Recently, French curtains are most often seen in kitchens, although they are also chosen for halls and halls. It is worth dwelling in more detail on how the models from France differ from all the others.
Features, advantages and disadvantages
Many people wonder what it is - French curtains. It is not for nothing that the luxurious decorations of the Renaissance palaces immediately come to mind. Indeed, French curtains look pompous and solemn. A French curtain is a fabric gathered with folds, due to which beautiful draperies are formed. Depending on the model, these curtains can either be pulled up or left in a static position. It is difficult to care for such curtains. They are difficult to clean as dust collects in the folds and eats into the fabric. And also the disadvantage is the huge consumption of fabric, due to which such a model is heavier than analogues, for example, Roman blinds.
Varieties
There are a huge number of varieties of French curtains. They are subdivided by length, type of braid, density of fabric. Most important, however, is the division according to the way in which the curtains are attached. They are divided into two types.
- Stationary. This refers to a model that cannot be folded or lifted by pulling the tape. Such curtains are more suitable for rooms in which natural light is not welcome. And also this option is good for kitchens on the ground floors, since it reliably protects the room from prying eyes. Blind curtains can be of various lengths, but most often they are chosen either to the floor or to the middle of the window. In the second case, an optimal balance is achieved between the amount of transmitted light and the privacy of the environment. For the kitchen, the second option is usually used, sewn from tulle or other lightweight fabric.
- Folding. The awning curtain is often equipped with a mechanism that allows you to pull it up at your discretion. It's all about the frame system, so it's almost impossible to make folding French curtains on your own. It is better to immediately purchase a ready-made version. If the French curtain is made of dense curtain fabric, then it is advisable to equip it with an automatic lifting mechanism. This will greatly simplify operation.
When choosing which curtain to hang - blind or folding, it is worth focusing on the practicality of the chosen option. If it is necessary to open a window from time to time, then it is advisable to hang a folding curtain. If it is not at all necessary to open the window, then the stationary option is more rational.
Fabrics and colors
If earlier French curtains were sewn only from expensive elite fabrics, today the choice is huge. Curtains are made from both natural and artificial materials, they can be both light and dense. They also differ in price. Technologies are such that even not the most expensive fabric can perfectly repel dust and at the same time look attractive. Depending on the room, both translucent flying fabrics and dense fabrics for curtains can be used. The main condition is sufficient elasticity of the fabric, otherwise it will not work to create characteristic scallops. By the way, you should not mistake models that have folds only at the bottom for French curtains. The name of such curtains is Austrian curtains.
Today, the following materials are most often used:
- tulle;
- organza;
- silk;
- batiste;
- wool;
- taffeta;
- velvet.
As for the color, traditionally French curtains are made in pastel colors: white, ivory, beige. This statement is true for both blackout curtains and tulle models. An interesting solution is bright French curtains. Burgundy and emerald colors are perfect for heavy curtains. Sunny yellow is the color of choice for kitchens. Blue or pink can be used both in the kitchen and in the nursery, provided that the curtains are made of flying materials.
The combination of colors can be different. Often, French curtains are complemented by lambrequins, which can be made from the same fabric as the main canvas, but in a different color scheme. For example, the following combinations are common:
- white + beige;
- yellow + gold;
- white + blue.
We select according to the style of the rooms
French curtains can be successfully integrated into almost any interior, including options devoid of sophistication such as country or rustic. Much depends on the length of the curtains, their type, as well as on the design features. For example, it is much more appropriate to choose medium-length blind curtains made of catchy chintz fabric for a kitchen with a country interior, rather than heavy velvet floor curtains. First you need to decide for which room the French curtains are selected. The kitchen and bedroom options will vary. If for the kitchen, first of all, you need to pay attention to the functionality of the material, then in the bedroom you can pick up curtains of their more brand, but fabric that is pleasant to the touch. It is also important to pay attention to whether the material is hypoallergenic, especially when buying French curtains for a nursery.
Currently, French curtains are most often chosen specifically for the kitchen, so it makes sense to consider in detail the three most popular directions in which these rooms are furnished. For example, it is common to see modern dining areas furnished in a classic or rustic style. All three options are universal, that is, they are suitable for both large and small kitchens. Depending on financial capabilities, curtains are selected.
Modern
It would seem that purchasing French curtains for a modern interior is not entirely appropriate, but in reality everything turns out to be wrong. Depending on the fabric and the length of the curtains themselves, they may look less intricate and sophisticated than usual. A good option is natural fabrics such as linen. Linen curtains do not stain much, but the fabric drapes well. A wide range of colors and patterns will allow you to choose the right model for each specific interior. The only downside is the price. Linen is an expensive fabric, especially with all kinds of additives that make it easier to care for.
And also in modern interiors, you can often see tulle curtains just below the window sill or up to the middle of the window. There are advantages to choosing this option. For example, you don't have to worry about the room being too dark. Tulle transmits light well, while protecting the room from prying eyes. True, complete privacy cannot be achieved with the help of such curtains.
In any case, for a modern interior, it is worth choosing the simplest options without a lot of decor. For example, you don't need to look for curtains with lambrequins. One tape along the edge will be enough, although most often you can do without it. And also the fabric should be with a simple, elegant decor, without cheap gloss and overflows.
Classical
Curtains in the French style look most harmonious in classic interiors. This also includes a more pretentious baroque style, which differs from the classics by the presence of a huge amount of gilding, intricate details in decoration and similar excesses. Accordingly, French curtains must fully meet the style requirements.
- You need to pay attention to the fabric. Combined curtains are most often used. On the one hand, French curtains can be made of tulle, and dense ordinary curtains can be hung on top. On the other hand, French curtains made of dense fabric, for example, brocade or velvet, will also look appropriate, especially if there is additional decor: fringe, trim, and the like.
- Colors can be any, but most often solid deep colors are chosen: green, burgundy, blue. In a more modest setting, gray curtains with a silver jacquard pattern will look good.
- Lambrequins and other additional elements are required. Only if there is sufficient pomp will French curtains look truly elegant and solemn.
Important! This option is not suitable for the kitchen. If the kitchen area is decorated in a classic style, it is better to choose a different type of curtain.
Country
It would seem that there is nothing more strange than French curtains in a country room. In fact, things are a little different. Such curtains, made of light, bright fabric with a pattern, look quite appropriate and even emphasize the deliberate simplicity of the interior. The main thing is to choose the right length, colors and material. First of all, it is worth making a reservation that the French curtain in a country room should not fall below the middle of the window, because it is the slightly open window that will make the curtains less formal. If the window faces the sunny side and you want to lower the curtains from time to time, then you should choose the folding option. So, you can, if necessary, close the curtains, and after the sun disappears, return the room to its original appearance.
Almost any materials will do, but it is important that they are not luxurious. Chintz will fit well. But making French curtains from tulle is not worth it, unless you choose a mesh version with embroidery. Any fabric should look like it was made by hand, so patchwork is encouraged. As for the colors, bright colors and combinations will look good. Checkered curtains are classics of the genre, especially when it comes to the kitchen window. And also curtains with a print a la applique and painted under patchwork will look good.
If you want to decorate the kitchen interior with luxurious, but lightweight and practical curtains, pay attention to the models of French curtains. They are a one-piece canvas, the length of which can be adjusted at your discretion, tucking the fabric in lush scalloped folds with the help of vertical braid. Having chosen French curtains in the kitchen, they can be used both independently and in an ensemble with other curtains. But in any case, they look smart, stylish and give the atmosphere of the room a truly Parisian charm and a bit of palatial pomp.
Curtains with lush scallops were invented to decorate the interiors of banquet halls and bedrooms of the French nobility (which is why their second name is "marquise"), then spectacular textiles began to be used in the design of theater scenes. And today, almost three centuries later, French curtains are still associated with wealth and success, and can decorate the windows of any room in our house - from the interior of a romantic bedroom to a cozy kitchen.
Light and airy draperies in the French style
5 reasons to hang French curtains in your kitchen:
- Short draperies do not block access to the window and windowsill, but thanks to spectacular scallops, they look much more respectable than Roman or rolled designs.
- They go well with other types of window textiles - curtains, lambrequins.
A short curtain in a duet with a luxurious lambrequin fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen
- The number and splendor of folds can be varied at your discretion, so "French women" look great both on a small narrow window and on a wide opening.
- Thanks to the lush folds, the French curtain well closes the room from prying eyes, therefore it can be used even in the kitchen on the ground floor without blinds or thick curtains.
- Such a curtain will be an ideal addition to both expensive historical interiors (classic, Baroque, Renaissance, Empire), and for kitchens decorated in the spirit of cozy country, romantic Provence or elegant English style.
Lush scallops in a classic kitchen interior
On a note! Many people confuse Austrian and French curtains, because the models are really similar in the form of folds, the principle of lifting and a solid canvas. The difference is that French curtains have scallops along their entire length and do not fully expand, even when the curtain is lowered. And the Austrian ones form folds only in the lower part of the canvas.
Varieties of lifting curtains
The choice of fabric for sewing curtains
French curtains for the kitchen can be of any length - both practical short curtains up to the windowsill, and lush drapery "on the floor". There are no particular restrictions on the choice of textiles. The material can be airy or rather dense, the difference is in the form of folds (the heavier the canvas, the more clearly the arcs will be expressed). Dense soft tissues will fall in smooth "waves", and the lungs will help to form lush "clouds".
Colored transparent textures perfectly diffuse light
The most popular types of fabrics:
- Translucent - veil, organza, muslin, silk, batiste, chiffon, tulle, polyester with various additives.
- Opaque - satin, cotton, linen, jacquard.
Plain textile with multi-colored braid
As for the colors - curtains can be any color of the rainbow, although preference is usually given to white and other neutral tones. But textiles with a pattern are rarely used, because when the curtain rises, the beauty of the pattern can be lost in the folds. But if you really want to revive the interior of the kitchen with a colorful print, use a light material with a repeating variegated ornament (peas, cells, flowers).
Floral motives in the interior of the kitchen
For sewing, you can use plain fabrics of different colors.
On a note! To trim the bottom edge of the curtains, you can use lush ruffles, a fringe of gilded threads or glass beads, a spectacular border of a bright color. The choice of decor depends on the density of the material and the style in which the interior of the kitchen is decorated.
Systems for forming scallops
A distinctive feature of French curtains is a cascade of even arched scallops. In the classic version, the curtains are mounted on profile cornices, which allows you to form more lush and expressive folds. In a modern interpretation, the canvas is attached only to the upper holder with special Velcro, like other lifting models.
Types of lifting mechanisms for French curtains:
- Manual - the curtains are lifted using a system of several cords and rings.
- Automatic - just flip a switch or press a button on the remote control to activate the roller, which will rotate and fold the curtain to the desired height on its own.
Working principle of the automatic lift
On a note! The simplest design of "French women" can be static - that is, the folds will be fixed in one position without a lifting mechanism. For short kitchen curtains, this can be a good and very economical solution. .
We sew French curtains with our own hands
Ready-made models with lush scallops are quite expensive, but if you have a sewing machine and want to create a unique decor for your kitchen window, you can sew French curtains yourself. Despite the seeming complexity of the design, such work is quite feasible even for a novice seamstress. Therefore, we will consider in detail all the nuances of the upcoming work - from measurements of the window to the manufacture of the product itself.
Material calculation
The key to success when sewing any curtains is correct measurements. Therefore, we arm ourselves with a tape measure and go to the kitchen window.
We are interested in four main parameters:
- The length of the cornice, to which a margin of 1.3-1.5 should be added, in order to beautifully drape the opening with a cloth and leave an allowance for the seams.
- The height of the future curtain, which is measured from the eaves to the window sill or the middle of the window (however, if we are talking about a kitchen-dining room with a large opening, you can sew a curtain up to the floor).
- Build ratio - depends on the type of textiles, the splendor and bend of the folds. For dense material, you need to multiply the length of the curtain by 1.8-2, for light tulle, chiffon or veil - at least 2.5.
- The number of stripes with scallops - the length of the cornice should be divided into 4-5 equal segments (or more, depending on the size of the window).
An example of calculating fabric for a French curtain in the kitchen:
Given: a standard window with a two-meter cornice, the length of the curtain is up to the window sill (175 cm).
Determine the width: multiply the length of the cornice by 1.5. Total: 2 m * 1.5 = 3 meters.
Determine the height: multiply the length of the window sill by 2.5 (assembly factor for lush scallops). Total: 1.75 m * 2.5 = 4.375 m (taking into account allowances - 4.4 m).
To form 8 rows of scallops on the curtain, the fabric will have to be cut into canvases. But if you can find the right material in a narrow roll, 80 cm wide, it will be ideal for a novice seamstress. According to our calculations, such matter will need 17.6 meters (4.4 m * 4 canvases) with the width of each row of folds 35-40 cm.
Material calculation scheme depending on the number of scallops
In addition to fabric, you will need a curtain rod for attaching lifting curtains, rings and a roll of nylon cord - all this can be bought at a sewing accessories store. And, of course, you cannot do without a set of a home craftswoman - a sewing machine, scissors, threads, needles / pins and a measuring ruler with chalk for marking.
Sewing technology
To get a spectacular curtain with lush folds, it is important not only to correctly calculate the amount of material, but also to provide darts in the right places of the drapery, and even to properly fix the rings for the lifting mechanism. In order not to miss any of the upcoming stages of work, we suggest using our hint.
Step-by-step instructions for sewing French curtains with your own hands:
- Sew the fabrics together to obtain the required curtain width.
- Spread the resulting whole canvas on a table or other flat surface.
- Make a markup, indicating with chalk the location of the center lines of the scallops, taking into account the seam allowances (at the bottom and sides - 5 cm each, and on top - along the width of the curtain tape or Velcro).
- Finish the hem and side edges by folding the fabric twice, and secure the fold with a straight stitch.
Advice! For convenience, you can first manually baste the seams or pin them with pins, and then iron them with an iron.
- Now it remains to form the scallops. To do this, from the sides, along the seams that fastened the stripes and along the marking of the center of the scallops, it is necessary to lay a French (or linen) seam, with large stitches through which you can pass the collecting cord. The second option is to buy a ready-made braid with stitches in a sewing accessories store (the so-called "Awning" tape) and attach to the wrong side of the product with a regular stitch.
On a note! For a curtain under a two-meter cornice from our example, consisting of four canvases of fabric, you will need 9 seams and 9 cuts of 175 cm each.
- Then we take a pin, we pass the cords through the loops of the seam and collect the curtain with beautiful folds. After that, you need to tighten each end and sew to the bottom of the curtain. To get beautiful folds, you can make small darts in the center of each row of scallops, or limit yourself to only the first row from above, allowing the rest to form arbitrary "waves".
Pattern for sewing French curtains with your own hands
- At the top edge, we make a bend, then attach a fastener to it - a curtain tape or one of the sides of the tease. After that, we adjust the width of the product to the size of the cornice.
At this stage, you can finish the assembly - the curtain is already ready. It remains to smooth out the fabric, attach the cornice hooks or align the sides of the pile tape on the fastening bar. But if you want a movable, rather than a static curtain, you will have to work a little more.
Installation of the lifting mechanism
In order for the curtain to be adjustable in height, small rings are required, which are sewn at the bottom of the curtain along each edge of the French seam. So that the fasteners are not visible from the front side, it is necessary to make indents - at least 5 cm from the bottom, and 12-15 cm from the top.Also, the rings must be attached on the sides and the seam of the canvas in 15-30 cm increments.
Important! The pitch depends on the size of the scallops. For shallow and narrow "waves" the indents are needed smaller, for deep or wide ones - large.
At the bottom of each gathering tape, it is recommended to hang small weights that will evenly hold the fabric in an upright position (for light curtains, you can use heavy brushes, a fringe of beads, decorative stones or bugles). After that, it remains to thread the cuts of the nylon cord through all the rings.
This is done like this:
- The first piece is inserted into a ring located in the lower left edge of the curtain, passed through all rings sewn along the side seam, passes through the cornice and is displayed on the right side.
On a note! The length of the cord will consist of the sum of the two lengths of the curtain and the length of the eaves (in our example, (175 * 2) +200 = 550 cm).
- The second cord is tied to the next lower ring, also runs vertically, then along the cornice and is displayed to the right.
- All other cords are carried out in the same way, after which their free ends on the right side of the curtain are woven into a beautiful pigtail and fixed on a hook. This will be the control system that will raise and lower the curtain to the desired height.
Advice! The lengthy process of sewing on rings can be simplified and accelerated if you buy a ready-made "awning" tape with already sewn on rings.
Ready-made tape for lifting French curtains
Video: step-by-step master class
Methods for attaching French curtains
Like any lifting curtains, French models can be attached directly to the window frame using adhesive tape, hung on the cornice by hooks and even directly on the bar (if the curtain tape loops are wide enough). But, unlike roll and Roman designs, lush scallops require free space. Therefore, you should not attach French curtains directly to plastic windows, but, as shown in the photo, to a strip along the edge of a window opening or to a cornice.
Types of holders for French curtains:
- A strip equipped with adhesive tape is a great budget option for static curtains. Models may differ in wall and ceiling mount types.
Ready-made cornice with Velcro and wall mounting system
- Special curtain rod for lifting curtains - has small loops, hooks, a recess or a lacing cavity, which adjusts the height of the curtain. Such a holder is very convenient for hand-made models - you don't have to invent a way to mask and evenly place the cords on top of the curtain.
- A curtain rod with a lifting mechanism is a ready-made solution for French curtains, already equipped with a system of cords that you just need to thread through the rings and an adjusting chain.
Fastening for French curtains on a cornice with a chain system:
Fastening for French curtains on the cornice
On a note! You can replace the finished cornice with a cut of a metal profile or a wooden bar, on which one of the strips of the tease ribbon should be glued or nailed with small nails (the second part is sewn to the curtain). Additionally, such a homemade holder is wrapped in a cloth or painted in the color of the walls or curtains.
French curtains in the interior of the kitchen are a great alternative to the usual tulle and a real decoration for the kitchen window. And what is important - despite all the sophistication and visual complexity of the design, it is quite easy to sew them with your own hands from any suitable material. But if you are not fond of needlework or simply did not have time to acquire a sewing machine, it doesn’t matter. Such a model can be sewn in any atelier, providing professional seamstresses with measurements of their window and the fabric they like.
Photo selection of kitchen interiors with French curtains
French curtains first appeared in the middle of the 18th century in the living rooms of the European nobility, when the Rococo style prevailed in the interiors and since then have never gone out of fashion. In the Soviet Union, most of whose population lived in small-sized Khrushchevs, they decorated mainly the windows of theaters, restaurants and large government institutions. In modern Russia, spacious apartments and private cottages are no longer a rarity, and the French classics are experiencing a rebirth.
What interiors are French curtains suitable for?
In the photo there are French curtains in combination with curtains in the interior of a classic living room.
Distinctive features of "French women" - fabric with a shiny smooth surface, splendor, a huge number of horizontal folds that fall in a cascade along the entire length, many accessories in the form of frills, braids, fringes, ribbons and ruffles. Such pompous curtains look only in spacious rooms, with high ceilings, for which they were once created.
Refined and romantic interiors filled with household items in the style of the 18th-19th centuries and furnished with elaborate furniture without pronounced straight lines are considered the most suitable for them. Such as:
- Baroque,
- Rococo,
- Classicism,
- Empire style,
- Colonial,
- Neoclassicism.
Of course, small ones with romantic, but less pretentious interiors are also decorated with French curtains. But in this case, their simplified versions are used, adapted to modern living conditions.
Rococo and Baroque living rooms are classic examples of the use of French curtains.
French curtains in modern living rooms
There are static and lifting ones. Static curtains hang motionless, completely covering the window and part of the wall below it. They are sewn from translucent fabric and used as a curtain - a soft transparent curtain that protects the interior from prying eyes.
Stationary curtains made of translucent fabric, combined with elegant curtains of golden brocade, look great in an interior with elements of classicism.
The height of the lifting French curtains can be adjusted, making them long (up to the floor), medium (up to the windowsill) and relatively short (like a lambrequin).
For their sewing, you can use fabrics of any density.
French curtains with a lifting mechanism fit perfectly into the living room window in the style of Russian salons of the 19th century.
In the interiors of modern apartments, French curtains are mainly used as curtains.
Choice of fabric
For this type of curtain, a fabric with a smooth, shiny or matte surface may be suitable: satin, brocade, chiffon, silk, organza. The main requirement is that it should be well draped. Its density depends on the quality in which the curtains are planned to be used (curtains or drapes).
Colors can also be any, but preferably monochromatic. Choose fabric with a pattern with care. Even the smallest floral print can get lost in numerous folds and spoil the look of French curtains, which are already overflowing with "zest".
Long curtains are not suitable for windows over flights of stairs, and short curtains look unpresentable on them. The ideal solution is to hang a short transparent French curtain on such a window.
The bottom of the transparent French curtains with a length to the windowsill can be supplemented with a strip of dense fabric in the color of the upholstery on the furniture. She will give the curtains austerity and make them friends with a not too romantic interior.
To visually increase the height of the window opening, make festoons on French curtains as narrow as possible.
Narrow translucent French curtains can be attached to the sash of multi-section windows, like blinds.
The higher the curtains are raised, the more folds form on them and the more magnificent they look.
Despite all their inherent pomp, sophisticated and sophisticated French curtains can make the atmosphere in the living room cozy and calm. The main thing that should not be forgotten when choosing them is that they must correspond to the general concept of the interior.
Beautiful fabric draperies are able to completely transform any interior, to make exactly the mood in the room that is necessary. To give an atmosphere of romanticism in the bedroom or living room, you can use beautiful French curtains, it is not so difficult to sew them with your own hands. Such curtains are interesting in their design. This is a cascade-lifting version, when the fabric does not move to the sides, but rises, forming a beautiful drapery. Folds are obtained in the form of an arc, but to create such a cascade, it is best to use lightweight fabrics that can be easily draped. Too massive will not look so good, the folds will turn out to be rough and not very beautiful.
French curtains, thanks to spectacular draperies made of delicate fabrics, decorate the interior and give an atmosphere of romanticism.
Features of French curtains
French curtains, as they are now known, first appeared in the 14th century in France. For a long time they were the main form of draperies, then gradually gave way to other forms. Today, these curtains have become popular again, they are used to decorate large halls, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms. They can be shaped in different ways, decorated with a stylish lambrequin on top. For the classic style, this option is considered one of the most successful, it is distinguished by its softness and smoothness of lines.
The type of such curtains is cascade-lifting, since individual sections are vertically arranged, collected in beautiful folds. These sections are called scallops, and the pitch and number may vary. The folds are in the form of arcs, they are very soft, but their shape is calculated individually. The parameters of the canvas depend on the size of the window opening, its height, width, location.
When opening, French curtains do not move apart, as usual, but rise. At the same time, the folds become more pronounced, the drapery gives the room an unusually luxurious and sophisticated appearance. That is why only soft and light fabrics are chosen for sewing, which can be easily draped. Raising the curtain can be carried out using a manual mechanism or an electric lift, which is mounted on the cornice.
The choice of fabric for sewing curtains
French curtains are made from lightweight, weightless, flowing fabrics that create beautiful folds.
The French curtain is a very light construction, which is distinguished by soft folds and an elegant appearance. Despite the many folds and draperies, such a curtain does not create the effect of heaviness, it seems both luxurious and sophisticated at the same time.
Traditionally, light and thin, almost weightless fabrics are used, which will not only fold beautifully, but also create a feeling of smooth and soft waves that will beautifully decorate the window opening. Canvases with a smooth texture that do not distract attention from themselves, such as transparent and translucent tulle, organza, cambric, are best suited for this. Fine wool, moire and silk are great, fine satin can be used. All of them fit well into folds, create exactly the impression that is needed.
If necessary, the edge of the curtain can be decorated with fringes, tassels, various ruffles and frills.... But one must observe the measure so that the decoration does not overload the overall impression. It is important to choose the right color, pattern, texture of the fabric. This will determine what general impression the curtain will create, whether it will decorate the room or violate its harmony. When choosing a fabric, you need to choose the right length. For example, for the kitchen, you can use medium-length curtains, but for bedrooms and living rooms, floor-length is suitable.
How to determine the fabric consumption for French curtains?
French curtains decorated with tassels look unobtrusive and delicate.
To correctly sew a beautiful curtain, you need to calculate the amount of material. The width is usually determined by the length of the curtain rod, but it is best to add a little more to make the drapery attractive. Usually, another 4 cm is added to the length of the cornice at the seams. To determine the length, you need to take the total height from the eaves to the floor (or take into account a different height of the curtain), then multiply it by 1.5-2 times, add 5 cm each for processing the seams. This is required in order for the folds to turn out beautiful and effective.
As an example, consider the following calculation:
- The length of the eaves is multiplied by the curtain assembly factor, which is 1.8-2.5. The gathering factor depends on the type of drapery, which can be dry, light, soft.
- The height of the curtain is equal to the height according to the sketch, it is multiplied by the assembly factor (1.8 / 2 / 2.5).
- A build factor value of 1.8 / 2 applies to dry fabrics, lightweight. A gather factor of 2.5 is used for lightweight fabrics that drape well, such as tulle, voile, chiffon.
A calculation example is as follows:
- The length along the cornice is 2 m with a build ratio of 1.8. It is equal to L-2 * 1.8 = 3.6 m.
- 3.6 / 5 = 0.4 m is the value of the assembly step between the vertical lines with braid.
- 5 distances are used along the length of the cornice, there are 6 assembly directions. This means that the height is 2.4 m, the factor is 2.5, and the total length of the fabric is 6 m.
Sewing curtains for windows
The French curtain is not so difficult to sew, but for this you need to have certain skills. To get beautiful folds after the braid is pulled together, you need to make darts along the top of the fabric. To do this, you need to draw conditional vertical lines along which this braid will tighten the canvas. With the help of darts, you can easily achieve graceful and light lines, avoiding the impression of ordinary gathered fabric.
Depending on the height of the curtain, the size of the darts may vary.
When lengthening the fabric, all darts must be made deeper and longer.
A mounting tape with rings for cords is sewn along vertical lines that are drawn with chalk along the surface of the canvas. Between such guides, you need to sew in a braid, but you can use a beautiful piece of decorative fabric for this.
The drapery is made of a special narrow drapery tape. It has special rings so that you can thread the cord for lifting. It is necessary to calculate the length of the tape based on the total height of the future curtain, which is multiplied by the number of future scallops. The height of the cut for the curtain is added to the resulting value.
To calculate the number of festoons for French curtains, you need to take into account the size of the windows. For large ones, it is best to take wide sections, but for narrow and high ones, soft waves of a small size, about 25 to 45 cm, are suitable.The total number can be correctly determined from the following table:
- With a canvas width of 290 cm, the number of scallops is 5 pcs. with a step of 58 cm.
- For a canvas of 340 cm, the number of scallops is 6 pcs. with a pitch of 56.7 cm.
- With a width of 390 cm, the number of scallops is 6 pcs. with a step of 65 cm and 7 pcs. in 55.7 cm increments.
- With a width of 440 cm and the number of scallops is 7 pcs. the step is 62.9 cm, and with a quantity of 8 pieces - 55 cm.
- With a width of 490 cm, the number of scallops is 8 and 9 pcs. in increments of 61.3 cm and 54.4 cm, respectively.
- With a curtain width of 740 cm, the number of scallops is 11 and 12, the pitch is 62.7 cm and 57.5 cm, respectively.