Posts Tagged ‘do it yourself’
Heading Tape
August 15, 2011 | 
Author You will need to decide exactly which type of heading tape you want to use, and calculate the length. It is possible to make your own headings but there are enough good manufactured tapes for this to be unnecessary. If you are planning to make several curtains with the same heading, you might feel it worth investing in a full roll of the particular type. The main types of heading tapes in general use are as follows:
Standard tape: Draws the curtain up into a simple gather. It produces a shallow heading and can be used with an exposed track but is generally more suitable for use with pelmets. It takes standard curtain hooks, which should be inserted every 8cm for medium-weight curtains. You will need twice the track width of both tape and fabric.
Pencil pleat tape: The most straightforward and satisfactory type of decorative type when there is no pelmet. It draws up into a tidy series of tight pleats approximately the thickness of a pencil, and takes standard hooks. Some versions are stiffened to give a firm crisp heading, and an extra deep version is available to give a well proportioned heading for floor-length curtains. Special versions of pencil pleating tape are available for net and sheer curtains. Use two and half times the track width for the deeper heading tape, and up to three times the track width for net curtains.
Triple Pleat tape: Gives the effect of a group of three pinched pleats without the need for long-pronged hooks. Drawing up the strings produces spaced triple pleats. It is available in a variety of depths – 14cms, 9cm and 4 cm – buy any of these to twice the track width.
Cartridge pleat tape: This heading produces a well-rolled pleat effect and evenly hanging curtains below the heading. Use the hooks recommended by the manufacturer. You will need twice the track width.
Lining Tape: Used for detachable linings and is hung on the curtain hooks.
Posted in Curtains and Blinds | 
Tags: decorating your home, Do if yourself, do it yourself, heading tapes, window coverage, window decor | 
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Measuring the Window
The first job is to measure up for the curtains. Take a notebook and pencil to the window, together with a rule and a chair or stepladder for standing on. A meter stick or an extending steel rule is useful. Sketch a picture of the window on your notepad and determine how far on each side, and above and below, the curtain should extend. First the height above, which will be where the track will fit. If the window is extremely small, 8cm will be sufficient. If the window is slightly larger, say one meter or more in depth, and then a distance of 12cm will be approximately right for the position of the track. Determine the finished width of the track.
Remember that if the window is wide you will need more space at each side for containing the curtain when it is drawn back. If you have chosen to fit the track 12cm above the window, then a distance of 12cm on each side will be appropriate. If the window is smaller, and the track lower, it should extend less at the sides. Lastly work out the length of the curtain. Put a small pencil mark on the wall below the sill at the point where you think the bottom of the curtain should hang. Again, 12cm or a little more below the window will be about right. If the curtains are to hang in a recess, let them fall to about 1cm above the recess. Floor length curtains should hang about 1cm above the floor.
Posted in Decorating Decisions | Tags: decorating your home, decorations, do it yourself, home care, home improvement, window coverage, window decor | No Comments »