Today there are many options for ready-made curtains and tulle. But sometimes windows have non-standard sizes and configurations. Or the design of the finished textile does not match the interior. It happens that the family budget does not allow you to buy expensive curtains with multi-layer draperies. For all these cases, there is one universal solution - individual tailoring. Doing the assembly yourself is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. But at the same time, you need to know how to correctly calculate the tulle and curtains for the window.
When calculating the width of the tulle, not only the length of the cornice is taken into account, but also the characteristics of the fabric
Build factor
The gathering factor (GC) is a value that helps determine how much fabric needs to be gathered across the width. Essentially, this is the allowance for the waves and tails, and it determines how magnificent they will be in the end.
The gathering factor depends on the type of folds formed on the curtain fabric
Before you calculate the width of the tulle for the window, you need to find out what the KS will be. To do this you need to know two quantities:
- Length of cornice.
- Braid model.
The width of the footage is calculated using a simple formula:
Amount of fabric = k x curtain rod length
Where k is the assembly (filling) coefficient. For different types of assembly that the braid forms, it will be different:
- Pencil – k = 2.5-3.
- Buffs – k = 1.5 – 2.5.
- “Crow's feet” – k = 2.
- Goblet-shaped, bow-shaped – k = 2.5-3.
Note! The KS must be indicated on the packaging of the curtain tape. Typically the average ratio is 1:2.5. It is suitable for almost any curtain design.
Knowing the CS, all that remains is to calculate the required amount of tissue. If, for example, k = 1.5, and the length of the cornice is 275 cm, then to sew curtains you will need to collect 375 cm (3.75 meters) of fabric (1.5 x 250 cm = 375 cm).
Important. When calculating, it is necessary to add allowances for the side seams. As a rule, add 6 cm, 3 cm for each side seam.
Processing the side cut of the curtain
In our example, to the width of 3.75 m, you also need to add 6 cm for the side seams. The total width of the fabric will be 3 m 81 cm.
Calculating the length of fabric with a pattern
The main determining element in cutting patterned textiles is the size of the repeat, which is sometimes indicated in the markings. For each curtain panel, a reserve of one repeat is taken, as well as an allowance for combining the pattern, which is calculated by the distance between identical points of adjacent motifs.
Curtains will look much more attractive if the bottom edge ends with the whole pattern rather than part of it.
How many meters of tulle do you need for a three meter window?
Housewives are often concerned about this very question. The popularity of the dilemma is easy to explain - this width is the most common and is considered standard. In this case, the width can be different: from 4.5 m to 9 m. Naturally, in the first case the material will fall in a small, uniform wave, in the second - in chic, lush coattails.
Important! The window width is measured not by the frame or opening, but by the length of the cornice. This does not take into account decorative elements, such as knobs on the sides of the bar.
On the cornice, it is necessary to measure exactly the part along which the hooks will go - the working length of the cornice
As a rule, if the cornice is 3 meters, then how much tulle you need to take depends on the type of assembly chosen. If the length of the rod is 3 meters, then the calculation is done using the same formula given above. First you need to decide what kind of braid will be used. Accordingly, then the KS will be known, which will be needed to calculate the width of the material for sewing curtains.
So, let’s find out how much tulle is needed for a 3-meter window. Let's say the braid is chosen with large goblet-shaped folds, k=2.5.
3 m x 2.5 (KS) = 7.5 m + 6 cm (allowances for side hems) = 7.56 m.
That is, for a three-meter window for goblet folds you will need 7 meters 56 cm of tulle.
It is also necessary to take into account the frequency of folds, because they can be located at different pitches
Width of fabric per roll and direction of pattern
The width of the selected fabric and the placement of the picture on the canvas play a primary role in calculating fabric consumption.
If the pattern is perpendicular, the maximum length of the finished product will be equal to the roll width. In this case, we talk about a set of width or a linear meter of curtain width. This allows any curtain width with a height limitation, which is especially convenient for short products and will reduce fabric costs.
When the pattern is directed along the roll, its maximum width coincides with the maximum width of the finished curtain. This is called “gaining height” or “linear meter of curtain height.” This arrangement of the pattern limits the curtain to 3 meters, but allows you to choose curtains of any height. If you have a regular pattern, it is recommended to buy material with a reserve of one repeat, so that you can then align the pattern on the two halves of the curtain.
The most common are rolled fabrics with a web width of 280, 300 or 320 cm. Special material in the form of corduroy or blackout can be in the range of 140 – 150 cm, which is more typical for furniture.
Regardless of the location of the pattern, the consumption of material always goes with a margin, which will allow you to make an allowance at the overlap of the drawn curtains, to combine the pattern along the seams and between the two canvases.
Selecting curtain sizes
Now you need to determine how to choose the right size of curtains and tulle. That is, find out what the dimensions of the curtains should be for a certain width of translucent curtains. The curtain curtain has a denser structure. Therefore, the KS will be less than for light veils and will be k = 1.5-2.
The higher the gathering factor, the more magnificent the folds on the curtains will be.
Let's calculate the required amount of material for thick curtains, which do not drape well due to their rough texture.
The length of the cornice is 3 m.
KS = 1.5.
Allowances – 6 cm.
Amount of curtain material: 300 cm x 1.5 = 450 cm + 6 cm (allowances) = 456 cm or 4 meters 56 cm.
As a result, you will get drapery as in the photo
If the texture is a little softer, lighter, and allows you to create a beautiful drapery, then the KS can be chosen more - k=2. Then the calculation will look like this:
The length of the cornice is 3 m.
KS = 2.
Allowances – 6 cm.
Amount of curtain material: 300 cm x 2 = 600 cm + 6 cm (allowances) = 606 cm or 6 meters 6 cm.
The photo shows curtains with a drapery ratio of 1:2
Taking measurements
It is inconvenient to use a tailor's meter when measuring; it is better to take a hard metal tape measure.
To calculate the width of curtains, take as a basis:
- suspension length;
- fabric fluffiness factor (this is a separate topic for discussion);
- allowances for edge processing.
Examples of different collection ratios
In addition to the tape, there are several other options for designing window textiles when sewing. When choosing one of them, it is also important to consider the CS.
- On the eyelets. The fabric sheet is strung on a bar using special metal or plastic rings installed along the upper edge. This option is often used for draping balcony windows. Curtains on the eyelets do not interfere with opening the door, since they can be easily moved to the side with one movement. For curtains with grommets, it is better to choose k=2.
Eyelets on thin tulle are secured using thick curtain tape - On hinges. This type of curtain design looks good in modern interiors. The canvas is attached to the bar using textile loops. They can repeat the print of the main fabric or differ in contrast, they can be solid or designed in the form of ties, k = 1.5-2.
Tulle curtain with double ruffle hinges
Before you put fabric on window curtains, curtains or drapes, you need to decide on the fill factor, type of braid, textile design features and accurately measure the length of the cornice. Knowing these parameters, sewing beautiful window textiles will not be difficult. Examples of photos of window curtains with different frames will help you choose the right option that the whole family will like.
conclusions
When making curtains yourself, it is important to take into account all allowances. They can range from 8 to 40 cm (with eyelet fastenings).
Chintz shrinks the most, and linen shrinks a little less. Synthetic curtains retain their shape for a long time, but are more likely to fade.
Silk becomes brittle when exposed to the sun and crumbles over time. When choosing short curtains for the kitchen or nursery, it is better to buy fabric with a margin in order to create a thick bottom edge.
It can be glued with thermal tape or a weight cord inserted. Taking these nuances into account, you can make chic curtains yourself that will delight you for a long time.
