1st time sewing curtains - any advice?

[mom2boys]

I am clueless - so any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[HunnyPots]

It would help to know what you are trying to acheive. Simple panels, valances, or something more elaborate? I'll tell you what I can if you give me a little more info.

 

[mom2boys]

I am attempting to make valances. I did buy a "Dummies" pattern.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ah, the corresponding posting to the machine won't run.

If you have a pattern then you're part way there - it will help you figure out how much fabric you need.

A couple of suggestions:

Even valances are big and bulky so make sure you have plenty of room to work. Depending on the length and fabric weight, for example picture window in velvet you could have a LOT of weight. You don't want this pulling against your machine so you'll need a way to keep the weight supported. One suggestion is to have an extra chair next to yours for the material waiting to feed through the machine. I use this technique quite a bit when working on theatrical costumes.

When you're pinning pieces together make sure the pins are perpendicular to the seam (I wish I could draw this out) rather than parallel. This makes them easier to pull out as you go along and actually keeps the fabric aligned better.

After you have put any seams in, be sure to press them open BEFORE you press in the hems. And I strongly recommend pressing in the hems before you sew them. They end up flatter and more uniform whether they are deep hems which you hand hem or simple narrow double turns that you machine stitch.

What sort of fabric are you using? Are they plain straight valances or are the bottom edges scalloped or shaped in some other manner.

I'll pop in and out of the boards today but my email will be up all day until I head home around 3pm, so if you want to email me with other questions that is great! I'd be happy to help any way I can. That address is Deb.Patten@davenport.edu

Deb

 

[soccerchick]

Have you purchased your material yet? If you are a first time sewer, try to stick with materials that will be easier to sew and stay away from silky, slippery, thick types of fabric.

Also, I'd recommend that you go ahead and line the curtains while you are making them. They look nicer inside the house and out. I have a pair of store bought curtains in my bedroom that I planned to line. Well 4 years later they are still unlined and when the sun shines through them, they look cheap (but really weren't). I always check the clearance tables in the linen sections or stores for white/off white flat sheets to use for lining. I can usually find nicer material this way that is a lot cheaper than buying by the yard at the fabric store.

I love to sew and wish I had more time to do so.
Good luck!

 

[mom2boys]

Haven't bought my material but I did pick it out. It is 100% cotton. Thanks for the lining tip. I will definitly look for some cheap white sheets.