Tulle is a thin, delicate fabric with a mesh structure. Tulle curtains beautifully decorate windows, are of great importance in interior design, they can reduce or increase space, and influence the amount of sunlight.
Beautiful tulle can become a central element of decor or an additional touch in the interior of the room
But their main role is decorative, so any drawback significantly reduces this parameter. If a hole from a cigarette appears in a tulle curtain, a puff has formed, or a piece of fabric has been torn out by a cat's claws, then this defect must be corrected immediately.
You can try to repair such puffs on thin fabric if it is not possible to purchase new tulle
The matter is complicated by the fact that tulle is a very delicate fabric, on which all the consequences of the repair will be visible. It is difficult to put a patch on it; it can even be impossible to sew up a vertical or horizontal cut without disturbing the structure and pattern. In some cases, if you don't know how to mend torn tulle without being noticed, it may be best to purchase a new one.
Tulle is usually sewn from delicate fabrics that require proper care and careful handling.
However, don't be upset. In most such situations, you can do it yourself, that is, make repairs: put a patch, sew up a torn cut, hide a scorch mark. And even if the repair could not be done unnoticed, beautifully laid folds can hide the place of repair.
How to wash tulle in a washing machine: loading features, temperature and washing modes
Before putting the tulle into the drum, you need to carefully fold it - if you load the fabric in a crumpled form, after washing there will be creases on it. If we are talking about muslin, veil, thin organza with embroidery and other particularly delicate fabrics, it is better to place neatly folded curtains in a special mesh bag for washing - this will not interfere with washing, but will save the fabric.
The tulle is washed in the delicate wash mode - at a temperature of 30° and without spinning. During this type of washing, the drum of the machine rotates more smoothly, and washing occurs with a large amount of water - this minimizes the risk of damage to thin fabric. You can wash tulle curtains on the silk and wool cycles - they are as gentle as possible.
When loading detergent into the machine, be economical. In most cases, housewives add powder or shampoo for washing generously, from the heart. In the case of washing tulle, this can lead to increased foaming, especially if mesh fabric is sent in the wash. Therefore, check the dosage recommended by the manufacturer and, since the fabric is light and the machine operates with an incomplete load, reduce the dose by half.
When washing curtains, it is advisable to use the extra rinse function: residual detergents also lead to premature yellowing of the fabric.
After finishing the washing cycle, you need to remove the tulle from the machine, let the water drain and, without squeezing it, hang it on the curtain rod. If the curtain is voluminous, you can lightly squeeze it out manually, with very light movements, without twisting.
Once dry, the fabric will straighten under its own weight. You can iron tulle only in the most extreme cases, and very carefully - this also leads to yellowing of the fabric.
Preparing fabric for bleaching
First, you need to clean the material from dirt, dust, and remove stains.
- It is necessary to add washing powder or soap to warm water and soak the fabric.
- Rinse the tulle in clean water.
Remember that the material will immediately turn yellow in hot water, and then it will be difficult to bleach it!
You need to determine what fabric your tulle is made of. The bleaching method depends on the type of material. There are many tried and tested methods for bleaching tulle.
- A nylon curtain will bleach well in a solution of table salt. Prepare a saline solution: dissolve 2-3 tbsp in a liter of water. l. salt (just don’t use fine “Extra” salt). Soak the fabric in the solution for 3-4 hours and rinse well.
- You can use another method of bleaching nylon material. Wash the curtain, then soak it in a saline solution (2 tablespoons of salt), hold it in it for 30 minutes, wring it out lightly, and hang it on the curtain rod. In this way, bleached tulle will look like starched tulle and will sparkle in the sun.
A nylon curtain can be bleached if, after washing, the fabric is soaked in a starch solution (250 g) for 30 minutes. The curtain will not only become lighter and keep its shape. After this treatment, the fabric washes perfectly during the next wash.
Set the “delicate” mode and temperature to 40 degrees, add 10 tablets of hydroperite (hydrogen peroxide) to the compartment. The result of washing will pleasantly surprise you - the tulle will be snow-white.
how to bleach yellow tulle
Nowadays organza is often used instead of tulle. It consists of polystyrene or viscose and silk. This is a delicate fabric and requires careful handling. You can bleach organza using several methods:
- add a few drops of ammonia to the washing powder solution and soak the curtain;
- prepare starch powder and keep the fabric in the solution;
- place the fabric in a saline solution (2 teaspoons of salt per 5 liters of water) and leave for two hours, then wash carefully.
The organza curtain can be washed in the machine without spinning in the “delicate wash” mode.
The tulle was torn at the bottom or top
Contact a curtain salon, they will definitely help you.
What are the advantages of such treatment?
As a rule, salons have such technological remnants of fabrics of the required width that will allow you to add tulle on top or bottom without seams, and if you buy the fabric yourself, you will have to grind it down, which is not very nice.
Curtain rods
Such restoration will not be expensive, unlike buying new tulle.
We cut out the torn piece horizontally, sew it back, and decorate it:
These little tips will help you if you have torn your tulle.
Perhaps you have your own secrets in this matter? Share your reviews with readers!
Leave your comments.
How to repair tulle
The decision of how exactly to repair the tulle depends on the volume of the torn area and its location. It is impossible to sew up an oblique cut without visible results, and the fabric will fray.
If the cut is located closer to the middle of the curtain, it is easier to cut out the damaged area and extend the cut.
There is a lot of room for imagination when repairing curtains or curtains.
The curtain can be divided into two parts or folded into blocks, resulting in a different design solution. The edges of the fabric, in order to avoid fraying, are treated with a candle, and then processed with an “American” stitch, and the edges of the thread are passed inside the folded areas.
If it is torn in the middle, we make a split tulle from two halves, cutting out a piece with a defect.
You can in the same way connect together two pieces obtained after removing a hole or a long horizontal tear in the fabric and sew them into a single fabric. It will not be possible to make the seam invisible, but this situation can be played up for design purposes and a contrasting narrow strip, the color of which matches other interior items, can be sewn to the junction of the two parts.
We cut out the torn piece horizontally, sew it back, and decorate it.
If the damage to a large area is located below, it is possible to consider an option in which the curtain can be shortened. If this is not possible or does not fit with the overall design of the room, it is easier than buying new tulle to purchase fabric that matches the style and add the missing length by stitching the old and new pieces horizontally.
If the tulle is torn at the top or bottom, sew another one, or a contrasting piece of tulle.
How to trim tulle correctly and evenly
Synthetic and some natural materials are quite slippery (for example, silk or organza). When working with them you have to constantly adjust the fabric.
In order not to spoil the material and cut the curtain beautifully, they resort to tricks:
How to hang curtains beautifully?
- Pull out the cross thread. In this way, a guide is created and an even cut is formed. First, determine the length of the product, make markings (draw a line with chalk). To pull out the transverse thread, make a small incision. This compromises the integrity of the factory-processed edge. This method is more often used when working with natural materials.
- The fabric is cut at certain intervals. This frees up a large area on the floor/table to place the entire product. The material is folded in half.
- Determine the length of the curtain and secure the fabric with pins. The first cut is made. Such actions are repeated across the entire width with some increments.
- The material is completely laid out and excess tissue is removed along the intended cuts.
Treatment with brilliant green
Prepare the solution: pour water into a bowl, add 2 tbsp. l. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and ammonia 1 tbsp. l., mix everything, soak the white curtain for half an hour and rinse well. The procedure must be carried out with gloves.
After washing, place a curtain that has lost its whiteness in warm water, into which one capful of blue is poured. The solution must be mixed very thoroughly until the color is uniform so that the fabric is dyed evenly. Rinse the fabric in the resulting solution for several minutes, then rinse in cool, clean water.
When machine washing, bluing (1 cap) can be added to the conditioner compartment during the period when rinsing water is collected.
Wash the curtain, put it in a warm saline solution (3 tablespoons of salt) with the addition of washing powder for 2 hours. Dilute 10 drops of brilliant green in a glass of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Carefully pour the solution into the water and rinse the curtain. The fabric will become elastic and snow-white.
How to repair organza tulle
Organza is thin and transparent, has strength and even rigidity, which allows it to maintain its shape and practically not wrinkle
Organza is a thin, transparent material with a dense and durable weave of threads. But even this fabric can tear easily. If you have a question: the cat tore the tulle, how to repair it? A lot depends on whether the fabric is patterned or smooth. If it is smooth, then you can repair it by cutting it into two parts and arranging them in a new design. Today it is very fashionable to make multi-color organza curtains (two or more colors with the same fabric structure).
Combined companion curtains made of translucent material
They are sewn together from separate vertical or horizontal strips, assembled in folds, and secured with magnets or special holders, hooks, and clips.
You can make two-color curtains from two halves
If organza tulle with a pattern is torn, pattern repeat will tell you how to repair it. In many cases, it is not worth disturbing the structure of the fabric, as the curtain will lose all its charm and integrity.
An organza curtain with a pattern looks original, it needs to be repaired depending on the pattern
You need to see if you can hide the defective area in a fold or disguise it with an appliqué or a decorative element. Sometimes it is worth carefully sewing up the tear with thin, matching threads and hiding it from view.
Beautiful appliqués will definitely decorate the tulle and prevent the fabric from collapsing
Gentle wash of tulle
Tulle damaged by a cat
Pet owners periodically face the question: the cat tore the tulle, how can I repair it? Cats do pick out curtains made from this material, and damage can appear throughout the entire fabric. Usually these are pinpoint injuries from claws. Darning such holes will completely ruin the appearance of the product.
It’s better to use your creativity and turn an ordinary tulle curtain into a designer fabric.
Handicraft stores offer a lot of iron-on appliques of various colors and shapes. It is necessary to select elements that combine with each other and do not fall out of the overall color scheme of the room. The adhesive strip is attached to the base and then ironed at medium temperature to the damaged area. In this case, the tulle will not deteriorate from high temperature, and the applique will be securely attached to the canvas.
Properly selected glue applications will help you quickly decorate tulle without much effort.
Embroidery on tulle will look original and appropriate in any room.
This option is also suitable for cases where burnt holes from cigarettes appear on the fabric - this happens quite often in apartments with smoking owners. Thin stickers will also save chiffon - it is impossible to sew up a hole in this fabric unnoticed.
If there is a small hole in the tulle, you can take a decorative ornament and sew or pin it on a pin.
If you need to sew up tulle that has been torn vertically by a cat (this happens if the animal hangs on a thin fabric), the easiest way is to use spider web thermal tape, sold in handicraft stores. The threads at the break site are carefully combined, an additional thread is placed on the inside to provide strength, and a thermal tape is applied on top. The tear area will be noticeable if it is against the background of light from a window, but this is better than a holey curtain.
If everything is done technically correctly, there is no guarantee that the repair site will not be visible.
Sometimes, it is a creative and non-standard approach that gives a positive result.
The next option is to use a donor fragment. The tulle can be taken from the edge of the curtain, if the width allows it, or purchased separately. The frayed edges of the tear are cut out, a new piece is placed in its place, the direction of the threads is tracked, and from the inside, the resulting structure is also connected with the same tape using a cobweb.
The place of such connection is quite strong and can withstand washing.
How to hem tulle?
The algorithm of actions is generally simple, the main thing is not to rush in this matter and remember the golden proverb “Measure twice, cut once.” Do not forget that if the lower part of the canvas has a certain print or lace, it cannot be hemmed or cut off.
The first step is to iron the edges of the material well before hemming them. If there is a need to stitch the sides, then they are the first to be ironed and hemmed. To do this, the canvas is laid out on the table and the folds are folded to fix them, and an iron is used in the work. Afterwards, the fold is made again by 1-2 cm and secured with pins. Next, the sides need to be stitched. Some people use tissue paper for density; they place it under the stitching and then easily remove it. Both sides are stitched in this way.
After processing the side edges, begin hemming the upper and lower parts of the fabric. The bottom hem can be done similarly to the side hems, the only thing is that you should take into account the type of fabric and leave the appropriate length. For example, nylon and organza require leaving at least 3-4 cm, but the tulle itself requires no more than 2 cm. You need to tuck the fabric in 2 passes, and remember to iron it each time. After which you should sew them on a typewriter.
You can sew a special tape to the top of the textile; it will help keep the curtains in shape and make them easier to attach. So, the tape is measured to the required length and applied to the wrong side of the tulle, while securing it with pins. Next, you need to stitch along the top of the ribbon, then along the bottom and sew up the sides. On the sides of the tape there are special holes through which the free edges of the fastening dense thread are pulled out and the drapery and the required size of the curtain are formed, after which the threads must be tied into knots so that the curtain holds its shape.
Openwork types of fabric require the use of bias tape to decorate the bottom of the curtains. The trim can be made of satin or silk. It needs to be attached to the bottom of the canvas, while strictly ensuring that the joints of the fabric and the decorative tape coincide. Fix the trim onto the tulle using pins, then carefully sew it on with a straight stitch.
In general, if you have basic sewing skills, hemming a curtain yourself at home will not be difficult. The main thing is to know all the intricacies of working with this type of fabric and have the necessary tools.
Repairing iron-burnt tulle
Tulle is a fabric that requires delicate care. Fabric damage often occurs when ironing temperatures are not maintained. As a result, the defects after such ironing have a fairly large area, and correcting the situation is not so easy.
First of all, you need to check the condition of the soleplate of the iron; it must be cleaned.
What to do if the tulle is burned through by an iron? You can use the darning-weaving method. It requires painstaking attention and time, but the result is completely unnoticed darning of the tulle. A patch of suitable size, color and shape is taken, the threads are unraveled along its perimeter and along the edges of the damage, and then the curtain threads are woven into the patch, and, conversely, the threads of the patch into the fabric.
Most often, the burned area should be cut out by cutting the fabric into two parts.
This option is not suitable for damaged organza. It is impossible to sew such tulle correctly - the result will always be noticeable. But instead of hiding the seam, you can use patterned stitching, appliques with beads or embroidery, while duplicating the finishing of other areas.
Organza is a thin, transparent material with a dense and durable weave of threads.
Much depends on whether the fabric is patterned or smooth.
As a conclusion, we can say about how to properly sew tulle, this does not mean imperceptibly connecting the tear points. A torn area cannot be repaired so that it regains its previous appearance.
You need to see if you can hide the defective area in a fold or disguise it with an appliqué or a decorative element.
But any housewife can easily decorate the damage so that the curtain looks even better than before. In addition to the fact that you don’t have to waste time and money on buying new tulle, you will receive a completely original curtain that cannot be seen anywhere else.
By using your imagination, you can get even more beautiful and original tulle than when you bought it.
The tulle was torn at the bottom or top
Contact a curtain salon, they will definitely help you.
What are the advantages of such treatment?
As a rule, salons have such technological remnants of fabrics of the required width that will allow you to add tulle on top or bottom without seams, and if you buy the fabric yourself, you will have to grind it down, which is not very nice.
Such restoration will not be expensive, unlike buying new tulle.
We cut out the torn piece horizontally, sew it back, and decorate it:
These little tips will help you if you have torn your tulle.
Perhaps you have your own secrets in this matter? Share your reviews with readers!
Leave your comments.
There is a puff
We also turn a disadvantage into a highlight. Along the tightening line, we sew decorative braid or fringe into the overlay.
We crown it all with a bow, tassel and other decor. You can take the ribbon in a contrasting color. If one line of braid does not look
finished, then you can sew another one. Your imagination will help you.
The tulle was torn
Designer's advice:
If you lack experience in sewing, it is better to trust the professionals, because... poor stitch quality in this case will be
strike the eye.
How experienced housewives repair a tulle curtain
On the Internet, experienced housewives often share tips on how to sew tulle correctly, rightly believing that skillful hands can do anything. Sewing thin, airy tulle fabric has its own nuances. Even a regular hem must be done with thin threads.
Sewing and repairing tulle is possible with your own hands
What can we say if a cat begins to tear the fabric or a curtain is pinched by a door and pulled? Repairing tulle requires great skill.
Some housewives who know how to do needlework advise making decorative darning. If the hole is small, for example, from a smoldering cigarette, then mending it is very simple, you just need to pick up the threads. If the fabric has a complex structure (various ways of weaving threads with separate inserts), then the darned area will not be visible.
Another interesting way is to sew a lace strip onto a damaged curtain. Choose a suitable lace (they come in different widths and structures) and simply sew on top of the torn area. For greater decorativeness, you can sew lace along the edges of the curtain or along the bottom.
You can change the size of the curtain and add narrow or wide lace
There is a lot of room for imagination when repairing curtains or curtains. Considering that when buying them, they are often double-width to create beautiful folds, you can cut and assemble the curtain from several parts (two or more) without loss. By using your imagination, you can get even more beautiful and original tulle than when you bought it.
You can add an additional element that will cover the damaged area
Repair of various types of tulle
Repairing damaged tulle is a technologically complex process. Curtain fabric can be restored more easily, it does not creep, it allows you to use darning or embroidery to cover the defect as much as possible, install patches or replace elements.
If a hole from a cigarette appears in a tulle curtain, a puff has formed, or a piece of fabric has been torn out by a cat's claws, then this defect must be corrected immediately.
It is much more difficult to repair tulle, regardless of whether the fabric is woven or one-piece, with or without a pattern; during processing, asymmetrical arrows, puffs, and puncture holes often appear. As a result, a larger area has to be processed and the appearance of the fabric changes significantly.
You can try to repair such holes in thin fabric if it is not possible to purchase new tulle.
All types of tulle can be divided into several types, each of which has its own characteristics and requires its own approach when repairing.
- A veil is a soft fabric made of silk, wool, cotton threads or polyester that does not require special care, often with a printed pattern and other decorative elements.
- Organza is a wrinkle-resistant, durable material made from polyester (expensive fabrics woven from viscose and silk are also available).
- Mesh is a type of tulle with a perforated structure.
The matter is complicated by the fact that tulle is a very delicate fabric, on which all the consequences of the repair will be visible.
In order to answer the question of how to quietly repair tulle, it is necessary to take into account the desired result and what needs to be achieved. In addition to simply eliminating punctures, puffs or sewing up defective holes, you can use shortening curtains, sewing on additional elements, darning, decorating with embroidery or other methods.
On the Internet, experienced housewives often share tips on how to sew tulle correctly.
You can change the size of the curtain and add narrow or wide lace.
How to hem curtains from the bottom at home: step-by-step instructions describing the process
There are two ways to shorten curtains - trimming and folding. In the first case, you should measure the fabric correctly and cut the fabric to the required length. Before starting work you must:
- Wet the curtains and hang them on the curtain rod without squeezing them. Leave the textiles for 3 days. This will allow the fabric to sag and allow more accurate measurements to be taken.
- Select threads for curtains. They must match the shade of the material.
- Prepare suitable pins. Do not use thick tools as they leave holes in the fabric.
The shortening method and type of seam are chosen depending on the type of material:
- Tulle, organza, and other thin fabric can be set on fire. This will seal the threads and prevent them from unraveling. The main thing is to perform the procedure carefully so as not to set fire to the canvas.
- Dense material may bend after hemming. This problem often occurs with blackout fabric. To prevent the night curtain from losing its shape, a weighting agent is inserted into the bend. Usually a wooden plank is used. If the products were originally sold with a load, the length should be cut not from the bottom, but from the top. To prevent the curtain from losing its shape, curtain tape is sewn on.
- If the material crumbles, the edge is additionally treated with a zigzag seam. This will fix the threads and increase the service life of the fabric.
- Double-sided curtains cannot be hemmed in the usual way, as this disrupts the design of the canvas. Such curtains do not have a front or back side. In this situation, the textiles are cut, the edges are folded inward, and sewn with a hidden seam.
To shorten curtains, the following types of processing are distinguished:
- Classic seam. This is a straight stitch that is suitable for both light curtains and heavy curtains. The fabric is simply folded and stitched. If the material crumbles, make 2-5 bends.
- Blind seam. These are hidden stitches that are used to seamlessly join two warps together. They do not pierce the fabric with a needle, but make a small grab of the thread. This results in a neat hem.
- Using edging. When the curtain fabric is thick, it is not folded. If you fold the material and sew a seam, the edge will be too thick. He looks unattractive. In such a situation, excess fabric is removed, that is, the bottom is cut to the desired length. No allowance is left. The braid is sewn on with a hidden seam.
- Gusset. This is the most difficult way to shorten curtains, but after the procedure the products look aesthetically pleasing. The angle turns out to be neat, not too tight, and not puffy. This method can only be used by experienced dressmakers.
Processing the bottom of the curtain with a corner
Before starting the hemming process, you need to take measurements of the fabric. To carry out the procedure correctly, adhere to the following algorithm:
- Textiles are laid out on a flat surface. It's better to work on the floor.
- If the material is very wrinkled, it will be ironed.
- Use a centimeter or tape measure to measure the desired size.
Fabric trimming is performed only if the fabric is too long. If the size of the canvas is 10 cm larger than the required value, the textiles are simply folded and hemmed. This will allow the curtains to be returned to their original dimensions if necessary.
When the measurement has been made and the modeling method has been selected, they proceed directly to the procedure. This can be done in several ways.
Manually
This is the longest method of hemming curtains. It is usually used if you need to reduce the length of the curtains without removing them from the curtain rod.
Procedure:
- The curtains are measured. On the wrong side, use chalk to mark to what length the curtains need to be folded. If necessary, trim off the excess.
- They make a bend. The fabric is folded flat and ironed. Fasten with pins. For thick curtains, the material is folded only once. Tulle can be folded in 2-3 layers.
- Perform hemming. The main condition of this method is to leave a thread 2 cm long at the ends, and not thread it to the end, so as not to form a crease.
On a sewing machine
This is the fastest way to hem curtains. Algorithm:
- The fabric is folded and trimmed. Fasten with pins.
- Perform estimates.
- Textiles are sewn on a sewing machine.
- Remove the mark.
- The threads are tied into a knot at the ends.
Using adhesive tape
To bend curtains using this strip, proceed as follows:
- Measure the width of the canvas. This value must correspond to the length of the adhesive strip. If the indicators do not match, the procedure will not work.
- The curtain is folded. To fix the material, heat treatment of the canvas is performed.
- Adhesive tape is inserted into the crack. The top of the fabric is treated with a hot iron.
This method of shortening the length of curtains can only be used for light fabrics. The sticky strip will not support the weight of the dense material.
Beautiful patches
If a small hole is easy to eliminate using ordinary methods, then with a large defect you will have to use your creative abilities. The easiest way to carry out repairs is with thermal stickers. They are sold at any craft store.
Various decorative stickers are selected according to the style of clothing. By the way, this way you can not only mask damage, but also create original clothes. For children's dresses there are patches with hearts, for boys' T-shirts and pants - with images of cartoon characters.
Bursting upholstery on a sofa or chair seat is also masked with patches. You won’t be able to sew up holes on the thinnest tulle unnoticed, but thermal stickers with floral patterns, butterflies, etc. will come to the rescue.
Do not rush to get rid of the product if its defect can be repaired. A neat stitch or a beautiful appliqué will bring the item back into service.
Sooner or later, there is a need for knowledge on how to mend a hole in a fabric without being noticed. There are many different techniques that are applicable to fabrics of a certain type, texture and texture.
How to hem curtains: master class
Even if you buy ready-made curtains or sew them to order, hemming curtains at home with your own hands has its advantages. When you're hemming your own curtains, you can get the exact length you want by hanging the curtains on a curtain rod and exploring different options. Perhaps what satisfied you at the idea/sketch stage, you will want to adjust on the finished curtains, making them a little longer or shorter. Therefore, when ordering, making with your own hands or buying curtains, it is optimal to choose a length slightly larger than needed according to measurements, and then hem the curtains yourself.
You will need:
- curtains;
- centimeter and ruler (ideally a tape measure);
- chalk;
- sewing machine and threads to match the color of the curtains;
- overlock (if available);
- iron;
- pins.
Sequence of work:
1. Decide on the desired length of curtains
To make the choice clearer, you can hang ready-made, but not hemmed, curtains on the curtain rod and try different options, for example, pinning the bottom with pins.
There are four classic, basic curtain length options:
- curtains up to the window sill;
- curtains just below the window sill;
- curtains to the floor (or a couple of centimeters above the floor);
- an extended version, when the bottom of the curtains lies on the floor.
The first two options are good for curtains on a kitchen window.
The third option is the most common, suitable for most living rooms.
The fourth is good for an interior in a romantic style, for thin translucent curtains or, conversely, for thick curtains designed to reliably protect the room from light and drafts.
2. Make markings
It is better to leave new curtains hanging a little on the window so that they straighten out and take shape. Accurately measure the desired length, remove the curtains and draw a straight line at the bottom of the finished product with chalk. A wide hem is suitable for curtains - you don’t have to cut off excess fabric up to 20-30 cm, it’s better to cut off the rest (focus on the height of the ceilings, the length of the curtains and their model). It is better to fold single-layer curtains made of not too thick dense fabrics twice during processing - it is the double fold that will “hide” the excess length of the fabric. It is better to fold curtains made of heavy thick fabric or double-layer curtains once, first cutting off the bottom edge evenly and processing it using an overlocker or a zigzag sewing machine.
This video explains in detail and clearly how to determine the required length of curtains if you choose floor-length curtains (and this is the most difficult, although the most common option):
3. Hem the curtains
3.1. Fold the bottom edge of the curtain to the wrong side and press. (For thick or double-layer curtains, do not fold the bottom, but finish the edge of the fabric.)
3.2. Fold the edge of the curtain over again and iron or pin
Please note: the hem line (on the left, see photo) must correspond to the bottom line of the finished product
3.3. Sew as shown in the photo. Make bartacks at the beginning and end of the stitching.
3.4. The edges of the hem can be left loose, stitched by machine, or carefully sewn by hand with a blind stitch.
If, after the unhemmed curtain hangs on the curtain rod, the fabric in the middle of the curtain “sags” a little and stretches out (this often happens with heavy curtains), minor adjustments need to be made in the process of hemming such a curtain.
To make the stitch line even, you first need to iron the hem along the bottom line, and then lay out the second hem evenly (using a ruler) so that its width is the same across the entire width of the curtain.
More details and clarity in the video:
Methods for repairing tulle
Each tulle curtain is unique. Voile, organza, chiffon, mesh - any fabric has its own structure, uniformity, pattern. The question of how to sew tulle should be approached taking into account the characteristics of the curtain.
Apply the web with glue to the wrong side of the part and simply iron the web paper on top
Then we peel off the paper from the glued cobweb
We put the decorative part that we want to glue on top, the right side of the fabric is on top, and iron it
Sometimes it is enough to simply pin or sew a decorative butterfly or feather to it to disguise the hole. Before sewing up torn areas, show your imagination and creativity. So, a hole from a burnt cigarette can be decorated with an applique from another tulle curtain. This is a labor-intensive task, but if you succeed, your curtain can take on a completely different look, more beautiful and sophisticated.
How to sew torn tulle at home
It is difficult to imagine a home interior without tulle curtains. This transparent, light and beautiful fabric, openwork and smooth, with patterns and plain, natural or synthetic, allows you to create a special atmosphere in any room. However, the weightlessness and thinness of the material, which give it a unique look, also become a disadvantage. Almost every housewife knows that even a small hole in a tulle curtain can completely ruin the interior. How to sew up tulle so that the defect is invisible and the curtain can be used for a long time?
Tulle is a thin, delicate fabric with a mesh structure.
Tulle curtains beautifully decorate windows and are of great importance in interior design.
Tulle on top of curtains | .
Tulle on top of curtains is one of the common ways to keep the window clear and at the same time achieve light-proofing.
What are the main features of such decoration? About everything in this article.
Tulle on top of curtains
How often do I hear from buyers that they are tired of a busy space and want to take a break from lambrequins and heavy curtains. I agree with this. Some style solutions only require the presence of light tulle in the interior. But what if you need to get some sleep during the day or hide from curious passers-by for owners of housing on the first floors, and on other floors there are curious eyes opposite? And here some come to mind
tulle decoration options:
- Tulle on top of curtains
- Blinds and tulle
- Roller blinds for window sashes and tulle
- Roman blind and tulle
Why do we choose tulle on top of curtains today?
This is still a rather uncommon type of decorating curtains, arousing keen interest among those who strive for something new, not hackneyed and interesting. Praise from guests and the demand to tell you how you did it are guaranteed.
Tulle on top of curtains
In relation to other solutions, tulle on top of curtains leaves the possibility of decorating with a good filling of the fabric, which gives softness to the interior, while other methods tend to minimalism and office-ness.
This option, tulle on top of the curtains, will appeal to those who often change the decor in the house, move furniture, rearrange sofas and flower pots. Swap tulle with curtains, and a new design with new sensations will bring you new emotions.
What types of tulle decoration on top of curtains can be called?
Background curtain
Option to use curtains as a background. In this method, it is good to use tulle on top of curtains, a bright plain curtain, and tulle with a plain light pattern. On a rich basis, the pattern will be pronounced if the tulle is gathered on top of the curtains with tiebacks, and if not, then the curtain will be a little more subdued, but also expressive.
Tulle on top of curtains
Invisible tulle on top of curtains
If you take a curtain to match the organza tulle (you can play with halftones), and use very thin, transparent organza, then the mysterious effect will amaze you with its harmony and completeness.
Tulle on top of curtains
Multi-layering
The use of several layers in decorating curtains, such as tulle, curtains, decorative tulle, and, if desired, a lambrequin, makes us think of a complex, multi-valued style chord in interior decoration, which means that such a difficult decision will delight the eyes of others for a long time.
Tulle on top of curtains
Tulle on top of curtains
Such tulle on top of curtains can also be called curtains. Read more here.
Designer's advice:
When conceiving such a multi-layer solution, do not forget to consider the appropriate number of guides on the curtain rod. There are as many layers as there are guides.
Let's say you and I have chosen a certain option for matching the tulle on top of the curtains. What other questions may arise regarding such decoration?
You will be interested in the question of hanging such a composition on a cornice.
Tulle structure on top of curtains
Individual tailoring
Tulle and curtains are sewn and hung separately. You will need two guides on the cornice. Suitable for background curtains and invisible tulle options.
Two-layer product
You can combine the previous option into one beginning, using a common strip, for example, in a product with eyelets, or simply sewing both layers, curtains and tulle, onto one curtain braid. This option will require only one guide on the cornice. This may be beneficial for some, for example, those who do not want to change a single-strip cornice to another. This product is less functional, since the tulle moves along with the curtain. We achieve variety in interesting draperies through the use of accessories: magnets, pins and tiebacks.
Tulle on top of curtains
Tulle on top of curtains
So, when choosing a tulle decor on top of curtains for your window, approach your option individually, use my simple tips, make adjustments, taking into account your interior features.
You may not yet know how much fabric you will need for your tulle decoration on top of the curtains. Then read the article “Calculate tulle”.
Perhaps you have more ideas for decorating tulle on top of curtains?
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Rules for sewing curtain tape on tulle
The need to shorten the finished product arises if the measurements were taken with errors or, for example, the cat tore the bottom edge.
When the edges on the sides or bottom have already been factory-finished, damage to them can degrade the appearance of the material. For this reason, cutting the fabric is often done from above - where the curtain tape is sewn.
When the product is shortened, the strip is sewn on again.
The rules to follow when hemming are as follows:
- Natural materials are washed first (they shrink). If you attach a tape to the curtain in advance, then after drying the product may become deformed.
- Long curtains can stretch under their own weight, so they must be hung on the curtain rod before performing any manipulations. This should be done if you plan to sew curtains to the floor.
- It is easier to take measurements in a vertical position with curtains. Pins are used to secure the material.
- When high accuracy of measurements is not important, when determining the length of the curtains, the distance between the cornice and the desired length is taken as a basis.
- Synthetic materials can be cut provided that a bend has been made along the edge first. The fabric is fixed in this position with an iron: the resulting line serves as a guide when cutting.
- There is no need to cut natural materials: they are torn one by one. The result is a sloppy edge, which is then processed.
What is curtain tape and why is it needed?
Curtain tape is a soft type of fitting that is sewn to the edge of curtains and curtains. It usually has loops that are used to hang the curtain from the curtain rod.
One or more cords pass through the braid, sometimes they are supplemented with pockets. This design allows you to create various folds on the curtain. The type of drapery depends on the number of cords, the presence and shape of pockets.
Thanks to curtain tape, when making curtains you do not have to manually sew on loops and form uniform folds directly on the material. All these functions are performed by fittings that can be easily sewn on with a few lines.
Curtain textile accessories come in different varieties. It is classified by:
- Size. There are options from 1.5 to 10 cm wide. The heavier the curtain, the wider the tape should be. Typically, for light translucent fabrics, ribbons 2.5 cm wide are used, and for dense, heavy materials, six-centimeter fittings are used.
- Method of fastening to the curtain. There are sewing tapes, which have to be sewn onto the curtains, and adhesive tapes, which are glued to the fabric. The second option is considered less reliable and is only suitable for light curtains.
- Fastening elements. Usually, to attach to the cornice, there is a ribbon on the braid that creates loops. However, there are options with other fasteners: Velcro, eyelets, clothespins, etc.
- Blossom. Curtain braid can be white, translucent, transparent or colored. Transparent options are suitable for translucent, thin and light curtains, and thick white and colored ones are suitable for heavy, light-blocking curtains. Colored varieties are chosen in accordance with the color of the curtains.
- Material. For organza and veil tulle, fishing line accessories are used; for denser fabrics, a ribbon made of cotton, polyester or cellulose is suitable.
Another parameter for classifying ribbons is the type of folds that will be created when the cords are tightened. The calculation coefficient also depends on this:
"Harmonic". Forms simple thin symmetrical folds. The build factor in this case is 1.5, and the width is 6.
"Pencil". A classic variety that forms a simple, uniform assembly along the entire length of the canvas. Coefficient – 2.5, width – 7–7.5.
"Wave" (sometimes called "sleeves"). Forms several massive rounded folds throughout the canvas. Suitable for heavy fabrics. The width of the braid can reach 10 cm, and the coefficient is 2.
French assembly. When using braid, groups of folds are formed on the curtain, each of which includes 3 thin gathers. This variety looks best on long curtains. The coefficient is 2, and the width is 8.5.
Double pleated. Forms groups of three thin folds in a checkerboard pattern. Wide braid (10 cm) has a factor of 2.
“Waffle” (other names: “butterfly”, “chess”). Forms a diamond-shaped drapery. Coefficient – 2.5, width – 7.
Counter folds. They move from different directions towards each other. The width of the braid from the counter assembly reaches 2.5 cm, and the coefficient is 2.
"Glasses" (Flemish folds). Groups formed from several assemblies that smoothly transform into one rounded fold. This drapery resembles a glass with an elegant thin stem. Used for heavy curtains in luxurious interiors. Assembly factor – 2.5.
Curtain repair | .
Here are some notes for those who want to repair curtains themselves, lengthen short ones, shorten long ones, and eliminate some defects in curtains.
Not always and not everyone has the opportunity to purchase new curtains, for example, if you move, or maybe you simply ruined the curtains in some place. Well, don't throw them away!? You and I will need some minor repairs to the curtains, and we can easily handle this.
Repair of curtains in the form of an extension
This is exactly the moment that happens in most cases of curtain repair. You want to move the curtains to another room; you moved to another apartment with higher ceilings; you just got the wrong size. What to do? How to lengthen curtains?
There's nothing wrong with that. There are several options for repairing curtains that allow you to turn short curtains into a product with a normal length. If you don’t know how to measure the required length of curtains, then take a look here.
Lengthening curtains with fringe
The correct choice of fringe height will allow you to painlessly and easily lengthen the product to the desired height. Thread fringe is best suited for our purpose. You can also use fringe with tassels. Read more about choosing fringe here.
Remember that you need to take 10-15% more fringe, since it shrinks a lot during pre-steaming.
Extending curtains using the curtain itself
If you need a slight extension, 5-10 cm, then perhaps you can get by with a simple action. Take a look at the bottom of your curtains. If we are talking about night curtains, then, in most cases, curtain salons and curtain manufacturers leave a good hem along the bottom of the curtains, on average 5+5 cm. Gently prop up the bottom of the curtains and iron with the steam function to smooth out creases. If there is no fabric left for hemming, then you can use the option of lining with another fabric, where the joint of the fabrics will be the lower edge of your curtains.
Here is a video on how to add a piece using another fabric:
Lengthen using the same fabric
For extensions that require more than 10 cm, the best solution is to add curtains at the top or bottom with the same fabric as the curtains themselves.
Where did you purchase the curtains? It’s good if in the nearest salon. Do you perhaps have leftovers from the height when sewing? If not, go to the same salon and purchase the missing piece in order to add your curtains.
For options for curtains in a deep niche, add the curtains from above.
For the rest, we add curtains from the bottom or top and hide the joining seam using decorative braid or, again, fringe.
The quality of work without finishing with decorative braid should be ideal.
Lengthen curtains using contrasting fabric
Repairing curtains involves not only lengthening them, but also giving the curtains a decorative look that will not allow the viewer to doubt the quality of the workmanship and the decorator’s intentions. That is, no one should guess that the curtains have been altered; on the contrary, it is a drawback, and in this case, combining with another fabric should become a highlight, a flirty and fashionable detail of your curtains.
In order for combining curtains with contrasting fabric to look harmonious, you need to use a color that contrasts with your curtains, in complete harmony with your interior. For example, you have not only curtains, but also a lambrequin consisting of two colors. Use them. And don’t forget that the joint must be covered with decorative braid or other decorative elements.
You can read more about combined curtains here.
If you don't have a cornice yet and your curtains are too short, consider a round cornice and curtains with grommets. Your curtains can be used as main curtains, and the bar with eyelets can be used as a contrasting curtain.
This article will help you calculate the number of eyelets for curtains.