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Do I need lining, and what sort should I use?
Lining will help the drape of your curtains, and will also protect the fabric from the sun. This is especially important if your fabric is rather expensive, and you want the curtains to last. Lining also acts as an insulator against draughts, and adds an extra barrier against sunlight if you choose a light coloured fabric. A contrast colour can be used if you wish to turn the curtains back and expose the linings. Blackout linings are particularly useful if you work nights and need to sleep during the day, and thermal linings add extra protection against draughty windows.
What is interlining?
This is a soft fabric sewn to the back of the main fabric. It adds body and strength to the curtain, almost like a wadding in a quilt. It is a very good insulator, and adds weight to lightweight fabrics.
What special fittings do I need for blinds?
Austrian and festoon blinds have ordinary curtain tape headings, so will fit onto curtain track. Roman blinds have a velcro heading which attaches to a wooden batten. This should be fixed into the window recess or just above the window on the outside.
What is the difference between commercial and hand made headings?
Commercial headings come in the form of a woven tape with cords threaded along its length. This is attached to the top of the curtain, and the cords are gathered up to give the desired effect. The tapes can be easily removed to alter or shorten the curtains. The stitching lines will be visible on the right side. Hand made headings are fixed in position when making up. They have the advantage that they hold their position even with frequent opening/closing of the curtains, and have a more tailored look.
How is a pelmet different from a valance?
A pelmet is firm, usually made from buckram or plywood, and covered in fabric. It is fixed in front of the curtain track. A valance is soft. It is lined like the curtain, and has a gathered heading tape attached to the upper edge. It is then clipped onto a separate track with curtain hooks. You can also have a valance sewn onto the curtain, but this will be drawn back when the curtains are open.
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