bzymom Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 For reasons I cannot fathom, I decided on Sunday that my dining room needed to be redecorated. Grabbed the steamer, and pulled down the wallpaper. My dining room table is in the foyer. Chairs are all over the living room and need to be re-upholstered. Rug is rolled up, the rest of furniture is in the middle of the room, and I am in the midst of cleaning glue and prepping walls. And Thanksgiving is next week. Great plan.:eek: I found this gorgeous silky fabric at the store yesterday (on clearance from $49.99 a yard to $6!), and want to use it for curtain panels. I only need to make two, and want them to puddle on the floor. I do basic sewing, and did make simple curtains for my kitchen, but I am unsure how to do this and afraid I will ruin the fabric. From what I read, I need interfacing and interlining. I do not know the difference. I know my needle needs to be sharp, and to use cotton thread. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions/directions on how to do this as easily as possible!! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 hmm..interlining is just lining. And if you like the fabric the way it is, it won't get a ton of sun, don't worry about lining it. Interfacing is used to reinforce something, think a facing on a shirt. I can't even imagine where you would want to use that. However, I don't know what kind of curtain you want to sew either. I would suggest making a simple curtain. You need to decide how/what you are going to use to hang it first. A rod would require an opening for the rod. Easier is to buy hooks that clip onto the top of the curtain. Those clips look kind of like a shower curatin hook. Basically then you would hem all four sides and hang it up. I'ts early and I am still drinking my morning coffee. Ask away and I can get more specific. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I don't do home dec sewing, but surely someone here does who can give you more guidance. I do know interfacing and interlinings from clothing, though -- they're both used in making coats, and they're 2 different things. In the meantime, this article explains interlining, and includes reference to draperies. And this article explains that there IS a difference between interfacing and interlining, although it's focussed more on garments. Cotton thread? Really? I would've thought polyester, but, hey, I'm pretty clueless about home dec. Good luck. I set up my sewing IN my dining room, so the thought of you making the dining room curtains and getting it all ready by Thanksgiving is sort of making me twitchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdrumm4448 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 That sounds just like something I would do! I don't know if you should bother with the interfacing. It's to make an item stiff, and I don't think you want your curtain panels stiff, especially if you want them to puddle. The lining is a great idea. I would just baste the fabric and lining together, finish the edges, and get a curtain rod with the rings and clips. Easiest way to do it. You could always hold off on finishing the bottom seam until you judge how long you want them to be. Post pictures when you're done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 hmm..interlining is just lining. And if you like the fabric the way it is, it won't get a ton of sun, don't worry about lining it.Interfacing is used to reinforce something, think a facing on a shirt. I can't even imagine where you would want to use that. However, I don't know what kind of curtain you want to sew either. I would suggest making a simple curtain. You need to decide how/what you are going to use to hang it first. A rod would require an opening for the rod. Easier is to buy hooks that clip onto the top of the curtain. Those clips look kind of like a shower curatin hook. Basically then you would hem all four sides and hang it up. I'ts early and I am still drinking my morning coffee. Ask away and I can get more specific. I think the interfacing might go at the top,depending on how she's planning to hang them -- pinch peats, or what have you -- since she's planning to have enough fabric to puddle the top will be supporting more weight than it would with a shorter curtain. Also, it might give more heft to the hem (at least in garment sewing you sometimes interface the hem to give it more oomph, depending on what type of fabric you're using and how you want it to hang). How much interfacing and lining and interlining (the latter 2 are actually different things) depends on the actual weight of the fabric vs. what you want the perceived weight of the fabric to be. Do you need privacy? Does the fabric have enough weight to hang/drape well at the length you want, and to puddle appropriately? You can use the underlayers to allow you to use light, floaty fabrics look as though they're heavier and richer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I am trying to picture the clips other posters are mentioning? :confused: It is pretty easy to make a pocket. Just fold over about 3/4" of fabric and sew it. Then slip the curtain rod into the pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I think the interfacing might go at the top,depending on how she's planning to hang them -- pinch peats, or what have you -- since she's planning to have enough fabric to puddle the top will be supporting more weight than it would with a shorter curtain. Also, it might give more heft to the hem (at least in garment sewing you sometimes interface the hem to give it more oomph, depending on what type of fabric you're using and how you want it to hang). QUOTE] Yes, but no one makes pinch pleats anymore. I also wouldn't suggest a novice tackle that kind of curtain, especially with time constraints. It was early and my brain was thinking faster than my fingers could type. OP.........there are "formulas" to help you figure out how much of a header you need for the rods, and hems. I have reference books in my sewing room, but I am sure you could find them online too. Again, let us know how you intend to hang them, and we will go from there. (You don't need as much of a header or even the same kind if you use hooks vs using a rod pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I am trying to picture the clips other posters are mentioning? :confused: It is pretty easy to make a pocket. Just fold over about 3/4" of fabric and sew it. Then slip the curtain rod into the pocket. Easy yes, but you need to know the diameter of the rod. 3/4 inch won't work for a 2 inch decorative rod. See I am thinking more formal curtains/drapes, not kitchen/cafe type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meriwether Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I'm no help. Dd wanted a sewing lesson so I had her help me with the Halloween costumes a little. We talked about reading and using patterns, how to thread the machine, and how to fit the pieces together. Sounds good for a first lesson, right? Except this is how it went. Me: Now here you are supposed to stay stitch along the edges, but Mommy doesn't have time for that. Dd: Wow, Mom, that was a really good seam. Me: Thank you, now we really should iron the seams, but Mommy doesn't have time for that. Dd: Oh, that looks really good, Mom (as I sew the front to the back). Now we get to do the zipper. Me: Zipper. Zipper. Okay, pumpkin, there is something called a zipper foot, but Mommy doesn't have time to dig it out so we're going to just lift this foot up a bit until we get past the bump. And on, and on. So, all that to say, I never use interfacing. I don't have time for that.;) And yes, I will probably actually pay someone to teach my daughter to sew so that she learns to do it correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Easy yes, but you need to know the diameter of the rod. 3/4 inch won't work for a 2 inch decorative rod. See I am thinking more formal curtains/drapes, not kitchen/cafe type. true dat. :D She should probably buy the rod first instead of listening to me.:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I think the interfacing might go at the top,depending on how she's planning to hang them -- pinch peats, or what have you -- since she's planning to have enough fabric to puddle the top will be supporting more weight than it would with a shorter curtain. Also, it might give more heft to the hem (at least in garment sewing you sometimes interface the hem to give it more oomph, depending on what type of fabric you're using and how you want it to hang). QUOTE] Yes, but no one makes pinch pleats anymore. I also wouldn't suggest a novice tackle that kind of curtain, especially with time constraints. It was early and my brain was thinking faster than my fingers could type. OP.........there are "formulas" to help you figure out how much of a header you need for the rods, and hems. I have reference books in my sewing room, but I am sure you could find them online too. Again, let us know how you intend to hang them, and we will go from there. (You don't need as much of a header or even the same kind if you use hooks vs using a rod pocket. Ah, thanks for the picture. are there different styles of these clips? The ones in the picture look too "harsh" for a silky fabric, iykwim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Ah, thanks for the picture. are there different styles of these clips? The ones in the picture look too "harsh" for a silky fabric, iykwim. That was a quick google search..yes, there are many kinds. Some of them have a wood ring with clip on the bottom. Alternatively, you can buy wooden rings with small rings on the bottom of them and sew them to your drape. Or you can just make a large pocket to run the rod thru. Depends on how easy you want to be able to open the drapes. That's why I keep saying, pick your hanging method first and then figure out how to measure and hem the drapes. Truly it's not a difficult thing to do..I am sure you can do it!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share Posted November 16, 2011 I sooo appreciate all the input! Makes me feel maybe I will be able to handle it! So...I am thinking these panels will be more decorative than functional as I am putting blinds on the windows. (Note to self: order blinds:001_huh:) I love the idea of using rings to make this easier, but I worry that this fabric will not handle it well. I guess I better head out and choose a rod so I can figure the diameter into my measurements. The fabric is really lightweight, which I like, but I don't think it will hang well on its own. From what I am reading via Google, the interfacing is used in some instances to reinforce the top and/or sides as one poster mentioned. I don't think I need to do that, since these will not be pulled open and closed. So interlining. I am unsure if I really need it. I am going to need to use a lining fabric, but this seems to go between the silk and the lining fabric. I don't think I need it these to be that heavy as they are not "constructed" drapes? That is where I become concerned that I will make a mess. As to length, I am not sure what to do! If I put a rod outside the window, it would be about 96" to floor. Is puddling even a good idea? I am wondering if someone will end up walking on them and tearing it up. My family is not known for their delicacy. Or maybe I should just make some kind of scarf valance, or boxed valance. Geez. Poor d/h thinks I have this all under control. He is mistaken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 i think we need a picture of the fabric. :D i am a lazy crafter/sewer. i would do all that i could to avoid using a liner or whatever you call it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Or maybe I should just make some kind of scarf valance, or boxed valance. Geez. Poor d/h thinks I have this all under control. He is mistaken. If you did do the scarf valance, you could still make it into curtains later couldn't you? Better order those blinds. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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