or a dry piece of soap;
- Cut off excess fabric or immediately fold it, securing with thin pins;
- Carefully, slowly, hem, leaving small pieces of thread (2-3 cm each) along the edges;
- When finished, you need to tie knots using the remaining threads.
We use the machine
A sewing machine makes sewing much faster and easier, since you don’t have to watch the seam. If the work is not performed by a master, but by a beginner, it is worth watching several lessons in advance in order to better understand the process.
You might be interested in this: The procedure for sewing blankets and other clothing for cats
It is best to use a seam length of 0.3-0.7 cm; a straight stitch or a small zigzag stitch will do. The second one will be invisible on the front side, but sewing with it is a little more difficult than with a straight seam.
- The fabric must be folded and secured with pins or a large stitch;
- Place under the foot and stitch, leaving a few threads around the edges;
- Tie the remaining threads with knots.
If the fabric frays a lot, its edge must first be overlocked and secured, then folded and stitched.
Forming folds in tulle using sewn curtain tape on the cornice
Upon completion of sewing the fittings to our tulle, you need to remember one more important detail: the threads holding the tulle or curtain together should be securely tied together at the ends. The material to which the braid is sewn can be washed when assembled, but it will be better if the folds are undone. This will make ironing the fabric much easier. Therefore, the cords are pulled out a little earlier than at the edge of the tape. This is done so that it becomes possible to straighten the curtains or tulle as much as possible.
The finished fittings, sewn to the selected fabric, are evenly pulled together. In this case, beautiful folds will form on the curtains or tulle, and the threads will end up hanging down the sides of the product. To prevent this from happening, experts advise making an inconspicuous pocket out of a piece of material on the inside where the braid cords are located to hide the ends of the threads there.
The tape has loops for attaching hooks. Hooks are attached to them at a distance of 8 to 12 cm. The finished structure is then hung on the cornice.
Now we have figured out how to sew curtain tape to tulle ourselves. If we have the ability to do this work efficiently, then we can always easily decorate window openings beautifully, thereby decorating our home and creating an atmosphere of comfort in it.
Determining the required length
In order for the result to be positive, it is important to correctly determine the length of the tulle, which will soon decorate your windows, creating a unique atmosphere of comfort, warmth and coziness in the house.
When the sides are already aligned, it is important to correctly, taking into account the allowances, give the tulle the required length. If you need to hem the bottom of the tulle, the steps are similar. Measure 14 cm from the bottom of the fabric and pull out the thread. Having done this, you will see a straight line along the length of the entire edge.
- Measure the length. If you follow the basic rules, it is important to know that the curtain should have a length that is 10-15 centimeters shorter than the total length from the cornice to the floor. A curtain of this length opens easily and does not collect dust from the floor.
- Make marks (with soap, pencil or chalk) on the fabric surface.
- Cut off the remaining fabric.
Important
Make it a straight, even line. If you are not sure of your own eye, draw a straight line.
Are all the steps listed already behind you? Check again to see if everything was done correctly. If everything is correct, proceed to the next steps.
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