It is very important that the curtains harmoniously frame the window, and that the folds beautifully and elegantly complement the interior decor. Curtain tape is often used to create this look. This is a special fitting that is used to form folds on drapes and curtains. They can be of different widths and shapes, translucent or white.
How to use curtain tapes is a natural question that arises immediately after housewives find out what this device is.
In the center of the curtain tape there are ready-made loops sewn in, which require fastening to special hooks. Hook loops can be sewn in two or three rows. Along the width of the fittings, several threads run parallel to each other, below and above: they are intended to create drapery.
At first glance, it is not clear how using translucent tape and ribbons you can get original folds on the curtains, how to secure it and what to do next.
Main purposes and advantages of curtain tape:
- Makes it possible to elegantly and simply create drapery on fabric of any texture.
- There is no need to sew on additional loops and hooks.
- Does not shrink, which allows you to wash the product in any mode.
- Reduces sewing time.
- Quickly and easily pulled together using threads on the sides.
- It is possible to adjust and fix the width of curtains and drapes.
Once you understand the topic a little, it won’t be difficult to drape a window beautifully.
Curtain tape is a decorative soft fitting used to create folds of different widths and configurations on fabric.
What you need to know
You don’t have to turn to a designer for help to make the space in your home a little better. Curtain tape fits perfectly into the finished interior, complementing it, transforming it and adding its own minor touches. Although professionals often resort to this accessory in order to correctly place accents in those places where it is necessary.
Even the simplest curtains on curtain tape with regular braid, which is most often made of thick fabric, can transform them. The tape is an excellent solution for those whose curtain rods are not of the required length. In this case, she selects curtains and increases the light transmission through the window.
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.
When to use it
Surprisingly, the use of tape is not limited to just assembling the curtain at the edge of the window. Although this is logically convenient, when in order to slightly “curtain” the windows, you only need to untie the braid. You can achieve the necessary folds in several places at once and even at the very top of the curtain.
Making decorative ribbons yourself can be quite problematic, but the housewife can make the simplest options.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR CURTAIN TAPES 15 CENTIMETERS WIDTH
Sewing: Despite the width, for ribbons with straight pleats, such as GABRIEL and INDIGO, two seams along the edges of the ribbon are sufficient.
With more capricious fabrics, like organza or taffeta, it is recommended to add a third seam in the center of the ribbon. Since the waffle fold is more complex, for the GIULIO and BOCCACCIO ribbons, as well as the AVENUE glass ribbons, three seams are required. Assembling: Start by knotting the top three and then the bottom tie cords to create two independent groups of cords. To assemble the ribbon, hold both sets of cords (2 x 3) and alternately begin to form pleats along the top and bottom edges of the ribbon. To align the folds more precisely, hold each group of cords separately, bringing the folds to the ideal position. Once the last fold is aligned, tie both sets of tie cords in a knot at the last fold to ensure the tape is secured in the gathered position. Secure the excess cord to the CORDTIDY cord winder, this will allow you to unravel the curtain quickly and easily
before washing.
Tape size
If we need to hide the tape from view, or we have a fairly narrow cornice, then the choice should be a narrow braid. If our ribbon should emphasize the idea of the designer or housewife, and the number of fastenings to the curtain is limited, we should choose a wide option.
The curtain can be made of dense and heavy material. To avoid possible sagging over time, it is similarly better to choose a wide option.
Clips and clamps
Clips and clamps are universal fasteners for curtains. In order to hang the curtain with clips, you will not need to sew on ribbon or loops. Often such fittings are made with decorative inserts and can be used as an independent element of room decoration.
The clips are very easy to use. To remove the curtain for washing, simply release the clamp and remove the fabric.
The disadvantage of this type of fastening is the slight noise that appears when the device moves along the cornice, and the inability to use heavy, bulky curtains for hanging.
Loops
Allows you to hang curtains directly on the curtain. Sometimes there are various options with several rows of loops. In this case, we will be able to adjust the height of the curtains.
Combined. The most common option is a combination of Velcro and loops.
The best examples of decorating curtains with folds
Drapery complements and decorates any curtains, regardless of color, texture and shape.
Light green cotton curtain with pleated buttons
In this case, the folds on the laconic curtains made of natural fabric are decorated with round buttons - an unusual and stylish addition. This option demonstrates the possibility of decorating a window opening only with a curtain, without tulle. The general concept of the interior allows you to choose such a solution. The drapery on the curtains gives a feeling of softness, and the right choice of color makes the interior complete.
Curtains with pleats can be made even more attractive by securing them with ribbons.
A more complex design: curtains with counter folds, on hinges. Matching braid and tassels were chosen as finishing. Such curtains require a special interior design. Furniture and decoration should support the overall style of the room.
Combined curtains in various options always look chic
Curtains made of combined fabric with bow drapery. The accent is a tieback made of fabric with a print.
Folds can enhance the look of even the simplest fabric.
A lambrequin with bow folds, massive tassels at the top of the curtains and tiebacks, as well as a non-standard color scheme make the window design interesting and sophisticated. It is worth noting that the lambrequin is a rather demanding part of the curtain design. It must be the correct size in relation to the window opening, and also have the appropriate shape (as can be clearly seen in the photo). Weightless cream-colored tulle completes the composition.
Stylish window decoration is not an easy task. But if you wish, you can cope with it at a decent level. It all depends on desire, imagination and the availability of free time to implement ideas.
Curtain grouping options
For almost every design option for curtains, you can find your own ribbon, which will differ in both its unique design and the function it performs.
This allows the designer or housewife to have at her disposal an incredibly large number of options to emphasize the style of a particular decor.
Curtains with ties
Curtains with ties are made from lightweight materials in light shades with a simple printed pattern in the form of flowers or peas. Ties are sewn along the upper edge of the curtain, and they must be so strong that they can easily support the weight of the curtain.
You can use braid, multi-colored ribbons, or parts of rope as ties. You can sew the ties yourself from any suitable type of fabric.
Most often, decorating curtains with ties can be found in a teenage girl’s room, bedroom or kitchen. Everywhere they create a light romantic atmosphere.
Types of drapery
Let's look at the most commonly used fold options:
- Pillar. The simplest, but no less elegant option. The folds are quite narrow and neat. The degree of drape depends on what material you use.
- Waffle. In this case, the drapery turns out to be uneven.
- Pencil. The implementation is described by the name itself. Narrow at the beginning and wide towards the end.
- Shot glass. The fold, which is similar to a kind of glass, tapers slightly at some stage of the drapery.
- Bow. Drapery, which, due to some flattening of the material, looks like a bow.
- Single-sided or double-sided.
- X-shaped. Drapery in which the middle of the fold is narrower than the rest of it.
- Fan. The fold resembles a woman's fan.
Decoration of curtains, design options, examples, combination with the style in the room
Curtains are considered one of the very first inventions of man. At first they were used only to protect the premises from prying eyes. Over time, in Ancient Egypt, curtains began to be decorated with improvised materials. And only later in Byzantium, the design of a window could eloquently tell about the status and wealth of its owner. The first decoration of Byzantine curtains was natural Chinese silk.
A stylish lambrequin made of leather is a very original solution
Today, decorating a window and making it a work of modern art is not at all as difficult as it seems at first glance. A little time, imagination and the result will surprise you.
This elegant curtain tie is a real find. Harmonizing in color and style with the braid and the curtain itself, it adds chic to the entire composition.
An elegant pair - a caramel-colored silk curtain with a rope tie
Roman blinds look elegant without additional elements. The right fabric and effective attachment to the cornice are a decoration in themselves. Subtle colors are combined with wall decoration and the color of the cornice.
Roman blinds look beautiful on their own, so they don’t need additional decor.
Accents when decorating a window in a classic style are tassels and a lambrequin. Brushes must be the correct color: either the same color as the curtains, or a couple of shades darker or lighter. Lambrequin is suitable only for rooms with high ceilings. You can choose fabric, rigid or combined construction.
Ribbons, tassels and bows will complement the design of the window space. Volumetric decor will add luxury, while light and elegant options will make the interior romantic.
The combination of Roman and French curtains looks stylish and very unusual. Fabric of contrasting colors, braid and tassels make the interior unique, and at the same time functional.
This combination of curtains is suitable for an interior in a classic style.
Beads are selected for decoration with special care. Their task is to complement the design concept, and not to distract attention to themselves. Transparent beads are the most “harmless” option.
The addition to the thread curtains, which themselves look like decoration, is chosen very carefully. In this case, picking up the correct color scheme and avoiding excessive shine.
A combination of thread curtains of different colors looks interesting
Important! The smaller the room, the more neat and restrained the decor should be. Large tassels, beads and other accessories are appropriate only in large rooms with high ceilings.
Hemming the tape
From all of the above, the question naturally arises of how to sew the ribbon to the curtain yourself. You can do this easily if you follow simple instructions in just a few steps:
The curtain tape should look harmonious with the curtain and not stand out from the overall design solution.
If the tape has non-standard or unfinished edges, it is necessary to hem them. If the braid has a ready-made appearance or was supplied with the curtains, then no processing should be done.
Fold the curtain over the same amount as your tape and either pin the result or use an iron to secure the result.
Place your ribbon on top of what you have obtained, leaving ten millimeters at the top, keeping in mind the type of folds you want to get. Refined drapery requires more space at the top.
There should be about one and a half to two centimeters left on the left and right of the curtain.
The tape is secured in any way convenient for you.
Using a sewing machine, the braid is sewn to the curtain or tulle. The number of seams will be equal to the number of strands of tape.
We process the left and right parts and remove everything that was holding our tape.
ELIZE AND SUNSET – CURTAIN TAPE FOR PERFECT WAVES. Hit since 2018.
Patented development of BANDEX. This unique tape creates beautiful folds and is suitable for both round curtain rods with rings and open profile curtain rods such as Quad or Simple. Perfect folds both when the curtains are closed and when the curtains are open. Large folds like those on eyelets, but always uniform and do not require a special cornice. When choosing a cornice, it is necessary to take into account that the tape requires a larger than usual distance between the rows in the cornice than usual. Not suitable for plastic tires and baguette cornices.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
ELIZA calculation:
To calculate the width of the fabric, take into account the gather factor 1:1.5 and fold repeat equal to 19 cm. For example, for a finished curtain width of 240 cm: 240 cm x gather factor 1.50 = 360 cm 360 cm: repeat 19 cm = 18, 95 = rounded to 19 19 waves x repeat 19 cm = 361 cm (+ 1-2 cm extra) Width of the fabric including hems = 362 cm Depth of the fold: 80 mm (50 mm in front of the cornice, 30 mm behind the cornice) To calculate the width of the fabric take into account the gather factor 1:1.8 and fold repeat equal to 23 cm. For example, for a finished curtain width of 240 cm: 240 cm x gather factor 1.80 = 432 cm 432 cm: repeat 23 cm = 18.78 = rounded to 19 19 waves x repeat 23 cm = 437 cm (+ 1-2 cm extra) Width of the fabric including hems = 438 cm Depth of the fold: 100 mm (55 mm in front of the cornice, 45 mm behind the cornice) To calculate the width of the fabric, take into account the gathering factor 1: 2.2 and fold repeat equal to 33.5 cm. For example, for a finished curtain width of 240 cm: 240 cm x gather factor 2.20 = 528 cm 528 cm: repeat 33.5 cm = 15.76 = rounded to 16 16 waves x repeat 33.5 cm = 536 cm (+ 1-2 cm extra) Fabric width including folds = 537 cm Fold depth: 150 mm (80 mm in front of the cornice, 70 mm behind the cornice)
SUNSET calculation:
To calculate the width of the canvas, take into account the gathering ratio of 1:1.5 and fold repeat equal to 15cm. For example, for a finished curtain width of 240 cm: 240 cm x gather factor 1.50 = 360 cm 360 cm: repeat 15 cm = 24 24 waves x repeat 15 cm = 360 cm (+ 1-2 cm extra) Width of the fabric, including hems = 361 cm Fold depth: 40 mm (25 mm in front of the cornice, 15 mm behind the cornice) To calculate the width of the curtain, take into account the gathering factor of 1:2.0 and the fold repeat equal to 17.5 cm. For example, for a curtain width of 240 cm in finished form: 240 cm x gathering factor 2.0 = 480 cm 480 cm: repeat 17.5 cm = 27.42 = rounded to 28 28 waves x repeat 17.5 cm = 490 cm (+ 1-2 cm additionally) Fabric width, including hems = 491 cm Fold depth: 70 mm (40 mm in front of the cornice, 30 mm behind the cornice) To calculate the width of the curtain, take into account the gather factor 1: 2.5 and fold repeat equal to 22 cm. For example, for a finished curtain width of 240 cm: 240 cm x gather factor 2.50 = 600 cm 600 cm: repeat 22 cm = 27.27 = rounded to 28 28 waves x repeat 22 cm = 616 cm (+ 1-2 cm extra) Width of the fabric, including hems = 617 cm Fold depth: 95 mm (55 mm in front of the cornice, 40 mm behind the cornice)
How to sew curtain tape Eliza and Sunset Curtain tape Eliza and Sunset are sewn to the curtain in pocket rows upward. The tape is distributed in such a way that along the edges of the curtain there are places where both tapes are woven together. This distribution guarantees symmetrical wave formation in the finished product.
Eliza and Sunset assembly
Before assembling the curtain tape, tie the tie cords tightly around the edges. Start by pulling the narrow ribbon from one end to get precise and consistent waves, building up wave after wave. Once the last wave is formed, double knot the tie cords at the last pleat to ensure the waves are held in place. Do not cut the tension cords, as the tape will need to be unraveled when washed.
We are often asked the following question: “Is it possible to assemble wave braid with a lower coefficient?” The answer to such a question will not be unambiguous... Of course, any braid can be assembled with a lower coefficient, but the result of such an assembly will be exactly the same as for a regular pencil curtain tape. The fold will not be fixed, but movable, and when moving the curtains with your hands, the fold may slip (in one place the fold will be fully gathered, but in the next fold there will be no gathering).
Hanging Eliza and Sunset
To hang the curtain, insert the hooks into the two pockets located on each wave. Each wave is fixed with two hooks. Eliza and Sunset have two rows of pockets. Make sure you have enough rings and hooks on the cornice in advance! Each wave requires 2 hooks.
Depending on the type of hook, use the top or bottom row of pockets. Make sure the curtain does not touch the curtain rod. To ensure a beautiful drapery, secure a weighting agent along the edges of the curtain or use a weighting tape along the bottom of the curtain.
What other options are there?
Sometimes a situation arises when hemming curtains with tape is impossible due to some reasons. For example, having gone around all the stores, you cannot find the option you need, or the design solution requires a different execution.
Firstly, instead of tape, you can use a very dense thread, while performing all the necessary calculations yourself, such as the drapery coefficient. Based on what folds you ultimately want to get.
Secondly, having a curtain that involves the use of either rings or eyelets with them, you can sew something suitable for this format. And if it’s unlikely to be possible to handle the eyelets yourself without the proper experience and skill, then you can sew ribbons to the curtain that resemble a kind of pocket. In this case, a solution will be found.
Sewing tips
- When choosing a curtain tape, measurements are taken with a construction tape to obtain a more accurate result.
- Tape may shrink during initial washing. She needs correction. It needs to be wetted, dried and ironed.
- The braid is attached to the curtain from the inside out, departing from 2 to 5 cm from the top edge of the canvas. The edges of the tape are folded 2 cm.
- The optimal coefficient of assembly of a curtain strip is considered to be 2-2.5.
- To ensure a strong connection between the braid and the material, double seams are made.
We take proper care
As a rule, curtain and tape materials have different textures with their own properties and characteristics. With the same wash, they can react differently to it, where each material will shrink differently. To avoid this, wash the braid in the washing machine before stitching, dry it, and only then start manipulating it.
An important point will be the correct operation of the product. When forming folds, pull the threads on both sides at the same time, not just one.
Consider the material from which the tape is made. It may have its own temperature setting for the iron, and the use of the washing machine only in a gentle mode, which imposes its own characteristics when washing occurs together as a single, finished product.
How to assemble and hang
The gathered ribbon is formed following the instructions:
- Before folding, the material of curtains and ribbons is ironed.
- The application and stitching of the braid on the canvas follows.
- Under the braid, 2.5 cm below the edge, strings are passed - cords. Stitching is done at the top and bottom under each cord. The cords must move freely. They are pulled out and tied at the base of the decorative strip so that there is no tightening.
- The side with the tied ends of the ropes is attached, for example, to a door handle. The fabric stretches, moving towards the fixed side. The folds are evenly distributed.
- The hanging ends of the ropes - cords - are hidden in pockets sewn on the wrong side.
- Loops are formed on the pockets of the tape. They are secured on hooks alternating 8-12 cm from each other. You cannot attach hooks to cords. Otherwise the curtains will sag.
- When the curtains are finished being assembled, they are hung on the ceiling cornice:
- The stopper is removed from the cornice. The hooks are driven into the path;
- The outermost first and second hooks are secured together with a latch to lock the edge of the canvas.
Photos of curtain tapes
Video description
About the design of curtains with drawstrings in the following video:
Clamps
Clamp fasteners are affectionately called crab clips or alligator clips for their ability to cling to fabric using their teeth. Clamps are the veterans among fasteners. Previously, they were made exclusively from metal, then plastic products appeared. The latest invention is curtain clips that hold fabric in place using magnets. The modern version includes two plates with magnets; they develop enough attractive force to hold medium-weight curtains. Magnetic clothespins are fixed to the cornice using loops; the rest need rings or a ceiling rail.
Decorative magnets Source twimg.com
If the room is decorated in a minimalist style, choose a hidden cornice, and the appearance of the clips becomes unimportant. In nostalgic retro and vintage styles, classic open clips will come in handy. Magnetic models are used for different styles, depending on the design of the retaining loops.
The clips are easy to use and make it easy to add folds to your fabric to suit your needs. The downside is that the clips are somewhat limited: they look cumbersome on light fabrics, and may not hold heavy ones.
Curtain with clips for a classic interior Source freelancehack.ru
Methods of attaching curtains: drawstring
A drawstring is an elementary method of fastening, since no additional materials are needed other than the fabric of the curtain itself. Its top is wrapped and stitched, forming a kind of tunnel into which the rod from the cornice is inserted. In some cases, the drawstring is sewn from a separate piece of fabric.
Style.
This mounting option looks very simple, but the fine structure gives it a romantic mood. Well suited for both light country styles (Provence and shabby chic) and elegant living rooms and bedrooms in Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. It is more convenient to use with light curtains, but the drawstring will withstand any curtains.
Pros:
ease of implementation and low cost; reliable fixation of curtains; withstands heavy weight; noiselessness.
Minuses:
the movement of the curtain along the cornice is difficult; the fastening takes up a lot of space, is not compact - it is difficult to completely open the curtains; It's hard to put curtains on the curtain rod.
