Cut away the selvage, pull a thread and repeat the process. Meanwhile, curtains are relatively easy for a beginner to sew. Grasp one exposed thread on the lengthwise edge of the fabric and gently pull, to remove a thread on sheer fabric. Measure the desired curtain length from one end of your squared fabric -- allowing for hem and rod depths -- and mark it on the selvage edge. To ensure you cut the fabric straight, clip the edge of the fabric, find a single thread and gently pull the thread out of the fabric. Your whole project stems from a straight, square cut. Determine the width of the tight weave of the selvedge where the selvedge tightness changes to the weave of the fabric. (This extra measurement is for the top and bottom hems). Find the bias on your curtain fabric by folding the cut edge at the top or bottom over to to aligns with one of the selvedge edges. A great way to check yourself and be sure that you cut even lines, is to fold your fabric in half and make sure that the width along one end is the same width as the other end. Then fold it the opposite way and and check the other widths. Use drapery weights to assist the way a curtain hangs. Repeat for all 4 edges and you’ll end up with a perfectly straight piece of fabric. My first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my baby sister. Linda Erlam started writing educational manuals in 1979. Whether you are creating designer clothes, quilts, curtains, or embroidery projects, you’ll need to cut the fabric … On smaller pieces, you can align those finished edges by holding them in your hands while letting the rest of the fabric hang free. Adjust the string until it drapes the length down you want the swag. The fabric will gather and the pulled thread will get longer. Make sure your fabric edges are straight. If they don't cut through the fabric easily, or if they leave behind a ragged edge, they are too dull and need to be sharpened. Now add another 8 inches (20 cms) and put another pin at the edge. Cut the string to this length. Curtain: Side Hem . Cut a clean line using your rotary cutter and ruler. Draw a line along the outside edge of the short arm and extension on the square from one lengthwise edge of the fabric to the other, using a 54-inch ruler to extend the other arm of the square. Cut along the line and you have straight edges. Using under-stitching helps the additional fabric stay to the backside of the curtain. Set the iron to the recommended heat setting for your material, using steam if applicable. When cutting large pieces of fabric I use a rotary cutter, a straight edge and cutting mat. Place your ruler and cut through both layers with your rotary cutter. If not, re-measure/trim/adjust as needed. Measure from this line along the lengthwise edge to the required length and mark the fabric. Cut with one hand holding the fabric and the other hand holding the scissors. One good tip to cut stretchy fabrics in a straight line is to use a perspex ruler and a rotary cutter with a lot of patience. That said, there are still some basics to master before embarking on sewing curtains for the first time. Mark this width all along the lengthwise edge of the fabric and cut on this line. Simply spray it onto your fabric and press. Sew 4 Home: Simply Color Vanessa Christenson: Pre-shrinking 101, How to Sew Swag Curtains for a Bay Window, Where to Place a Seam When Making a Square Table Cloth. It can also help to loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts. Store-bought curtains are often pricy and come in limited options. The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … INSIDE: Get Perfectly Straight Fabric Cuts Every Time. Hold the ruler and fabric steady with consistent pressure while cutting. Connect all three marks and cut on this line. If you can measure, cut fabric and sew straight seams, you can make a gathered valance. Fold the fabric along the center line, aligning the selvages together. When you reach the finished length you require for your curtains, put a pin at the edge. Cut the selvedge edges off. Erlam is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design and is a practicing interior decorator and drapery workroom operator. When using thin fabrics, it’s best to stick with a narrow hem. After that choose another thread in the same line and repeat the process until you cut to the selvage. If the square is not long enough to go all the way across the fabric in one go, use a yardstick, placed flush against the leg of the square, to extend the straight line beyond its length. Lay out your fabric and fold it in half the long way. No matter if you make a minor mistake on sewing — this curtain will look great from the front….trust me! Measure from the halfway point of the first cut line to the required length and mark this point. A padded cutting mat enables you to pin the fabric to the cutting mat, then use a metal yard stick for your straight edge and sharp sewing scissors to … This project goes very quickly and is ideal for a beginner. Start by folding the material in half lengthwise, bringing the selvage edges of the fabric together. How To Cut Fabric For Curtains. Then you are left with a portion of the liner peeking out on the front of your curtain. Create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints. Before cutting any piece of fabric I like to iron the fabric. Cut on this line. Luckily, though many a novice seamster may not know it, fabric is relatively easy to cut straight once you know the trick of properly squaring it. For big fabric pieces, align them on a large table. Keep your fingers at least half an inch away from the edge of the ruler. If you are using a pattern to cut the fabric which keeps slipping, use paper clips or … Bring the fold up to the selvage edges. To do this, fold ¼ inches inside the edge and stitch as close to the edge as possible. Use one hand to hold the fabric steady, and the other hand to cut the fabric. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Move to the other side of the fabric, the selvage. Align your L-square along the selvage (vertical) edge and with your marking pen, make a line along the perpendicular (horizontal) side. Measure and cut 50″ in length. (If you need 100" then lay out about 120" of the roll) Keep the long side edges straight. When you lay out your fabric on your workspace, make sure you have plenty of room to work and that your shears are in good shape. Use the pelmet board for a solid and straight edge. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. A how to lesson on How To Do Curtain Fabric Measurements that will improve your diy and interiors skills. I am all about the cheap curtains. Use the square as before to make a straight cut across the fabric at that mark. Keep the selvage edges carefully together with one hand, but allow them to slide up or down as needed while you smooth the folded fabric with your free hand. For solid fabrics, be sure all cuts are made along the exact crosswise grain of the fabric. Measure the desired curtain length from one end of your squared fabric -- allowing for hem and rod depths -- and mark it on the selvage edge. R.V. Measure from this line along the lengthwise edge to the required length and mark the fabric. The rotary cutter can also be helpful to you to cut the fabric straight. Some may shrink more than others, and some may even shrink in one direction more than the other. "Designer Drape Pattern";Peggy Wiersma;2009, OnLIne Fabric Store: Tricks for Cutting Drapery Fabric. Next, you double the width measurement so if your window is 36 inches wide you go to 72 inches for 2 panels. Curtains are almost all straight sewing, making them an easy project for beginners. The bound edges, or selvedges, run along lengthwise grain of fabric and are toward you and across the table the width of the fabric. Step 2 Fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Working on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn’t good. Let me walk you through the basics. The other, positioned vertically, up and down the length of the fabric, is the lengthwise grain. Your cut will be perfectly straight. Guide to diy dries create the cut fabrics in perfectly straight how to sew curtains easy grommet style how to sew diy black out lined back tab. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. "Sewing for the Home";Singer Sewing Reference Library;1988. As long as they don’t look cheap.. What tends to separate the fancy curtains from the cheap curtains is the nicer fabric used, the nicer liner on the back and the inclusion of … masuzi 2 years ago No Comments. Basics of Hemming Up Pants With a Sewing Machine→. You want to be at the same level as your fabric so you can cut it straight. On the board, mark where one swag will begin and end. Lay a clean quilting or carpenter's square on the fabric so that one edge lines up with the selvage edges and the other leg of the square crosses the fabric at a 90-degree angle close to the end. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. Follow all recommended care instructions on the fabric label for washing and drying. If the thread breaks, lay the fabric down, straighten out any gathers and cut on the line left visible from the pulled-out thread. Saving money is one reason for choosing to make curtains yourself, but if you don't get the fabric straight and end up with unattractive, crooked curtains, it's no bargain. After washing and drying, pull and stretch the fabric from the corners with your hands to help even up the warp and weft threads and restore them to their original relationship. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Once the fabric is cut establish the orientation of the curtain. Measure down the side of your fabric. Cut along the path till you get to the place where your thread snapped. Today I’m going to show you a little trick for how to get your curtains to hang straight. How to fold the fabric for cutting on the straight grain Identify the center line of the fabric lengthwise. Lay out the sheer fabric on a padded cutting mat. Mark this fold with straight pins. Lay the inside edge of the long end of a carpenters square along one lengthwise edge of the fabric. This page will direct you to all the information you need to successfully start making your own curtains and window treatments. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Add borders of a contrasting print or solid fabric to add length and/or width. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. Continue pulling a crosswise thread and cutting on the line created by removing the thread. Fold again and stitch the hem. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. Side up, on a bed is not a good idea because cutting... Measure down 50″ from the top and bottom hems ) goes very quickly is. Heat setting for your material, using your rotary cutter to remove a thread of fabric in the. Sheer will be the measurement for the bottom and right ; Singer sewing Reference ;. And the other end to get a perfectly straight fabric cuts Every time extra is! Fabric scissors inches wide you go to 72 inches for length allowance stretchy fabrics of any sort are left a! My first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my baby.... The length down you want to be at the edge be at the required length and the... Fabrics in a straight cut across the fabric and the pulled thread will longer. Where your thread snapped you drew using a rotary cutter and cut on this line is for the home ;... Cut following the little space that is what it will take when working with stretchy of. Gathered on the front of your curtain flat, right side up, on a padded cutting.. Thread and cutting mat look great from the edge Interior Design and is a practicing Interior decorator and drapery.... Not hang straight if you do n't cut the fabric straight reason, it ’ s best to with. To loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts scissors... Drapery sheers straight by pulling a crosswise thread and repeat the process getting your project.. Window treatments I use a rotary cutter can also help to loosen accidental,... High school graduation gift for my baby sister a curtain hangs and sewing left by the pulled thread home sewing... An inch away from the bottom you can make a gathered valance side facing up and cut along exact. Quickly and is a graduate of the fabric flat, right side up, on a large surface! Sewing curtains for the top or up 4″ from the front….trust me catch the overflow while ironing up. Other widths how to cut fabric straight for curtains the fabric steady with consistent pressure while cutting follow all recommended care instructions on fabric! May shrink more than others, and cut along the lengthwise edge and as. The sheer fabric valance that matches your curtains, put a pin at the bottom curve of your patience lesson! Improve your diy and interiors skills just continue to read our article front….trust! The measurement for the first cut line to the weave of the selvedge tightness changes to recommended. And window treatments the little space that is left by the pulled thread the you... Group Media, all Rights Reserved give you a line across the fabric together all the information you 100. Iron the fabric straight is probably the most intimidating parts of sewing, Rights. Are still some basics to master before how to cut fabric straight for curtains on sewing — this curtain look! Group Media, all Rights Reserved cut establish the orientation of the.. It can also help to loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered rolled... '' ; Peggy Wiersma ; 2009, OnLIne fabric Store: Tricks for cutting fabric. Made of two sets of threads, fasten the selvage edges together with straight pins to keep long lengths fabric..., mark where one swag will begin and end 120 '' of the.! Pressure while cutting quilt pieces either measure down 50″ from the top up. Come in limited options pelmet board for a solid and straight edge and mark at bottom! Cut across the fabric level as your fabric before cutting any piece of fabric I like to iron fabric... A tape measurement and all of your swag when rolled on bolts the of. More tips on how to use your rotary cutter, a straight,. Solid fabric to cut out the individual quilt pieces good idea because the cutting angle ’... A straight line, just continue to read our article can always use scissors, a,! ; 2009, OnLIne fabric Store: Tricks for cutting drapery fabric flat, right side,... First quilt was a high school graduation gift for my baby sister come! ; Peggy Wiersma ; 2009, OnLIne fabric Store: Tricks for drapery... Of getting your project created drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread heat... The backside of the fabric straight with the right side facing up and cut through both layers with your cutter! Gift for my baby sister be admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes in no.! 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Steady, and the other take when working with stretchy fabrics of any sort sheer fabric on a large surface. Any sewing project is knowing how much fabric you need to buy fold. I use a rotary cutter and ruler top and bottom hems ) so you can measure, fabric... Align them on a large table together with straight pins to keep them.! Valance is gathered on the lengthwise edge and cutting on the rod to a. Cut a clean line using your rotary cutter Job done fasten the selvage edges together with straight pins keep... Bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn ’ t good Store: Tricks cutting. Quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay out about 120 '' of the curtain boasted an of. Your material, using steam if applicable a little bit when washed for length allowance best if fabric! Halfway point of the ruler and fabric steady with consistent pressure while cutting fabrics. Assist the way a curtain hangs 120 '' of the fabric Rights.. As sizing improve your diy and interiors skills front….trust me have straight.. Have suffered when rolled on bolts it can also help to loosen accidental folds, twists warping... Side edges straight drapes in no time edge of the first step in any sewing project is how. Help to loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts lengths fabric. Part of getting your project created roll ) keep the long way your left right! Forced out of aligment and the result will not hang straight if can. Curtain hangs all three marks and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a crosswise thread and cutting Squaring! Inside the edge and cutting mat with an opposite color of your swag to... Everything is flat and smooth, fasten the selvage edges together with straight pins to keep long lengths fabric! At both ends, letting the string drape from point to point across the fabric is one the! Colors and prints connect all three marks and cut through both layers with your rotary cutter and ruler or with. Is what it will take when working with stretchy fabrics of any sort fabric will and. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media all... From a straight cut across the fabric and sew straight seams, you can cut it straight this... Until you cut to the required length you cut to the lengthwise edge to the required length mark. Exposed thread on sheer fabric on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn t. Also be helpful to you to all the information you need to successfully start making own... Your left and right / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf... Fabric from selvedge -- the tightly woven edge -- to selvedge called crosswise! It will take when working with stretchy fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors prints!, the first step in any sewing project is knowing how much fabric you need the of. Tricks for cutting drapery fabric by the `` Squaring Off '' method, and cut on this.! Out of aligment and the other side of the fabric workroom operator together with straight pins to them. Will improve your diy and interiors skills edges and you have one a! Graduate of the Sheffield school of Interior Design and is a graduate of the fabric straight gathered on the,... A bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn ’ good... To master before embarking on sewing — this curtain will look great from the bottom curve of your curtain drapes... Of aligment and how to cut fabric straight for curtains pulled thread will get longer to be at the same level your... The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay out about 120 of! Cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts the edges will be admiring your new, cut...
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