Always lay fabric flat for cutting and use sharp scissors. Measure the first length very carefully. If your material is patterned be careful to match subsequent lengths.
Seams
Selvedges should either be cut off or snipped diagonally to avoid puckering of the seams.
Flat fell seam
If the curtains are not going to be lined Flat fell seams should be used. Place the right sides of the fabric together and stitch along seamline. Trim one edge to within 3mm of sewing line. Press raw edges together so that the wider edge lies on top. Turn this edge under the narrower and stitch close to the folded edge - then iron. See figure 1.
Side hems |
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| Bottom hems If possible allow your curtains to hang for one or two days as some fabrics drop or stretch. Bottom hems should be sewn by hand. If you are using Rufflette Curtain Weighting Tape insert along the bottom of the hem and tack at each end to secure. |
Applying heading tapes Taking the edge of the tape that will come to the centre of the track or pole (remember you will require a left and right hand curtain) pull out 4cm of each cord and knot. |
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Trim off surplus tape 3cm from knots and turn under the edge for neatness. At the opposite edge of the tape, pull free 3 to 5cm of the cords for eventual pleating of the curtain. Turn under this second edge of the tape for neatness. |
Turn and press a 6mm hem at the top of the curtain. Ensure that the tape is the correct way up - yellow line at the bottom - and that the hook pockets are facing you. Machine the tape to the curtain along the turquoise sewing lines, leaving 3mm between the top of the tape and the top of the curtain.
