Our Curtain Makers
Fabric House boasts a close relationship with a small selection of fantastic curtain makers who offer a very professional, affordable service that is fantastic value for money.
Our Curtain Makers will also visit you at your home for a complimentary measure and quote so you are then able to come in and select your fabric at Fabric house with peace of mind.
Please call us for more information and contact details. Phone (03) 3650172.
Curtain Heading Styles
Curtain headings are a way of customising and styling blinds and valances so that the overall width of the fabric is reduced, creating a range of pleats or folds.
Pretty average curtains, drapes or pelmets can get a huge upgrade in style when enhanced with some knockout headings. Here are several top headings that will set your drapes apart from the rest.
Ready Made Heading Tape
Some headings can be created using various types of tape that is sewn close to the top edge of the curtain. By pulling up gathering cords, different effects can be achieved.
Some headings, pulling up gathering cords at the back so they can be used in conjunction with grip tape makes it possible to attach the top of curtains and blinds to battens or pelmet boards. The number of cords and the way the cords are threaded in the heading tape makes the pattern of pleats. The pleats are the sharpest when the cords are drawn up tightly. There are 2, 3, or 4 cords for drawing up the pleats. Most tapes have more than 1 row of pockets for the hooks to adjust the height of the heading. Most tapes have 3 rows. Use the top row if the curtain is to hang below a pole. Use a lower row to make the heading stand up the required amount to conceal a track.
Pencil Pleated Heading
Pencil pleats are the most common simple pleating system using heading tape, enabling the curtain material to be easily gathered. Use it with tracks or rods. It is suitable for all fabric types and generally provides a simple, casual look and is usually inexpensive.
Multiply the track width by 2-2.5 when estimating for fabric.
Box Pleated Heading
Box pleat heading tapes give a very tailored look and drape into deep folds down the full length of the curtains. The pleats butt onto each other with no interval between them. Multiply the track width by 3 when estimating for fabric. Suitable for tracks and poles.
Tab Top Heading
A modern, less formal heading is created with loops of matching or contrasting fabric that are stitched onto the top edge of the curtain omitting the need for the heading tape. Suitable for all weights of fabric.
You should also remember to take the length of the tabs into consideration when measuring. This heading is only suitable for poles. The top of the curtain should go well above the top of the window frame.
Eyelet Heading
For a minimalistic look a narrow rod, pole or wire is threaded through the eyelets that are inserted close to the top edge creating deep folds.
Metal rings are punched into the heading using a special device, usually about six to eight eyelets per drop, making it normally a more expensive option. This type of curtain doesn't need as much fullness of fabric so it stacks back to a minimal space. The rod needs to be fitted well above the architrave.
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics. When estimating for fabric allow twice the rod width.
Goblet Pleated Heading
Goblet pleats make a very elegant heading for longer lengths. Pleats fall from each goblet that can be stuffed with tissue paper or cotton wool to retain their shape. This heading tape has 2 sets of cords and is suitable for medium to heavy weight fabrics. Multiply the track width by 2-2.5 when estimating for fabric. Suitable for tracks or poles.
Triple Pinched Pleat Heading
Triple pinch pleat (aka French pleat). This style is simple, yet extremely elegant. Suitable for medium weight fabric so the pleats are not too thick or bulky when made up. Best described as knife pleats pinched in groups of 3 pleats (or sometimes just two, or even single) with spaces between that spread when the curtain is extended. It reaches full potential when used on track rods or decorative poles. . They are pinched together with a simple stitch at the base and fan out at the top. The base could then be accentuated with a covered button. This is a formal, crisp heading. It works best with other soft furnishings that are tailored and exact in their appearance.
Linings
Poly Cotton - $8 per metre
Sunteen - $13 per metre
Blackout Lining - $15 per metre
Blocks out light completely.
Thermal Lining - $13 per metre
Thermal lining is a little more expensive than standard cotton lining but the added long term benefits when you start saving money on your energy bills is worth the investment. Thermal lining is made using a poly/cotton mix (blackout lining made from 100% natural materials doesn't yet exist). Most curtain companies offer, white and off-white (ivory) colour thermal lining and choose the best colour to match the fabric you have chosen. Some customers considering thermally lined curtains are concerned by the way that their curtains will hang. Don't be. Thermal lining is a fraction of a millimetre thicker than cotton lining and will hang well.
