How to Make Rod Pocket Curtains

The clean, uncluttered lines of rod pocket curtains make them winning choices for almost any window, used alone or with another treatment. Valances and café curtains often have rod pockets for a decorative curtain rod or pole.

Supplies

•  Fabric (see measuring instructions to determine the amount)

•  Thread

General Instructions

Preshrink all fabrics before cutting if fabrics are washable and you intend to launder the curtains later. If you plan to dry clean the curtains, no pre-treatment is needed. Install the curtain rod and measure the window for either an inside or outside mounted curtain.

Use twice the window width measurement as the multiplier for the cut fabric width. This allows sufficient fullness and generous folds.

For a window treatment that opens in the middle, like a café curtain, divide the desired finished width by two to create separate panels. For a window treatment that doesn't open, like a valance, piece together fabric panels to the desired width.

Cutting Panels

To the desired finished panel width (including twice the fullness), add 4" to allow for double hems on each side.

To the desired finished panel length, add the following amounts: 3" for the header, the rod circumference + 1" for the rod pocket opening, 1/2" for finishing the casing, and 2" for the lower panel hem. Put more simply, add 6 1/2" plus the rod circumference.

A header is the amount of fabric extending above the rod itself forming a small ruffle

Once you've determined the cut panel sizes, figure the amount of yardage needed to make those sizes. It may be necessary to piece together multiple fabric pieces, depending on the panel and the fabric widths. Trim both fabric selvages to avoid puckering when stitching widths together. Join the fabric widths, matching any patterning needed; finish the seams, then cut the required panel sizes from the pieced fabric lengths.

Making the Curtain Panels

Press both sides of each panel 1" to the wrong side twice, forming a double hem. Repeat for the lower edge. Topstitch along the folded edges of each side first, and then repeat for the lower hem.

Press 1/2" to the wrong side along the curtain upper edge. Then press under the remaining amount determined above at the panel upper edge (rod pocket circumference, plus 4 "). Stitch along the lower folded edge. Stitch again 1 1/2" from the upper edge to create the rod pocket opening.

Insert the curtain rod through the casing, hang the curtain and distribute the fullness so the panel hangs evenly.

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Tips on How to Hang Your Curtains in Style with Curtain Rods

Before, they were used to simply serve their purpose -- hang curtains. Today, curtain rods are more than just a tool. They have evolved into a more functional, more sophisticated devices that do not just hang curtains but also compliment and enhance the overall effect of the drapes.

Showing more skin, curtain rods are no longer the typical metal or wooden sticks used to hang curtains. They have evolved into remarkable works of skill or talent, showing every design as an intricate sketch of masterpiece.

Wooden curtain rods are now made more sophisticated and classy. Most of them are handmade and crafted with the most top-rated materials to bring out the beauty of the wooden material.

Various designs were sculptured in the wood, with different glaze materials or varnish as the finishing touches. Hence, you can make either a Victorian or a Western-inspired window with curtain rods that were made from high-quality wooden materials.

On the other hand, the solid and powerful effect of metal curtain rods is no longer confined to the usual plain metal stick. With the growing popularity of metal curtain rods, consumers now have more choices. They can choose from a wide array of metal curtain rods such as solid brass, chrome, graphite with brass, and brushed chrome.

With a wider range of choices, more and more manufacturers tried to develop newer, fresher, and more exquisite designs to compliment, contrast, or enhance the beauty of curtains. They can even modify plain curtains by transforming them into something more elegant.

Installing curtain rods has also evolved into an innovation, bringing ease and convenience in mounting curtain rods on walls, woods, or other types of surfaces. Hence, whether you live in a castle, cabin, or the classic abode, there is certainly a good curtain rod that will suit your taste, your style, and of course, your curtains.

However, curtain rods do not just differ according to their designs or structures. They also differ in sizes and shapes. Hence, it is important to measure your windows first before you go out and buy your curtain rods.

Here are some things you must consider when buying curtain rods:

1. Your windows

Your windows have different sizes, according to your plan when you were just building your house. And even if you have bought a ready-made house, window sizes are not standard for all types of houses. Hence, it is extremely important to measure your windows first before you start buying your curtain rods.

All you have to do is to measure the outside part of your window. This is where you will mount your curtain rods. It is best to have the correct size than to waste time and money by going back to the store just because you have to wrong size.

Keep in mind that as a rule, your curtain rods should always be longer than your window by as much as 5 inches. This ensures total coverage for your windows.

2. Your curtains

Of course, you should never start buying curtain rods without looking first at the curtains that you will use. The types of curtains you will use will determine the type of curtain rod that you have to buy.

For example, if you will be using the typical designs of curtains that flow straight down the wall, you will have to buy a chrome curtain rod, for heavier drapes, you need to buy stronger metals such as graphite with brass or solid brass.

3. Strength of the curtain rod

You would not want your curtains sagged unattractively down your windows, right? Hence, to avoid such dilemma, it is best to choose curtains rods according to their strength and capacity to hold a certain type of drapes or curtains.

For heavier curtains, it is best to choose stronger, more solid curtain rods. Supporting devices should also be considered. These brackets provide end-to-end support for the rod, as well as support for the middle portion of the curtain rod.

4. Your budget

Curtain rods can be very expensive especially if they were made from high-quality materials. Hence, if you cannot afford to buy those expensive kinds, it is best to stick the ordinary.

Keep in mind that decorating your home with good sets of curtain rods can change the way people will look at it. However, it does not necessarily mean that you have to spend more than what you can afford just to decorate your house.

So the next time you buy your curtain rods, consider these factors and you will definitely make a big difference. Even if curtain rods are generally seen as something that holds up your curtains, they can also reflect the kind of personality that you have.

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The Second Great Way to Hang Your Scarf Swag Curtains

The Second Great Way to Hang Your Scarf Swag Curtains

To start you will need to work out how much fabric you need to create your scarf swag. For this style of wrap scarf you will need to allow double the width of your curtain rod. Plus the length you want for the sides to hang down.

 Don't forget to add a couple of extra inches for hem allowance. I use the full width of the fabric as the width of my scarf swag.

When it comes to how long to how long have the sides of the swag to hang. This could be to the window sill or the floor if you prefer. No right or wrong just your personal preference.

The next step to do is to hem all for sides of the fabric in this example because this fabric is very thin and slippery. I used hemming tape to hold the hems in place. This is the kind of stuff you use for hemming skirts and trousers. You just need to use a hot steam iron to fix in place.

The next step is to pleat your swag in to five pleats back and forth.  Then feed the pleats in to shape all the way down your scarf.

It often pays to have someone help you with this. One starting at each end and pulling the fabric to force the pleats in to place.

Now you need to start hanging your scarf by hanging one side over the curtain rod. Letting it hang as far down as you want.

 Then wrapping the fabric holding the pleats in place as you go.

Continue to wrap the pleated fabric until you reach other end of the curtain rod.

The wider the rod the more times you will have to wrap the fabric around the rod.

 When you reach the other end of the curtain rod, you hang the remaining pleated fabric over the rod on the outside of the curtain bracket.

When you have the pleated scarf swag wrapped around your curtain rod as in the picture here, you are ready for the final dressing.

 Start at one end of the curtain rod and begin by spreading out the pleats in the fabric at the top of each wrap moving across the rod to the other end.

 Then start spreading out the pleats at the bottom of each swag. Again moving 

from one swag to the next across the curtain rod.

 Now your scarf swag should start to look something like mine in the picture  here.

Next comes the final tweaking of the swags to get them looking just as you want them, the right fullness and depth. You should end up with a scarf swag.

You should end up with a scarf swag that looks something like the one just

above.

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Decorative Curtains Finials

Decorative Curtains Finials

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How to Select Curtain Poles and Rails

How to Select Curtain Poles and Rails

Often too little thought is put into curtain tracks or poles. We spend hours finding the perfect pair of curtains, but hang them on the existing pole (which may not be suitable) or purchase a new curtain track or pole based purely on it being the right length. In fact, there are many different types of curtain tracks and poles, ranging from these basic poles, to corded curtain tracks and corded curtain poles, and even electronic opening and closing systems for ease of use and security. Each type of curtain track or pole affects the way which your curtains hang; so it is important to choose your pole just as carefully as you would the curtains.

Uncorded and Corded Curtain Poles

Curtain poles were traditionally wooden or metal poles with rings to hang the curtains from, fixed to the wall with a horizontal or vertical bracket. Nowadays they are much more effective and interesting; they can be accessorised with finials, misdials and holdbacks in a range of designs, and alternative C shape rings to allow curtains to move past the bracket with an ease (a function impossible with O rings).

Uncorded and Corded Curtain Tracks

Curtain tracks (sometimes called curtain rails) differ from traditional curtain poles as they feature a track system with gliders. These work to reduce the amount of friction when opening or closing the curtains, allowing them to be opened and closed more easily and adding the option of choosing corded curtain rails. Both uncorded and corded curtain rails are available in a range of colours and can be made-to-measure to fit bay windows.

Corded curtain tracks (or corded curtain rails) are opened and closed with a string pulley at the side of the track. This makes corded curtain tracks an easy way to protect fragile or lightly coloured curtains from contact, and makes opening and closing curtains easier, ideal for heavy or tall curtains or frail or disabled residents.

If you choose to purchase corded curtain tracks to benefit from their neat, minimalist look and their ease of use, shop for brands such as Silent Gliss. The Silent Gliss 3000 and Silent Gliss 3900, in particular, are popular corded curtain rails due to their high quality design. They allow for extremely smooth running of curtains and the cords do not fall out. The Silent Gliss 3900 is suitable for medium to heavy weight curtains, and the Silent Gliss 3000 is suitable for lined curtains or short interlined curtains.

Another alternative is electronically-operated uncorded or corded curtain rails. Electronically-operated tracks add extra ease of use and security due to their light or time sensors.

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Learn How To Make Perfect Curtain Rods

While redecorating your home’s interior is an expensive project, there are some simple ways for you to cut costs just by making some items yourself. For example, did you know that it is possible to make perfect curtain rods that look great and save you money? If you think that making curtain rods will be too difficult or time-consuming, you may want to think again. In this article, we’ll give you all the necessary steps on how to make perfect curtain rods. You may be surprised at just how simple this project can be. 

The first step in making perfect curtain rods is to make perfect measurements. Use a standard tape measurer above your intended window to find out how long of a rod you will need. It is important to measure 2-3 inches beyond the actual width of the window. This will ensure that your curtain rod provides sufficient coverage. 

The next step involves driving to your local home improvement store. These stores (such as Lowe’s and Home Depot) have all the supplies you will need for making perfect curtain rods. Don’t forget to bring your measurements and tape measurer along with you. This will prevent you buying ill-fitting materials. 

So, what exactly are you going to need to make perfect curtain rods? The first item you need to purchase is the rod itself, and the best fit is usually a dowel (these are very inexpensive and can usually be found in the lumber section). This is where it is important to know the proper measurements of your window, so you can choose a dowel of proper length. Remember, it is always better to buy a dowel that is too big as opposed to one that is too small. A bigger dowel can always be cut down to size. Once you have selected a dowel as your curtain rod, you will also need two large hooks (to support your curtain rod), screws to apply the hooks, and two decorative attachments to put on each end of the rod (these are known as finials). Depending on the color of your interior, you may also need to buy a paint or finish to apply to the curtain rod after completion. Usually, browns and tans work well for curtain rods, but the decision is strictly yours. You now have all of the necessary items needed to make a perfect curtain rod.

Now that you are back at home, you can begin the simple task of putting up your curtain rod. The first thing you want to do is to screw both large hooks above the window according to your measurements. There should be at least an inch of room on both sides for the curtain rod to comfortably rest. This will reduce the likelihood of the rod falling down. The next step is to sand down your dowel and apply your chosen finish to the rod. After a period of drying, you can then slide your curtain onto your new curtain rod (make sure the rings are big enough!). The last step is to attach the finials you have selected to complete your curtain rod’s look. Hang on the hooks you previously attached, and there you have it! You have made a perfect curtain rod! 

Wasn’t that easy? By following these steps on how to make perfect curtain rods, you can create a cheap alternative to standard curtain rods while giving any room in your home a truly unique look. 

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More Wonderful Curtain Rods

More Wonderful Curtain Rods

Here are some more wonderful rods for your curtains to choose from:

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Learn How to Hang your Curtains

Learn How to Hang your Curtains

Lets start right at the beginning:

Step ladders: Make sure you have a steady pair of steps not to short so you over reach. Your arms will drop of before you have taken your first lesson in how to hang curtains. Not to tall that you cannot reach the window comfortably without leaning out to the side to hang curtains throwing you off balance.

Curtain hooks for standard pencil pleat curtain tape

Curtain hooks Again make sure before you start that you have enough of the right kind of curtain hooks

Light curtains will be fine with standard plastic hooks.

Medium weight curtains use nylon hooks, stronger than plastic. They will flex without breaking.

Heavy curtains use metal nickel hooks, they are bit fiddly to handle they all stick together the box. Just like the Chinese puzzles I had as a child.

Curtain hooks for bucram headed curtains

You will need what are called "pin hooks" simply because they have a sharp pin which pierces through the fabric and bucram  on the back of the curtain header. This kind of heading makes for the best looking curtains. As always the best all ways costs that bit more.

An extra pair of hands

When you are learning how to hang curtains large or heavy it is very useful to have someone standing at ground level holding the curtain taking the weight. This enables you to hang the curtain onto your track or rod with ease.

How many hooks will you need?

Well for curtains with standard pencil pleat tape you will need a hook every 4th pocket.

For bucram headed curtains you will need 1 for every pleat or goblet and one for each end.

Preparing your bucram headed curtains prior to hanging.

The good news other than putting in the pin hooks setting them down 1/2 inch from the top of your curtain. there is no more prepping to do. You just have to learn how to hang curtains and dress them properly.

prepping your pencil pleat curtains prior to hanging:

Standard pencil pleat curtains to start you will need to gather the tape on the top of your curtains. You do this by pulling out the 3 cords in the back of the curtain tape. To start pull the cords out of both ends of the curtain tape and tie them together in a firm knot.

There are 2 reasons for this

1. It stops you pulling the cords completely out of the tape (not a good start when learning how to hang curtains).

2. It keeps the cords together on the end that you pull the cords out to gather your curtain.

Then continue to pull the cords out. Simple tip on gathering your curtains. Take one set of knotted cords and hook over a door handle or some other fixed object. Then use one hand to hold the curtain tape and with the other hand start to pull the tape away from the door handle. You will see the heading on your curtain start to pleat.

How wide do you curtains need to be?

Next check what half the width of your track or rod measures. Lets say your track is 100 inches long. You half this to 50 inches, then add on 2 inches to allow your curtains to comfortably meet in the middle when hanging. So the finished width that you want to gather each of your pair of curtains is 52 inches. The more you learn how to hang curtains, the more this becomes second nature.

Before you hang curtains...stop and check!

Before you start to hang your curtain you need to lay your curtain down on a table or the floor and check the gathered width is about right. Then if to narrow then pull out the tape a little. If to wide then gather in the tape a little more.

what about the surplus cord?

Finally sorting out all that surplus cord and evening up the pleats in the tape. DO NOT CUT THE CORDS! The best solution is to bundle the cords up by wrapping them around all your fingers then tie a slip knot around the bundle. This allows you in the future to alter the header tape should you want to.

Once the cords are sorted out turn the curtain over. You need to look at the pleats and try and even them out. Just do it roughly at this time because when you come to hang them the pleats will move a little.

Last job before hanging your curtains

All most there, before you can hang your curtain you have to put the curtain hooks into the pockets on the back of the tape. On most standard pencil pleat tape there are 3 pockets top, middle and bottom.

How to hang curtains from a rod or pole

If hanging under a rod or pole put your curtain hooks in the top pocket. Also note the number of rings on your rod or pole. This determines the number of hooks you put in the curtain tape. As a rule of thumb you use less hooks on a rod or pole than on a curtain track. On a track put a hook ever 4th pocket and on a ror or pole every 6 to 8 pockets.

Hanging from a track?

If hanging from a curtain track then put your curtain hooks in the center or bottom pocket pocket. this allows the curtain to cover the track when closed. To decide which pocket to use try one and see what your curtain looks like hanging. If your happy then great do the other curtain. If not happy move the curtain hooks up or down to suit.

The 1st step when hanging

A lot of people say you should always start hanging your curtains from the ends of the track or rod and work towards the middle. I Disagree, I say you should always start from the middle and work outwards towards the ends. The reason I advise you do it this way is because if you have

too many gliders on your track or too many rings on your rod you can easily remove them from the ends of your track or rod. Where if you start from the outside in to the middle the surplus gliders or rings are locked in the middle of your track or rod. Meaning you have to unhang your curtains to remove them. Not much more now and you will have the basics on how to hang curtains.

Why do some advise to start from the middle?

The reason is on some tracks and rods, but mostly the corded kind. They have what are called overlap arms. These are short arms made of metal or platic with holes in for the last couple of curtain hooks on each leading edge of your pair of curtains (edges that meet at center of your window). Theses overlap arms allow one curtain to pass and overlap the other curtain by 2 or 3 inches. Thus giving you total privacy.

So what's the big problem?

So where's the problem? the problem is that these arms are not very strong. This means when you start to hang a medium to heavy curtain. Especially without someone carrying the weight they sag and twist or break completely.

Avoiding the problem!

So how do we avoid that when hanging from the center of the track or rod and working outwards. Very simple really, if you need 2 hooks to go in the overlap arm then count in to the 3rd hook and hook this into the first real glider or ring. Leaving the 1st and 2nd curtain hooks to just hang in space. continue hanging your curtain working from the middle outwards. That's how to hang curtains my way (the best way obviously "wink")

Then once you have reached the ends of your track or rod (removing any surplus gliders or rings). You go back to the middle and hook in the last couple of curtain hooks into the overlap arms. So avoiding putting to much weight on them.

Well I hope you have picked up a few "Tips" on how to hang curtains. This is just the first stage. Next is the "Dressing" of your curtains.

Lee Stevens has been involved in the making and fitting of all kinds of window treatments for many years. He now writes "How to" articles on this subject to help others create the window treatments of their dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/951300

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How to Make Curtains, Sew Curtains and Hem the Sides

How to make your own curtains at home is a very straightforward technique that I can show you , diy curtains , sewing curtain grommets and creating curtain patterns – easy to follow examples. Learn how our professional workroom make curtains using their own system when making curtains. In no time you will be confident to make your own curtains for interior or make your own curtains home decorating.

Many of these techniques can also be used for  embroidery curtains , make tab curtains and curtain patterns. Dress Curtains are often used at the side of a window to soften the effect of a roller blind or roman blind , they are generally a curtain that is non functional and doesn’t move. Learn how to make your own curtains personal by utilizing a specific design of material or shape , there are so many different diy window treatments available.

Many Curtain manufacturers now have such a large range of materials available that it is quite easy to make  diy heat blocking curtains or heat shield curtains using backcoated materials. These materials offer full protection from the sun during summer but also retain maximum heat within a room during the winter months. Simple panel curtains are also a way of covering a window without having to do too much sewing , they are generally a straight piece of material that is designed to just cover the area enough to provide privacy and protection. You can use panel when curtain designs permit.

Hemming the sides , sewing curtains or making curtains can provide you with an easy and inexpensive way of curtaining your new or existing home at a fraction of the cost , many people now realise that it is possible to make your own curtains free whilst also making them look as if they have been made by a professional workroom.

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Practical Steps on How to Make Curtains

Practical Steps on How to Make Curtains

Here are the steps that you will follow to make your curtain easily:

First, Things you will need:

Fabric
Lining and curtain heading tape
Metal measuring tape
Dressmaking scissors
Sewing machine
Thread
Needle and pins
Pencil

 Step One: Measuring & Cutting

Measure all the curtain lengths, marking them with pins or a pencil. On patterned fabric, choose one main point in the design and mark off each length starting at this point. Cut out all the lengths. You'll need the same amount of lining fabric as your main fabric (less any pattern repeats).

Step Two: Join the Lining

If you need to join widths to make up each curtain, pin the fabric pieces together along the selvages (the finished edges of the fabric that won't unravel) with right sides facing. If you have an odd number of fabric widths, cut the 'odd' piece in half lengthways and pin one half to the outside edge of each curtain. Stitch the pieces together, taking in a 2.5cm seam. Press the seams open and snip into the selvages at 45cm intervals so the seams won't pucker when the curtains are washed.

Measure, cut and join the lining in the same way as the main fabric. Trim 5cm from one side of each curtain lining piece.

Step Three: Stitch The Curtain & Lining Together

Place the curtain and lining right sides together, with side edges matching (the lining is now narrower than the curtain, so the curtain won't lie flat but don't worry). Machine stitch the side seams taking in a 2.5cm seam. Press the seams open and snip into the selvages at 45cm intervals so the seams won't pucker. Turn the curtain to right side out and press flat, so that the lining sits centrally behind the main curtain.

Step Four: Stitch On The Heading Tape

Turn under 3cm at the curtain top and press. Knot the cords at one end of the heading tape. Pin the tape close to the top of the curtain, fold under the short edges of the tape and hiding the raw fabric edges. Machine stitch along all the edges of the tape. Draw up the tape to fit the window and knot the cords.

Step Five: Hem The Length

Undo the side hems at the bottom so that you can turn up and finish the main curtain hem. Temporarily hang the curtain by a few hooks and mark off the desired length with pins. Turn up a double hem in the main fabric to the marked length. Press and hand stitch the hem. Turn up the lining; making it 2.5cm shorter than the main curtain (trim off the excess lining at the bottom to make the hem less bulky). Hand stitch the hem.

Finally, Important Tips you should take care of:

       1- Measure twice before you cut as mistakes can prove costly.

2- Look out for lining fabric that's the same width or wider than your fabric, so you won't have to join pieces.

3- Get a bespoke look with coloured lining, or use a complementary fabric, such as a toning checked  fabric to line a floral curtain.

4- Already made unlined curtains? Buy detachable linings and simply hook them onto your existing curtains

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Fantastic Curtain Rods

Fantastic Curtain Rods

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