How To Sew Draperys
Learn to sew designer drapes with these easy step by step instructions. You will be able to decorate your home while saving lots of money in the process.
When purchased at department stores, drapes can be very expensive. You are limited in the styles and colors available to choose from. If they do not have what you are looking for and you decide to have your drapes custom made, you will be paying much more money and may not be happy with the results.
The first step in making your own draperies is to first purchase upholstery material. Make sure the fabric is heavy in weight. As a matter of fact, the heavier the better. This will allow the drapes to hang straight. It is also a good idea to add weights at the hem corners of your drapes when completed. This will also help the drapes to hang straight.
Begin by cutting your upholstery fabric three times the width of the window. Sew a 3 inch hem on each of the sides and the bottom of the drapes. To make the top, insert a piece of Heavy duty interfacing into the 3 inch hem. This will give the top of the drapes stiffness and keep the pleats standing up when the drape is attached to the drapery rod.
Next, you will need to mark where the pleats will go with sewing chalk. To make the pleats, fold the material at the top of the drapery in one small section at a time. You will need to make three folds, facing outwards. As you make your folds, be sure to pin them in place. When this is done, you will sew the pleats with a sewing machine. Once you have completed the sewing, you should have 3 folds facing out. These are the pleats.
Continue marking, folding and sewing pleats along the top of the curtain, making sure all the folds you make in your pleat are uniform and are spaced the same width apart. Just make sure you do not space them too far apart. The idea is to make it look like you spent a fortune on the draperys.
When the drapery is complete, it is time to hang the drapes. You will want to buy the long style drapery hooks, not the pin type, and place them through each one of the pleats.
After inserting all the hooks, it is time to install a drapery rod. It is easier if you hang the rod over the window before attaching the drapery hooks. Once you have the rod in place, insert the drapery hooks into the rod according to the maunfacturer's directions.
When the drapes are on the rod, you will need to go along the top and make sure the pleats are straight. You can use tiebacks to hold the drapes or just push them to one side. The only thing left to do now is admire your work and enjoy the Designer Drapes you made.
