What kind of braid for curtains is there and how to sew it on - all the methods of fastening

Curtains will only decorate a window if they are equipped with beautiful drapery . An important component of their appearance will be the folds that fall in waves on the surface of the curtains, giving it uniqueness. Curtain tape, or also called English braid, is ideally suited for these purposes. Externally, it is a frame with twisted cords running along the entire braid. It should be sewn to the curtain from the wrong side at the very top. By pulling the cords along the surface of the fabric, they begin to form folds of the required width and configuration.

Curtain tape

Curtain braid can be divided according to the type of drapery:

• Column . Forms the simplest folds, such braid is easy to sew yourself;
• A ribbon that, when tightened, can create folds in the form of intricate glasses or butterflies.
• Transparent . Light fabrics are draped: tulle or organza. This braid is represented by a fishing line that has no color and remains invisible.
• Opaque . This refers to curtain fabrics.

Depending on the width, curtain tape is divided into types:

1 . Narrow . They are used if there is a closed cornice or it is hidden in a niche. It is possible that the niche covers the top of the curtain or there is a decorative strip covering the hooks.

2. Wide . In this case, the cornice must be open. In addition, if the number of fastenings is small and it is necessary to prevent sagging, then a wide tape will successfully accomplish this.

Decorative nature of the braid

The clothing industry does not stand still, but develops, introducing new varieties of decorative braid for curtains into our lives.

• Ruffle braid. Recommended for use on plain fabrics. The decorative direction of ruffles is one of the options for radial drapery.
• Braid for creating puffs. Looks original on any type of fabric, regardless of color saturation and pattern. This decorative finish looks more self-sufficient on plain textiles and printed fabric. Organically accepts tulle.
• Waffle braid. Using this finishing option, you will achieve an elegant look for your curtains.

Very often you can see that manufacturers include the following in a kit with curtain tape:

• eyelet rings;
• special pockets for hooks;
• seals for lambrequins;
• two, three, four cords.

Such different folds

The drapery created thanks to the curtain tape will look different. The types of folds can be as follows:

1. One-sided. Waves of folds are formed in one direction.
2. Counter. The fabric is divided into paired waves, and their scallops are directed towards each other.
3. Bow folds. The same formation of paired waves is taking place, only now their crests scatter to the sides. Externally, the figure resembles a bow.
4. Buffer. The pulled fabrics form a diamond shape, which is formed by four cords.
5. French or triple. The waves, reaching a depth of up to 14 cm, are formed in the form of a fan.
6. Glasses or bells. Body waves cascading down.
7. Trellis. Two rows of drapery that overlap each other.
8. Waffle. Drapery looks very elegant when the waves lie evenly over the entire surface of the curtain.
9. Pencil gathering using loop-shaped folds. To do this, the straightened curtain is pulled together with a cord, forming waves, taking into account the spaces between the hooks.
10. Flemish folds. This requires two cords on the braid. By unevenly tightening, a V-shaped configuration is achieved.

Sew the ribbon correctly

Scheme for sewing curtain tape and forming folds.

In order to properly sew curtain tape, we perform the following steps, common to all types of fabric:

1. Align the top cut of the fabric and, if necessary, the side cuts. To do this perfectly smoothly, you need to pull out two weave threads from the fabric - when processing the side cuts, these will be longitudinal threads (warp), and when processing the top and bottom cuts, they will be transverse (weft). The cut must be made along the resulting thin “path”.
2. Fold and iron the side seams twice and sew them on.
3. Fold the top raw edge 3 cm and iron; if you do not have enough experience with a sewing machine, it is better to baste.
4. Fold the side sections of the braid by 1-1.5 cm.
5. Baste the curtain tape, departing 0.5 cm from the top folded edge; sew the tape to the side sections of the curtain with the folded edge inward, close, without indentation.
6. Sew the ribbon along the entire length: for a narrow ribbon - along its upper and lower edges, and for a wide ribbon you need to add a third line in the middle. When stitching, you need to be careful not to snag the tightening cords with the machine stitching.
7. Gather the curtains into folds to the desired width, secure the assembly on the sides by tying strong knots, and hang it on the curtain rod using hooks.

Methods of fastening curtain tapes.

When bending the upper cut of the curtain fabric, you need to take into account the slight difference in technology in cases of using narrow and wide tapes. If we use a narrow braid 2.5 cm thick, then the fabric must be folded twice when hemming so that the open cut is hidden in the hem. When sewing on the braid, its lower edge is aligned with the hem of the curtain fabric and stitched with one seam.

If you use a wide ribbon (5.5 cm wide), then hemming the curtains needs to be done only once, tucking the fabric 3 cm. In this case, the open cut will be covered with ribbon and will not “fray”

This is especially important to consider in cases where the question of how to sew curtain tape to expensive, heavy fabrics is being decided. Double hemming in this case is especially undesirable, since it can make the place where the tape is sewn too thick.

It should be added that curtain tape is sewn in cases where curtains with drapery are made: French or classic. If you are decorating windows in Roman or Japanese style, then there is no need for such braid. When making Austrian scalloped curtains, other techniques are used to create drapery.

To calculate the length of the braid, you need to decide how thick the folds you need. Usually folds are made 1:2, that is, with a cornice width of 2 m, you will need a curtain 4 m wide and, accordingly, curtain braid of the same length. This proportion is most often used in the classic design of window openings. Less density of folds does not look very nice, it gives the impression of “lack of fabric”, in this case it is difficult to distribute the gathering evenly.

When making lush French curtains, a 1:3 assembly ratio is often used. For example, with a cornice width of 2 m, the width of the fabric should be 6 m. You will have to buy the same amount of curtain tape.

Types of ribbons for creating drapery

There are many of them, and each type makes it possible to create certain folds at the discretion of the housewife. For example, there may be such curtain tapes:

1. For proportional collection of folds over the surface. Has pockets evenly distributed along the length. Using special hooks, tucks are created along the surface of the fabric.

2. Braid using cords for assembly. It is sewn to the very top of the fabric, then the cords are pulled together to the required size and secured.

3. Ribbons forming bows. The condition for the formation is the width of the curtain, which should be three times wider than the cornice.

4. Ribbons forming bows. The size of the curtain is chosen 2.5 times wider than the length of the cornice.

5. A narrow ribbon that is attached to the top of the curtain and forms small folds due to two elastic bands built into it. It is calculated that the curtain is 2 times wider than the length of the cornice, but its size should not exceed 158 cm.

6. Ribbon with tucks. In this case, the ratio of the size of the curtain to the cornice is calculated as three to one.

7. The tape is wide. It is used when you need to get pencil folds - narrow, but quite long.

8. Tapes used in Roman blinds are equipped with rings, as well as a cord on which there are loops. Attaches to blinds.

9. Ribbon with rings attached to it. The rings are made of plastic, sewn at a certain interval. The tape itself is attached to the blinds vertically from the wrong side. A cord will be pulled through all the rings.

Types of folds

The tape can form different assemblies. Each type of fold has its own name.

• Horizontal gathers decorate Roman curtains, a variation of traditional curtains.
• Vertical folds are the option chosen most often. Suitable for many styles of curtains, drapes.
• Belt assemblies (1 to 2), called columns, have gained popularity. There is a known type of Austrian braid with the formation of folds called “puffs”, “butterflies”, “glasses”.

Types of braid

And there are variations here. Curtain braid can be:

1. Narrow up to 4 cm and wide up to 15 cm.
2. They differ in the number of broaches of pockets for hooks.
3. Different folding coefficients: starting from 1.5 and ending with 3. The frequency of folds depends on the value of the coefficient.
4. Sew-on – secured to the curtain using a sewing machine.
5. Some types of braid are glued to the curtain with a hot iron.
6. It is attached to the cornice using Velcro and loops.

The material from which the curtain tape is made is polyester. It adheres to the curtain fabric at literally every point and prevents the material from sagging and deforming. Loops are sewn to the tape along its entire length, to which the hooks of the cornice cling. In addition, the curtain tape may include:

• Eyelet rings;
• Pockets in case of fastening with hooks;
• Seals;
• Cords in the amount of two to four pieces.

If you need simple gathers on the curtain, use hooks that are threaded into pockets or loops. If the material is heavy, the hooks are made of brass; for light materials, plastic hooks are sufficient. There are varieties of special hooks that are used to form triple or bow folds.

If one row of loops forms simple folds, then 3-4 rows form folds of a complex configuration.

When choosing a ribbon, you should take into account its length, which depends on the size of the folds you want to have on the curtain.

Calculating the length

The type of curtain tape has been determined, and now it’s time to calculate the required footage.

Remember that the length of the tape directly depends on the desired density of drapery. Some types of braid have special coefficients, taking into account which you can achieve the ideal look of curtains. The ratio takes the form of two numbers, where the first is the size of the braid, and the second is the length of the straightened fabric. In other words, this expression will help you calculate how much braid and fabric you need to buy to make the curtains have an organic look.

For example, a ratio of 1:3 means that to sew curtains with a sufficient number of ready-made folds 1 meter wide, you need to purchase fabric material 3 meters wide. It is advisable that a couple more centimeters be added to these dimensions for seam allowances.

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.

Trimming curtains with ribbon-like braid

In addition to the usual one, another type of curtain tape deserves attention - decorative finishing tape, which is a dense woven or woven strip.

The braid can be simple, patterned, embroidered, with a looped or jagged edge.

With its help, you can not only decorate the edge of the curtain, but also use it to process the edge of the product or disguise stitching seams.

Thanks to the decorative braid, the edge of the curtain becomes stronger and its appearance more attractive.

Braid and edging as its variety effectively emphasize the sophistication and elegance of ready-made curtains.

To sew on decorative braid, you first need to determine where exactly it will be laid - along the perimeter, along the sides or bottom edge of the curtain.

After this, you can take the appropriate measurements and purchase braid with a small margin for hemming.

The curtain must be laid out and its edges smoothed where you plan to sew on the braid. The curtain tape is fixed with pins and sewn on a sewing machine with one line. Choose a medium-sized stitch for this - about 2 mm.

The edges of the braid are folded to the wrong side and sewn by hand with hidden stitches. After this, the curtains can be ironed and hung on the curtain rod.

Curtain rod tape: description, functions, photo

• Eyelet. It is made of nylon material, on the surface of which a layer of glue is applied. With its help, you can install rings made of plastic or metal on the curtain. Its use is not necessary, but it is desirable: curtains with grommet curtain tape do not deform after washing and will last much longer.
• For pipe cornices. Depending on the diameter of the pipe, the width of the curtain rod strip is selected. On the wrong side of the tape there are threads sewn in, which are strung at equal distances onto a pipe cornice.

The tape makes it possible to adjust the width and length of curtains without resorting to radical methods of cutting and hemming the fabric.

• For string cornice. This is a structure with a stretched thin wire on which the curtain is pulled using a special tape.
• Tape with hooks and Velcro. An excellent option for heavy curtains. The sticky part is attached on one side to the fabric. Hooks serve as a strong connection between the cornice and the fabric.
• Velcro tape. It is preferable to use for curtains with a vertical type of assembly. This type can withstand significant weight, even with the use of a lower weighting material.
• With magnet. On a strip of tape of small width, small magnets are fixed at equal distances from each other.

The decorative side of the issue

According to its functional purpose, the tape comes in two types.

• Decorative - fully realizes its potential, being a worthy decoration for curtains. Chic, shine, beauty - these are the properties that a curtain draped with a special braid acquires. It makes even ordinary products look different.
• Finishing – used when a textile fiber product needs to be knitted, pulled together, or draped.

Finishing curtain tape opens up wide possibilities for curtains and facilitates the labor-intensive process of draping. With such braid, draping them with even the most inventive folds is a pleasure.

Curtain braid is made from threads that have relative strength:

• linen;
• cotton;
• silk;
• woolen.

The width of the tape is so varied that it will satisfy all wishes and preferences: it ranges from 6 millimeters to 15 centimeters. Therefore, without any problems, you can drape both curtains for a small kitchen and heavy curtains for a concert hall.

Assembling curtains with tape

Let's look at the design of the assembly of strip curtains.

• Regular folds. Relevant for materials of any texture, suitable for almost all types of interior design. To create a beautiful drapery, you need 1.5 times more fabric than the length of the cornice.

The fittings do not fade or deteriorate over time.

• In the form of a cylinder. Such folds are relevant for heavy types of curtains. When forming cylindrical folds, it is necessary to ensure that the curtains look symmetrical in the places where they are folded.

High-quality assembly gives clear and neat folds.

• Radial folds. This type of assembly creates a unique elegant look. Used to decorate long curtains.

For this type of assembly you need 2.5 times more braid than the length of the cornice.

• French assembly. To create a triple fold, hooks must be secured at the back of each fold.

The curtain can be easily pulled together using cords.

• Byte drapery. An excellent option for plain fabrics. Using braid, you can form even folds. The length for this drapery must be at least 2.5 times the length of the cornice.

Byte drapery is often used in processing the edges of tablecloths and capes.

• Buffs. In appearance, this drapery resembles a honeycomb. To create it, you need to take a wide ribbon with several rows of loops. Puffs look great on heavy plain and colored fabrics with a pattern.

To assemble it in the form of a puff, you need to take twice as much material for drapery as the cornice.

• Waffles. A modern option: suitable for both short kitchen curtains and long curtains in the living room.

It is mainly better to use this option for plain fabrics.

Various types of drapery make it possible to complement the interior with special chic. In curtain models where curtain tape is used, the types of folds in the before and after photos show the obvious advantage of using this fitting in window decoration.

Nylon tape is used to preserve the aesthetic appearance of curtains.

Choosing braid for curtains and calculating length

When sewing curtains, you need to pay due attention to the choice of curtain braid. It allows you to figuratively fasten the curtains on the cornice and do without a lambrequin, and most often when decorating curtains, the final result depends on its type.

All types of curtain tape are made from polyester, a material whose unique properties allow it to fit tightly to the fabric and be firmly attached to its surface. High-quality braid does not sag or deform over time. A huge variety of types of braid allows you to decorate curtains in a certain way in each specific case, making them unique.

When choosing accessories, you should think about what shape of fold you would like to see on the product. The quality of the braid can be checked by stretching the elastic tape. If the pattern is not lost, the structure remains clear, and the folds are not deformed, you can buy the braid.

The type of curtain tape is also selected in accordance with the properties of the fabric.

For chintz and single-layer curtains, use a simple braid that gathers the top of the curtain into a gather.

For heavy curtains (for example, made of velvet), fittings with triple or cylindrical pleats are suitable. Please note that radial folds are difficult to form on heavy material.

For medium-weight fabrics, curtain tape that forms triple folds is suitable.

What braid is used to decorate curtains made of light and translucent fabrics? In this case, choose fittings with assembly.

For plain fabrics, braid with decorative effects is suitable.

For fabrics with a pattern, you should choose braid with standard folds.

In general, caring for curtain tape is not difficult. It can be washed, dry cleaned, ironed, machine washed and hand washed. However, some types of braid require special care. It is possible that this type of fittings will require dry cleaning. Therefore, before you start washing the finished product, read the instructions for the braid.

How to calculate the length of the braid? Determining the required length of the braid is quite easy. Each type of tape has its own coefficient, which depends on the future type of folds.

If simple folding is required, preference should be given to braid with a coefficient of 1.5. For puffs, waffles and ruffles, you will need a braid with a coefficient of 2. A braid with a coefficient of 2.5 allows you to form byte folds. Coefficient 3 indicates the purpose of the braid for the formation of cylindrical and triple folds.

The calculations look like this: To determine the width of the curtain panel, you need to multiply the length of the curtain rod by 1.5 (this principle applies to braid with a coefficient). The required length of the braid will be the width of the unassembled curtain panel plus the allowance for finishing the ends of the braid.

Next, you will learn about the types of curtain tape, their names, and can also read the description.

Which curtain tape to choose for curtains

When choosing a curtain tape, you need to take into account the style of the interior, the place where the product will hang, and what fabric it will be made from.

It should be borne in mind that the process of sewing invisible tape requires some skills.

Basic selection criteria.

• Fastening. The tape must correspond to the provided method of fixation on the cornice: using hooks, Velcro, eyelets. Any option is suitable for a string cornice, and grommets and hooks for a pipe cornice.
• Type of cornice. A cornice hidden under a plasterboard niche makes it possible to use almost any braid, since it will not be noticeable from under the plank.
• Curtain fabric. Dense fabrics made of velvet and velor, jacquard, linen and taffeta require a wide ribbon of opaque material, since taking into account the assembly and texture of the fabric, the product will have quite a lot of weight. For organza and satin, veil and silk, you can buy a medium or narrow curtain tape made of translucent material.
• Room design. For a classic design, the use of regular and radial folds will be relevant. For an interior with chic elements, puff-type assemblies are suitable.
• Assembly factor. It depends on two factors: the texture of the material and the type of assembly.

You can secure the curtain tape to the string cornice using loops, Velcro, eyelets, and hooks.

Selecting the appropriate tape width.

• Narrow. Suitable for light tulles and curtains without a special design, which only require hanging on a cornice.
• Average. Has an additional row of loops for hooks. The width of such tape is from 40 mm. This type of tape is perfect for lambrequins and medium-heavy curtains.
• Wide. Has a width of 60 mm. The best option for heavy curtains and drapes with a high gather factor.

The most important characteristic of curtain tape is the type of folds it produces.

Photo gallery

Curtain tape, the types of folds it creates, help to appreciate the beauty of curtains and drapes in different styles and colors. An example for choosing an option can be found in the colorful photo gallery.

What types of curtain tapes are there: how to choose the right one?

Curtain tapes differ in several ways.

The width of the tapes is from 1.5 to 10 cm.

A narrow tape is used for light curtains, a wide one for heavy ones, for example, curtains.

Curtain tape can be translucent or thick, white.

Transparent braid is used for curtains made of light translucent fabrics. White - for everyone else.

3. Possibility of forming folds

The cords in the curtain tape can be pulled evenly or in a certain “pattern”.

Depending on this, the tape makes it possible to make simple folds and waves or curly folds on the curtain.

4. Mounting method

Curtain tapes can be sewn or glued.

The second option is attached to the fabric using an iron and is only suitable for light and short curtains, since the fastening is not very strong. The first option is the most common and reliable.

In fact, the range of curtain tapes and the effects they help achieve is quite wide. The best option is to have basic knowledge and consult with the seller in the store, telling him about the curtains, the method of fastening and the desired result.

Peculiarities

Curtain tapes are made from durable materials. The product is sewn to the curtains using a sewing machine. The size and number of gathers can be adjusted using several laces stretched along the braid.

The features of the tape give rise to the advantages that curtains receive using tape:

• Sewing curtains is simplified.
• There is no need to sew loops for hooks onto the fabric. They are already on the tape.
• The material is draped with ribbon, giving it a beautiful look.
• The tape width is taken either narrow or with a wide appearance. It depends on the load of the material. The parameters vary from 3 to 16 cm. Transparent braid is made using durable fabric that cannot crumble or lose its shape.
• To wash the braid, choose any mode. The material does not shrink.
• Curtains on curtain tape can be easily tightened with cords.

How to choose the width of the curtain and the length of the curtain tape

Curtain tape is sewn along the top edge of the curtain along its entire width. Therefore, the length of the curtain tape should be equal to the width of the finished curtain + about 10 cm per hem. So, if you have ready-made curtains, you can easily calculate the required length of the tape (if there are two curtains/drapes, do not forget to add 10 cm to the length of the tape for each panel).

If you are just choosing the width of future curtains, you should focus on the width of your cornice (not the window!) and know about the so-called assembly factor. The coefficient of assembly is the degree of “folding” and fluffiness of the curtains. It depends on what type of curtain pleats you choose. If this is a regular uniform drapery, the coefficient is usually equal to 2. For figured draperies, the coefficient is usually equal to 2.5.

Tulle gathering coefficient for curtain tape: what does it mean?

This term denotes a ratio equal to the fabric to that already collected using a ribbon. It depends on the complexity of the pattern and there are such assembly coefficients:

• 1,5
• 2
• 2,5
• 3

For example, if you buy a strip with a coefficient of 2 , then from tulle 4 m wide, you will get exactly 4 meters of a beautifully draped transparent curtain. This indicator can be found on the packaging for the accessories.

Worth knowing: The assembly factor is also taken into account when purchasing the ribbon itself. After all, it is attached to a flat fabric and pulled together only before it needs to be hung.

To find out the required length, multiply the width of the cornice by the gathering factor +6 cm at the edges.

How to sew curtain tape: master class

So, the curtains and curtain tape have been selected. All that remains is to sew the ribbon to the curtain.

To do this you will need:

• curtain and curtain tape of the required length;
• pins;
• large needle with a thick eye;
• sewing machine and threads to match the color of the curtain fabric.

Sequence of work:

1. At the edge of the curtain tape, pull out all the laces, thread a large needle through the eye and secure to the tape - this is a great way to avoid sewing up the laces (which you should avoid).

2. Lay the curtain face down on your work surface. If your curtain is not already hemmed at the top, fold in the top edge.

3. Apply curtain tape to the top edge of the curtain. Please note: the loops for the hooks must remain on top. Bend the end of the tape inward, as shown in the photo, and secure with a pin. If the curtain is already hemmed at the top, just carefully bend the tip of the tape inward and secure it.

4. Pin the entire ribbon to the top edge of the curtain. From the opposite end, also tuck the tip of the tape inward (if necessary, shorten the tape before doing this).

5. Sew the ribbon to the curtain as shown in the photo.

6. All that remains is to tighten the laces in the ribbon, insert the hooks and hang the curtain on the curtain rod.

How to sew and tighten curtain tape

The curtain braid is sewn on after processing the edges of the curtain. To do this, you need to turn the edges to the wrong side and stitch into the edge. The top edge is also folded to the wrong side - the width of the tape or a little more. If the hem is wider than the braid, its edge must first be processed using an overlocker so that it does not fray later.

Then you should check the length of the curtain again. It must correspond to all measurements, taking into account the allowance for processing the top.

The upper edge needs to be ironed and the braid should be applied to the front side of the curtain so that the distance from the edge is 1-2 cm. If the margin for the top of the curtain is taken into account, the distance from the edge should be 4 cm. Usually, when planning to cover the top of the curtain with a lambrequin in the future, leave a margin of 1 cm, and if a lambrequin is not provided, a margin of 4 cm is also made.

The edge of the curtain tape is sewn off. The braid turns over to the wrong side of the curtain. Next, you need to stitch the product so that the new line follows the previously made line. If you plan to create a scallop on the fabric that will cover the hooks on the cornice, it needs to be formed at this stage. To do this, the curtain tape must be pulled back from the top edge of the curtain by 0.5-1 cm. The comb is included in the preliminary calculations of the fabric, for which its estimated height is multiplied by 2.

When sewing braid onto curtains, the second line is placed along the bottom edge. If your sewing machine does not have an upper differential (so-called non-stop sewing), the fabric must be pulled a little at the speed of the machine when sewing on the curtain tape. In this case, the seam will not be pulled together. Then the curtain needs to be ironed and the braid gathered to the desired width.

After sewing the curtain tape to the curtain, the fittings need to be pulled together. Typically, curtain tape has at least 3 cords for tightening. The cords are pulled not from one, but simultaneously from both edges of the braid. For convenience, this can be done together with an assistant, who should hold one edge of the braid, while the other edge is gradually pulled together. You can get out of the situation even when there is no assistant, for example, fix one end of the braid by throwing it over the door handle.

At the moment of tightening, the braid should be tightened, trying to prevent the curtain from sagging. With one hand you need to hold the knotted laces, and with the other, move the fabric from the edge to the middle. If the folds stop moving, they must be moved to the fixed edge of the braid.

As the braid gathers into folds, the cords become longer. For convenience, they are wound on cardboard or on special plastic clips, which are sold in fabric stores. After securing the curtain to the curtain rod, the fasteners should be hung behind the curtain, secured in a loop on the braid.

When the braid is completely tightened, it must be measured again with a measuring tape and adjusted to the required width of the curtain, and the gathers should be evenly distributed and the coil of cords secured. Many seamstresses cut off the excess cords, but we should not forget that some types of fabric are recommended to be washed, dried and ironed flat. Therefore, cords can still be useful.

How to sew curtain tape to a curtain: another master class

This method is slightly different from the one above. It is well suited for sewing wide ribbons to curtains made of thick fabrics.

You will need:

• curtain and curtain tape;
• pins;
• sewing machine and threads to match the color of the curtain fabric + white threads.

Sequence of work:

1. Lay the curtain face up on your work surface.

2. Having turned the ends of the curtain tape, pin it to the top edge of the curtain along its entire length and secure with pins. Please note: the loops for the hooks should be on top, and the edge of the tape should protrude slightly beyond the edge of the curtain fabric.

3. Sew the tape along the side farthest from the edge (be careful not to stitch the laces, or use the method for fixing them from the master class above).

4. Fold the top edge of the curtain with the tape inside and stitch the tape from the inside out.

5. For strength, place another line along the middle of the curtain tape.

Clearly - in the video:

Points to pay attention to when choosing curtain tape

The technology of curtain tape is quite simple. Along the entire length of the product there are bundles twisted from cords. After fixing the fittings to the product, the desired type of tension in the fabric is achieved, due to which folds are formed. After that, all that remains is to hang the curtain using hooks.

In order to get the desired effect initially and without hassle, you need to choose the right accessory. The easiest way to do this is by taking into account the following nuances:

1. Curtain tape can be not only sewn on; hot-melt adhesive-based products are no less popular. They are designed for thin and light fabrics. This accessory will perfectly secure tulle and its analogues. For heavy curtains, only sew-on fittings are suitable.
2. Depending on the complexity of the proposed design, the tape can be equipped with loops, seals, and pockets for hooks.
3. Equally important is the transparency and width of the material. If for tulle it is better to choose a porous, narrow, almost invisible tape, then when working with massive curtains you will have to use a wide and dense product that will accurately hold voluminous folds.
4. In addition, it is worth taking into account the number of strands passed through the fabric and the specified wave shape. This must be correctly compared with the quality of the fabric, otherwise thick curtains will have small ripples.

Fittings manufacturers have greatly simplified the selection process by developing ribbons specifically designed for creating Roman curtains, French curtains and Austrian curtains.

How to hem curtains: master class

Even if you buy ready-made curtains or sew them to order, hemming curtains at home with your own hands has its advantages. When you're hemming your own curtains, you can get the exact length you want by hanging the curtains on a curtain rod and exploring different options. Perhaps what satisfied you at the idea/sketch stage, you will want to adjust on the finished curtains, making them a little longer or shorter. Therefore, when ordering, making with your own hands or buying curtains, it is optimal to choose a length slightly larger than needed according to measurements, and then hem the curtains yourself.

You will need:

• curtains;
• centimeter and ruler (ideally a tape measure);
• chalk;
• sewing machine and threads to match the color of the curtains;
• overlock (if available);
• iron;
• pins.

Using grommet tape

Grommet tape can be considered a beautiful and versatile option for framing a window opening. Curtains decorated with this braid on top will suit any style of room. Eyelets are round holes along the edge of the braid, framed with metal or plastic, which just need to be inserted into the cornice pipe.

Sewing to a curtain

A variation on the simple window design is the grommet curtain. There are many options for how to sew curtain tape yourself. The procedure is simple if you follow it step by step:

1. To attach the curtain to the grommet tape, heat treatment with an iron is used. Therefore, two types of tape are used: glued on one side and on both sides, for better compaction.
2. Curtains frozen. To determine the length of the curtains, it is necessary to measure the height of the curtain. Measurements are taken from the floor or window sill to the eaves. Two widths of tape are added to the footage and another 2 cm for the seams.
3. Curtain width. To obtain an elegant drapery on top, the width of the window must be multiplied by 2. From this expense, a ribbon for the curtain is purchased. To avoid shrinkage, it is better to buy tape with a margin of 3-5 cm.
4. Number of rings. The number of holes on the tape should be even so that the edges of the curtains are folded inward. The diameter of the rings can vary from 15-22 cm, and the distance between them will depend on the type of folds expected.
5. Gluing tape. Bend the upper edge of the fabric at a distance equal to the width of the tape so that the length of the free edge from the bend accommodates the width of the tape and an additional 3-5 cm seam allowance. Remove the protective mesh from the tape and install the part with the adhesive part to the inner bend. Glue carefully to the canvas using an iron.
6. Side seams. The side seams of the curtain are sewn with an open or closed cut, depending on the type of processing.
7. Creating a cuff. Iron the seam allowance, focusing on the edge of the braid. The side parts of the cuff are stitched to a seam width equal to the allowance left. The resulting cuff is secured with pins or basted to the main fabric.
8. Glued grommet tape and sewing it to the curtain. A stitch is used on a sewing machine to secure the top of the curtain. It is better to sew the parts along the right side of the fabric, otherwise the cuff may tighten and warp.
9. Hole for eyelets. To make eyelets, buy rings of the required diameter in the store and make markings along the top of the curtain. Outline the rings, cutting out excess fabric, and then fasten the rings together.
10. The curtain is inserted into a rod, the diameter of which should be smaller than the rings for better functionality.

When choosing plastic eyelets for heavy curtains, you need to take into account the weight of the material and the length of the curtain. Otherwise, during operation, the rings will quickly become unusable and will require replacement. There are a large number of options for how to properly sew curtain tape onto tulle; for example, there is already braid on sale with attached eyelets. All that remains is to choose the appropriate color, density of the material and correlate the rings with the size of the bar.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yd5ptrnX5AM

The advantage of curtains with grommets

Imitation of eyelet folds can be created by stitching a wide braid with 4 rows of cords. In this case, the tape must be sewn along the inside, distributing the width so that when threading through the resulting loops of the cord, the necessary folds are created. The design of curtains with eyelets wins over other options according to the following indicators:

• Long service life. Due to the fastening method, the curtain does not deform or stretch.
• The beauty of symmetrical folds along the entire length of the curtains.
• An excellent option for an open cornice.
• The curtain is easily and quickly attached to the curtain rod; removing it is also not difficult.
• The style focus is emphasized by the details of the rings, made in different colors and designs.

The choice of rings for attaching eyelets to curtains must be approached carefully. In stores you can purchase parts made of plastic or metal. PVC rings, like curtains, should not be dry cleaned, but hand washed at moderate temperatures.