Curtain making continuous with lining

Step 1. Cut fabric to width: For continues sheers/voiles we normally use 2.5:1 fullness self pleating triple pleat tape and for continues solid fabric we nor- mally use 2.0:1fullness self-pleating triple pleat tape. The lining should be cut the same.

We use the following formula to determine the width of fabric to start with before sewing anything:

Track width x tape fullness plus 40cm.
Example for a 2 metre window for sheers (2.5:1 tape):
If there will be 2 curtains: Each one will be cut at 270cm. Example for a 2 metre window for solid fabric (2.0:1 tape): 200cm x 2.0 = 400cm + 40cm = 440cm.
If there will be 2 curtains:
Each one will be cut at 220cm.

Step 2. Make side and bottom hems, put weights in each corner. Iron fabric before starting if required.

Note: We normally use a double 10cm on bottom hem and a single 3cm on side hems.

Repeat the same for the lining to be attached.

Step 3: Iron hems and fabric both lining and front curtain:

Step 4: Calculate what the finished drop should be:

If the curtain is hanging down to the floor:

Measure the distance from under the track to the floor and deduct 3cm. This will make the curtains hang about 1.5 cm above the floor.

If the curtain is hanging in mid air:

Measure the distance from under the track to the point you want the curtains to finish and deduct 1.5cm.

Step 5: Add 50mm to the finished drop calculated in the previous step and make final fabric cut. The 50mm is to allow for folding the fabric over be- hind tape.

For cutting the lining use finished drop calculation and subtract 1.5cm - the lining doesn’t get folded over and should not be seen hanging lower than fabric on the bottom.

Step 6: Fold fabric over 50mm and iron in of pin crease to follow if needed.

Step 7: Slide lining under flap and sew together. Sew the tape onto the back side of the fabric the visible pockets should be facing upwards and Easy Track writing the right way up.

Knot the strings on one end of the tape first.

The tape is sewn to the top edge of the fabric. On top of the folded back fabric 50mm flap:

Sew tape on 1st stitch as close to top as possible, then the 2nd as close to the bottom as possible:

Step 8: Pull strings to pleat fabric: Pleats are obtained by gathering the fabric together on the drawcords:

One side of the curtain is attached to a fixture, e.g. door handle. The curtain tape is held with two fingers next to the group pleat and slid along.

This process is repeated and previously made group pleats are continuously fed along the length of the tape until the curtain is completely pleated.

Make sure the space between the group pleats stays smooth.

Knot the drawcords tightly together behind the last pleat and bundle them or wind them around a cord-tidy.

Step 9: Attach the gliders to the curtain: The gliders are like a lockable safety pin. They are fed through the top pocket at each side of the group pleat and hold the pleat into place further.

Step 10: Hang curtains up on track: Steam or iron if required.