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Moderated by Sharon1952
Posted on: 8/21/11 11:54 AM ET
Over the years, I've read in various places that you should hem drapes first and then do the necessary construction to the top for the header. Why are drapes supposed to be made in this order and not, what seems natural to me; make the header, hang the drapes and then hem?
Posted on: 8/21/11 2:02 PM ET
In reply to Tizmehr
Never heard of it!
I haven't made really heavy ones, but always hang them from the finished rod for a day or two before hemming. I have let out hems
that didn't hit the baseboards correctly. Separate panels somehow end up slightly different lengths, probably due to a slight variance in floor,
windows, rod bent, and not your measuring.
I haven't made really heavy ones, but always hang them from the finished rod for a day or two before hemming. I have let out hems
that didn't hit the baseboards correctly. Separate panels somehow end up slightly different lengths, probably due to a slight variance in floor,
windows, rod bent, and not your measuring.
Posted on: 8/21/11 2:34 PM ET
In reply to Tizmehr
When the header or pleats are NOT in the drapes the fabric is flat and easy to get a straight hem. When you put your pleats in the top that should be measured from finished hem to where you want the length at top, excess is folded down to form the pleats so there is no reason to have wrong length of drapery. Pic should help http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ss/How-To-Sew-Expensive-Looking-Professional-Lined-Drapes-In-A-Day_7.htmhere
If it was a traditional pleated drape the excess is folded down to the finished length which should be the lining pic. I use 8 inches in the top folded to a doubled four inch top hem then pleated.
If it was a traditional pleated drape the excess is folded down to the finished length which should be the lining pic. I use 8 inches in the top folded to a doubled four inch top hem then pleated.
Posted on: 8/21/11 7:51 PM ET
I have always hemmed first, as that was the way I was taught.
However, that does not guarantee anything. As my last set of drapes - triple-pleat, inside mount - proved, revisions may always be necessary. (drapes, the journey)
Note to self: Mount hardware, then measure!
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However, that does not guarantee anything. As my last set of drapes - triple-pleat, inside mount - proved, revisions may always be necessary. (drapes, the journey)
Note to self: Mount hardware, then measure!
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The Destashification Project - Stash Couture!
Posted on: 8/21/11 10:29 PM ET
In reply to susandf
Your post was hilarious!
Hopefully my fall curtain project will go smoother. It's only 60 yards of fabric, underlining and lining. Yikes!
To the OP. Yes, hem first.
Debbie
Hopefully my fall curtain project will go smoother. It's only 60 yards of fabric, underlining and lining. Yikes!
To the OP. Yes, hem first.
Debbie
Posted on: 8/21/11 10:46 PM ET
Is the hemming first done just when the drapes are lined? I'm going to make curtain panels that aren't lined.
Posted on: 8/22/11 12:33 PM ET
In reply to Tizmehr
It's done first whether lined or not. (At least that's how I do it.)
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Janome Skyline S5
Brother PQ1500S
Singer 201-2
Pfaff 138-6
Janome Coverpro 1000
Juki MO-655DE
US Blindstitch 718-9
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ
Bernette B70 Deco
Brother PQ1500S
Singer 201-2
Pfaff 138-6
Janome Coverpro 1000
Juki MO-655DE
US Blindstitch 718-9
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ
Bernette B70 Deco
Posted on: 8/23/11 10:22 PM ET
In reply to susandf
Quote: susandf
I have always hemmed first, as that was the way I was taught.
However, that does not guarantee anything. As my last set of drapes - triple-pleat, inside mount - proved, revisions may always be necessary. (drapes, the journey)
Note to self: Mount hardware, then measure!
I have always hemmed first, as that was the way I was taught.
However, that does not guarantee anything. As my last set of drapes - triple-pleat, inside mount - proved, revisions may always be necessary. (drapes, the journey)
Note to self: Mount hardware, then measure!
That was a great journey. I feel better now that I am not the only one to make 10 trips to different stores for a project.

I am going to try to make drapes for the first time, and the article was very helpful.
Posted on: 9/4/11 10:53 AM ET
Period skirts are also (supposed to be) hemmed this way (before attaching them to bodices/waistbands), but the idea of it has always baffled and intimidated me.
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
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