I am going to assume we are talking about drapery or curtain sheers here. First of all, you need to measure out your cut lengths and then pull a thread cross wise to cut along to make a straight of grain cut for each length or panel. It is not hard, but does take time. It also makes sure that each curtain falls straight when it hangs. It also makes it a lot easier to mark and sew straight. Then all you need to do is measure and press with your iron. It makes lovely creases that you can hold in place with a few pins til you sew it down. Try a scrap to see. Sheers actually take more pressing than actual sewing. There is another lovely lady who makes curtains who can help with the actual sewing part in another thread -I can help with draperies- if you ask her. Cathy
Edited 9/30/2008 7:47 am ET by ThreadKoe
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No laughing matter, I am currently working on some sheer sparkle organza curtains for my sewing room. First, I suggest that you are in a patient mood and take lots of breaks. I taped my fabric to the cutting table, ends and both sides after making sure the grain was straight. I serged with a 3 thread flatlock with machine embroidery thread in the needle and upper looper and regular Maxilock serger thread in the lower looper. Tensions on 4 which meant tightening the tensions when using embroidery thread. Increased presser foot preassure. I made sure to serge with right sides up so the pretty thread was on top. needle size 65/9.
Sewing machine: needle 65/9 Universal, increased pressure foot preassure by 1-2x, increased stitch length, increased tension for lighter weight thread, but that's up to you depending on wearability. Mine won't be washed very often. I also used a straight stitch foot so the fine fabric wouldn't sink into the feed dogs.
I just used paper tape and fine glass head pins. I had a long piece of smooth wood that was the right width to fold the hems over as I taped to keep them straight. (also called painters blue tape from the hardware store).
Good point Mary, should have mentioned it. Curtains are usually sewn using a longer stitch length as well. They are not stressed like garment seams on the hems and side hems, so you can use a longer stitch length. Cathy
It took me all day yesterday to complete 4 panels!!! I was going to embroider scattered stars on them but that can wait. I ran out of fabric as I anticipated too, so another shopping trip is on the "to do" list.
If you can't get matching fabric, ie. the same dye lot, can you use another colour of the same fabric? Since you are doing separate panels anyways, different panels in different shades of blues might be another option, just in case. I had a lot of thinking time at work today. Cathy
Thanks for the idea, just in case, I'll have a back up plan. Hope I don't need it though as I've got the large window done (oops, have to remake one panel. (one panel is 1" short, not sure how I managed to screw that up. ha ha oh well, it will be rehemmed for the smaller window so no worries.)
I'm thinking I might like even more panels as it turned out very very sheer. I haven't gone outside yet during the day to check. At night I'll use the miniblinds that are hidden up under the cornice.
Thanks, Mary!
Thank you!!!!!!
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