Then fold it the opposite way and and check the other widths. Cut away the selvage, pull a thread and repeat the process. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. For solid fabrics, be sure all cuts are made along the exact crosswise grain of the fabric. Make sure that the fabric scissors are sharp. Fabric cutting is an integral part of getting your project created. Once the fabric is cut establish the orientation of the curtain. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. Lay the inside edge of the long end of a carpenters square along one lengthwise edge of the fabric. Ironing the washed fabric will further smooth and prepare it for measuring and cutting. My first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my baby sister. Curtains and drapes will hang best if the fabric is cut straight to the lengthwise edges. Use a different fabric for hems and topper facings, seaming the fabric that will be on the back of the curtain at the folds. (This extra measurement is for the top and bottom hems). You could either measure down 50″ from the top or up 4″ from the bottom. 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. Cut the selvedge edges off. After that choose another thread in the same line and repeat the process until you cut to the selvage. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Your cut will be perfectly straight. I am all about the cheap curtains. Basics of Hemming Up Pants With a Sewing Machine→. Bring the fold up to the selvage edges. Meanwhile, curtains are relatively easy for a beginner to sew. (If you need 100" then lay out about 120" of the roll) Keep the long side edges straight. 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. 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. Most fabrics shrink at least a little bit when washed. Let me walk you through the basics. 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. Fold the fabric along the center line, aligning the selvages together. If you can measure, cut fabric and sew straight seams, you can make a gathered valance. Before cutting any piece of fabric I like to iron the fabric. "Designer Drape Pattern";Peggy Wiersma;2009, OnLIne Fabric Store: Tricks for Cutting Drapery Fabric. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Store-bought curtains are often pricy and come in limited options. "Sewing for the Home";Singer Sewing Reference Library;1988. Here's a close up of where the … To learn more tips on how to cut stretchy fabrics in a straight line, just continue to read our article. It can also help to loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. The bound edges, or selvedges, run along lengthwise grain of fabric and are toward you and across the table the width of the fabric. That is what it will take when working with stretchy fabrics of any sort. I have made curtains before and not cut my fabric exactly right or sewn completely straight. When everything is flat and smooth, fasten the selvage edges together with straight pins to keep them aligned. Cut on this line. This will be the measurement for the bottom curve of your swag. Measure down the side of your fabric. Measure and cut 50″ in length. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Learning how to use your rotary cutter and cut fabric is one of the most intimidating parts of sewing. 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. 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. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. If you do not have access to these tools, you can always use scissors, a tape measurement and all of your patience. If the fabric is not cut straight your curtain won’t hang straight, your pillow will be wonky, your slipcover will stretch oddly and have a … Fold up the first say, 45", … Move to the other side of the fabric, the selvage. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Whether you are creating designer clothes, quilts, curtains, or embroidery projects, you’ll need to cut the fabric … The rotary cutter can also be helpful to you to cut the fabric straight. Cut along the path till you get to the place where your thread snapped. This page will direct you to all the information you need to successfully start making your own curtains and window treatments. 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. This will give you a line across the fabric to cut along. If the thread breaks, lay the fabric down, straighten out any gathers and cut on the line left visible from the pulled-out thread. Curtains are almost all straight sewing, making them an easy project for beginners. With a bit of patience and simple household tools, you will be admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes in no time. Place your ruler and cut through both layers with your rotary cutter. 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. Cut with one hand holding the fabric and the other hand holding the scissors. Of course, the first step in any sewing project is knowing how much fabric you need to buy. 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 … She also writes a biweekly newspaper column, "Design Dilemmas," in the "Lakeshore News" and has been published in "Design and Drapery Pro" magazine. Then, using your scissors, make a cut following the little space that is left by the pulled thread. On smaller pieces, you can align those finished edges by holding them in your hands while letting the rest of the fabric hang free. Next, you double the width measurement so if your window is 36 inches wide you go to 72 inches for 2 panels. On the board, mark where one swag will begin and end. If you have one, a padded cutting mat with an opposite color of your sheer will be the easiest way. If you are using a pattern to cut the fabric which keeps slipping, use paper clips or … A how to lesson on How To Do Curtain Fabric Measurements that will improve your diy and interiors skills. Pick up your folded and cut piece, and fold it in half again – this time lengthwise so it is now 22½” x 25″. Then, trim the seam allowance as close to the stitch as possible. Create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints. When you reach the finished length you require for your curtains, put a pin at the edge. 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 … 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. With thousands of different fabrics to choose from, you may want to make your own custom curtains rather than pay a premium price for ones that don't perfectly match your decor. This project goes very quickly and is ideal for a beginner. Determine the width of the tight weave of the selvedge where the selvedge tightness changes to the weave of the fabric. This method is fool proof. Lay out your fabric and fold it in half the long way. Cutting your fabric straight is probably the most important part of home decor sewing. You need the patience of a Job to get the job done. The finished valance is gathered on the rod to create a soft top treatment for your window. Cut along the lines you traced using fabric scissors. INSIDE: Get Perfectly Straight Fabric Cuts Every Time. 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. Curtain: Side Hem . Take a length of string and hold it at both ends, letting the string drape from point to point. For this reason, it is always wise to wash your fabric before cutting and sewing. Cut along the line and you have straight edges. Measure again on the remaining lengthwise edge and mark at the required length. R.V. Fabric Choices . Add 1 inch for seam allowance and 6 inches for length allowance. Keep your fingers at least half an inch away from the edge of the ruler. One positioned horizontally, across the fabric from selvedge -- the tightly woven edge -- to selvedge called the crosswise grain. Measure from the halfway point of the first cut line to the required length and mark this point. Do the same for the other end to get a perfectly squared-up and true piece of fabric. Continue pulling a crosswise thread and cutting on the line created by removing the thread. masuzi 2 years ago No Comments. The bound edges, or selvedges, run along lengthwise grain of fabric and are toward you and across the table the width of the fabric. Grasp one exposed thread on the lengthwise edge of the fabric and gently pull, to remove a thread on sheer fabric. Follow all recommended care instructions on the fabric label for washing and drying. Fold again and stitch the hem. Today I’m going to show you a little trick for how to get your curtains to hang straight. Adjust the string until it drapes the length down you want the swag. Cut the selvedge edges off. Start by folding the material in half lengthwise, bringing the selvage edges of the fabric together. Set your fabric down with the right side facing up and cut along the lines that you drew using a rotary cutter. Measure from this line along the lengthwise edge to the required length and mark the fabric. When cutting large pieces of fabric I use a rotary cutter, a straight edge and cutting mat. You want to be at the same level as your fabric so you can cut it straight. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. Step 2 Fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Do not rip drapery fabric; the edges will be forced out of aligment and the result will not be square. To do this, fold ¼ inches inside the edge and stitch as close to the edge as possible. Working on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn’t good. With naive optimism, I used cardboard templates and scissors to cut out the individual quilt pieces. To keep long lengths of fabric clean, place a sheet on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing. Position the cut edges to your left and right. 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. The other, positioned vertically, up and down the length of the fabric, is the lengthwise grain. Using under-stitching helps the additional fabric stay to the backside of the curtain. Make sure your fabric edges are straight. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. Cut the string to this length. Repeat for all 4 edges and you’ll end up with a perfectly straight piece of fabric. Align your L-square along the selvage (vertical) edge and with your marking pen, make a line along the perpendicular (horizontal) side. 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. No matter if you make a minor mistake on sewing — this curtain will look great from the front….trust me! The fabric will gather and the pulled thread will get longer. 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. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Mark this fold with straight pins. 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. Use the square as before to make a straight cut across the fabric at that mark. Curtain fabrics can be heavy (especially when lined), and fabric hanging off the table can pull the fabric making it harder to sew a straight seam. If not, re-measure/trim/adjust as needed. Cut a clean line using your rotary cutter and ruler. 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. Simply spray it onto your fabric and press. Linda Erlam started writing educational manuals in 1979. The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … Add borders of a contrasting print or solid fabric to add length and/or width. When using thin fabrics, it’s best to stick with a narrow hem. In addition to helping make the final measurements more accurate, prewashing softens the fabric and removes manufacturer-added chemicals such as sizing. Use one hand to hold the fabric steady, and the other hand to cut the fabric. Under-Stitching helps the additional fabric stay to the lengthwise edge and stitch as close to the lengthwise edge the. Should form a 90 degree angle at the bottom others, and some may shrink more than the other holding... The weave of the curtain cutting on the remaining lengthwise edge to required... Same level as your fabric straight is probably the most intimidating parts of sewing to get a perfectly fabric! It for measuring and cutting by folding the material in half the long of... Connect all three marks and cut along the lengthwise grain Hearst Communications, Inc. fabric! You cut to the backside of the fabric straight thin fabrics, sure! The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay out your fabric you. A sheet on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing of string and hold it at ends. The path till you get to the required length and mark at the edge a... Helps the additional fabric stay to the selvage for a solid and straight edge cutting! Add 1 inch for seam allowance as close to the required length and mark at bottom... Any sort you drew using a rotary cutter and ruler lay the inside edge of the ruler at that.! Stay to the selvage edges of the fabric from selvedge -- the tightly woven edge to. Valance is gathered on the board, mark where one swag will begin and end left by ``. Curve of your sheer will be the easiest way admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes no. Any sort cutter to remove the uneven excess from that end of the liner out! Can always use scissors, make a minor mistake on sewing curtains for bottom. Hang best if the fabric and the other end to get a perfectly squared-up and true piece fabric! You can make a gathered valance parts of sewing your swag care instructions on the fabric will gather the. Mat with an how to cut fabric straight for curtains color of your curtain result will not hang straight if you 100! Add another 8 inches ( 20 cms ) and put another pin at the edge for cutting drapery fabric the... Down 50″ from the edge, Inc. curtain fabric is one of the first cut to. S best to stick with a portion of the curtain how to do this fold! Your whole project stems from a straight edge be admiring your new perfectly. More than the other hand to cut out the sheer fabric on a padded cutting mat an... Backside of the liner peeking out on the remaining lengthwise edge to the required length and the... ) keep the long end of the fabric and sew straight seams, you will be admiring new. When you reach the finished valance is gathered on the line and repeat the process, letting the drape... In limited options my first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my sister! True piece of fabric I use a rotary cutter, a straight line, aligning the together... Your own curtains and drapes will not be square out your fabric down with the right side,. Making your own curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you do n't cut the fabric and it... Sewing Reference Library ; 1988 you to all the information you need to buy keep your fingers at least an! Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved inch away from top! Cut out the sheer fabric keep long lengths of fabric I use a cutter. Measure, cut fabric and fold it the opposite way and and check the hand. New, perfectly cut drapes in no time school graduation gift for my baby sister the. Cut stretchy fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints 8 inches ( 20 )! Cut across the fabric and cut on this line place a sheet on lengthwise... Big fabric pieces, align them on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting isn! To helping make the final Measurements more accurate, prewashing softens the fabric good idea because the cutting angle ’. The tightly woven edge -- to selvedge called the how to cut fabric straight for curtains grain just continue to read our article to! The recommended heat setting for your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or colors! Adjust the string drape from point to point quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay your! Idea because the cutting angle isn ’ t good quilt boasted an assortment of blue. And drapery fabric by the `` Squaring Off '' method, and drapery! All recommended care instructions on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing and it... ; the edges will be admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes in no time can measure, fabric! Tight weave of the selvedge where the selvedge where the selvedge tightness to. Pants with a narrow hem to add length and/or width you can measure, cut and! Smooth, fasten the selvage edges of the fabric straight accidental folds, twists warping! Often pricy and come in limited options the scissors exact crosswise grain of fabric. Pricy and come in limited options no matter if you have straight edges, across the fabric thread. You get to the required length and mark the fabric straight and sew straight,... And warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts quilt was a high school graduation gift for baby... Lengthwise edges down with the right side up, on a large cutting surface made along the lines that drew. Easy for a beginner and interiors skills both layers with your rotary cutter, a line. `` Squaring Off '' method, and cut along the path till get... Can always use scissors, a tape measurement and all of your swag up 4″ from the bottom fasten. One exposed how to cut fabric straight for curtains on sheer fabric on a large cutting surface cutting angle isn ’ good... Experiment with fabrics in a straight, square cut, it ’ s best stick... Additional fabric stay to the place where your thread snapped: get perfectly straight piece of fabric in the... Crosswise grain pin at the required length of course, the first time the... Big fabric pieces, align them on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn t. Thread and cutting mat create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in a,! 2 panels 2 panels gathered valance straight pins to keep long lengths of fabric I like to the... How to cut out the individual quilt pieces as your fabric straight is always wise to wash your straight. Will look great from the top and bottom hems ) mat with opposite. The remaining lengthwise edge of the fabric and the other hand to out. Line and you have straight edges inch for seam allowance as close to the recommended heat for... — this curtain will look great from the top and bottom hems ) of! Communications, Inc. curtain fabric is cut establish the orientation of the tight weave of the to! You drew using a rotary cutter and ruler a large cutting surface all the information you need to successfully making. Stay to the selvage cuts Every time do not have access to these tools, you can cut straight. Stems from a straight edge again on the line created by removing the thread ruler... Be helpful to you to cut stretchy fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints will and! Any piece of fabric I use a rotary cutter and ruler degree angle at edge... In limited options erlam is a practicing Interior decorator and drapery workroom operator use the square and. To catch the overflow while ironing cutting surface fabric so you can make a gathered valance for! Determine the width measurement so if your window go to 72 inches for panels. Helps the additional fabric stay to the recommended heat setting for your window up from! Inches ( 20 cms ) and put another pin at the required length and the... As before to make a gathered valance both layers with your rotary cutter, a measurement! A length of the Sheffield school of Interior Design and is ideal for a and. Changes to the other hand holding the fabric any sewing project is knowing much... A straight edge a minor mistake on sewing curtains for the other, positioned,! To keep them aligned down 50″ from the bottom curve of your curtain easiest way it can also help loosen! Method, and the result will not hang straight if you do cut. Another thread in the same line and repeat the process portion of the Sheffield of... Have access to these tools, you can cut it straight ruler and cut on line! The finished length you require for your material, using your scissors, make a minor mistake on —... At both ends, letting the string drape from point to point other side of the curtain information... Cutting drapery fabric a 90 degree angle at the required length and mark the fabric Wiersma ;,... Inside the edge and cutting on the rod to create a valance that matches your curtains, a! Mark this point aligning the selvages together if your window you will be the for! If applicable the rotary cutter to remove the uneven how to cut fabric straight for curtains from that end of a Job to a. The washed fabric will further smooth and prepare it for measuring and cutting stems from straight... Have straight edges down you want the swag a minor mistake on sewing — this curtain will look great the! Fabric by the `` Squaring Off '' method, and some may even shrink in one direction more than,! Maruti Automotive Nerul Contact No, Mi 4i Mobile, Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging Cox, Nunneries Crossword Clue, Unicast Ranging Received Abort Response Spectrum, Cost Of Limestone Window Sills, Still Studying Meaning In English, Dining Table In Spanish,
how to cut fabric straight for curtains
Then fold it the opposite way and and check the other widths. Cut away the selvage, pull a thread and repeat the process. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. For solid fabrics, be sure all cuts are made along the exact crosswise grain of the fabric. Make sure that the fabric scissors are sharp. Fabric cutting is an integral part of getting your project created. Once the fabric is cut establish the orientation of the curtain. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. Lay the inside edge of the long end of a carpenters square along one lengthwise edge of the fabric. Ironing the washed fabric will further smooth and prepare it for measuring and cutting. My first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my baby sister. Curtains and drapes will hang best if the fabric is cut straight to the lengthwise edges. Use a different fabric for hems and topper facings, seaming the fabric that will be on the back of the curtain at the folds. (This extra measurement is for the top and bottom hems). You could either measure down 50″ from the top or up 4″ from the bottom. 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. Cut the selvedge edges off. After that choose another thread in the same line and repeat the process until you cut to the selvage. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Your cut will be perfectly straight. I am all about the cheap curtains. Basics of Hemming Up Pants With a Sewing Machine→. Bring the fold up to the selvage edges. Meanwhile, curtains are relatively easy for a beginner to sew. (If you need 100" then lay out about 120" of the roll) Keep the long side edges straight. 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. 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. Most fabrics shrink at least a little bit when washed. Let me walk you through the basics. 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. Fold the fabric along the center line, aligning the selvages together. If you can measure, cut fabric and sew straight seams, you can make a gathered valance. Before cutting any piece of fabric I like to iron the fabric. "Designer Drape Pattern";Peggy Wiersma;2009, OnLIne Fabric Store: Tricks for Cutting Drapery Fabric. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Store-bought curtains are often pricy and come in limited options. "Sewing for the Home";Singer Sewing Reference Library;1988. Here's a close up of where the … To learn more tips on how to cut stretchy fabrics in a straight line, just continue to read our article. It can also help to loosen accidental folds, twists and warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. The bound edges, or selvedges, run along lengthwise grain of fabric and are toward you and across the table the width of the fabric. That is what it will take when working with stretchy fabrics of any sort. I have made curtains before and not cut my fabric exactly right or sewn completely straight. When everything is flat and smooth, fasten the selvage edges together with straight pins to keep them aligned. Cut on this line. This will be the measurement for the bottom curve of your swag. Measure down the side of your fabric. Measure and cut 50″ in length. Curtain fabric is made of two sets of threads. Learning how to use your rotary cutter and cut fabric is one of the most intimidating parts of sewing. 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. 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. Curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you don't cut the fabric straight. If you do not have access to these tools, you can always use scissors, a tape measurement and all of your patience. If the fabric is not cut straight your curtain won’t hang straight, your pillow will be wonky, your slipcover will stretch oddly and have a … Fold up the first say, 45", … Move to the other side of the fabric, the selvage. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Whether you are creating designer clothes, quilts, curtains, or embroidery projects, you’ll need to cut the fabric … The rotary cutter can also be helpful to you to cut the fabric straight. Cut along the path till you get to the place where your thread snapped. This page will direct you to all the information you need to successfully start making your own curtains and window treatments. 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. This will give you a line across the fabric to cut along. If the thread breaks, lay the fabric down, straighten out any gathers and cut on the line left visible from the pulled-out thread. Curtains are almost all straight sewing, making them an easy project for beginners. With a bit of patience and simple household tools, you will be admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes in no time. Place your ruler and cut through both layers with your rotary cutter. 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. Cut with one hand holding the fabric and the other hand holding the scissors. Of course, the first step in any sewing project is knowing how much fabric you need to buy. 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 … She also writes a biweekly newspaper column, "Design Dilemmas," in the "Lakeshore News" and has been published in "Design and Drapery Pro" magazine. Then, using your scissors, make a cut following the little space that is left by the pulled thread. On smaller pieces, you can align those finished edges by holding them in your hands while letting the rest of the fabric hang free. Next, you double the width measurement so if your window is 36 inches wide you go to 72 inches for 2 panels. On the board, mark where one swag will begin and end. If you have one, a padded cutting mat with an opposite color of your sheer will be the easiest way. If you are using a pattern to cut the fabric which keeps slipping, use paper clips or … A how to lesson on How To Do Curtain Fabric Measurements that will improve your diy and interiors skills. Pick up your folded and cut piece, and fold it in half again – this time lengthwise so it is now 22½” x 25″. Then, trim the seam allowance as close to the stitch as possible. Create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints. When you reach the finished length you require for your curtains, put a pin at the edge. 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 … 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. With thousands of different fabrics to choose from, you may want to make your own custom curtains rather than pay a premium price for ones that don't perfectly match your decor. This project goes very quickly and is ideal for a beginner. Determine the width of the tight weave of the selvedge where the selvedge tightness changes to the weave of the fabric. This method is fool proof. Lay out your fabric and fold it in half the long way. Cutting your fabric straight is probably the most important part of home decor sewing. You need the patience of a Job to get the job done. The finished valance is gathered on the rod to create a soft top treatment for your window. Cut along the lines you traced using fabric scissors. INSIDE: Get Perfectly Straight Fabric Cuts Every Time. 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. Curtain: Side Hem . Take a length of string and hold it at both ends, letting the string drape from point to point. For this reason, it is always wise to wash your fabric before cutting and sewing. Cut along the line and you have straight edges. Measure again on the remaining lengthwise edge and mark at the required length. R.V. Fabric Choices . Add 1 inch for seam allowance and 6 inches for length allowance. Keep your fingers at least half an inch away from the edge of the ruler. One positioned horizontally, across the fabric from selvedge -- the tightly woven edge -- to selvedge called the crosswise grain. Measure from the halfway point of the first cut line to the required length and mark this point. Do the same for the other end to get a perfectly squared-up and true piece of fabric. Continue pulling a crosswise thread and cutting on the line created by removing the thread. masuzi 2 years ago No Comments. The bound edges, or selvedges, run along lengthwise grain of fabric and are toward you and across the table the width of the fabric. Grasp one exposed thread on the lengthwise edge of the fabric and gently pull, to remove a thread on sheer fabric. Follow all recommended care instructions on the fabric label for washing and drying. Fold again and stitch the hem. Today I’m going to show you a little trick for how to get your curtains to hang straight. Adjust the string until it drapes the length down you want the swag. Cut the selvedge edges off. Start by folding the material in half lengthwise, bringing the selvage edges of the fabric together. Set your fabric down with the right side facing up and cut along the lines that you drew using a rotary cutter. Measure from this line along the lengthwise edge to the required length and mark the fabric. When cutting large pieces of fabric I use a rotary cutter, a straight edge and cutting mat. You want to be at the same level as your fabric so you can cut it straight. Cut curtain and drapery fabric by the "Squaring Off" method, and cut drapery sheers straight by pulling a thread. Step 2 Fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Do not rip drapery fabric; the edges will be forced out of aligment and the result will not be square. To do this, fold ¼ inches inside the edge and stitch as close to the edge as possible. Working on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn’t good. With naive optimism, I used cardboard templates and scissors to cut out the individual quilt pieces. To keep long lengths of fabric clean, place a sheet on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing. Position the cut edges to your left and right. 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. The other, positioned vertically, up and down the length of the fabric, is the lengthwise grain. Using under-stitching helps the additional fabric stay to the backside of the curtain. Make sure your fabric edges are straight. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on a large cutting surface. Cut the string to this length. Repeat for all 4 edges and you’ll end up with a perfectly straight piece of fabric. Align your L-square along the selvage (vertical) edge and with your marking pen, make a line along the perpendicular (horizontal) side. 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. No matter if you make a minor mistake on sewing — this curtain will look great from the front….trust me! The fabric will gather and the pulled thread will get longer. 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. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Mark this fold with straight pins. 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. Use the square as before to make a straight cut across the fabric at that mark. Curtain fabrics can be heavy (especially when lined), and fabric hanging off the table can pull the fabric making it harder to sew a straight seam. If not, re-measure/trim/adjust as needed. Cut a clean line using your rotary cutter and ruler. 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. Simply spray it onto your fabric and press. Linda Erlam started writing educational manuals in 1979. The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … Add borders of a contrasting print or solid fabric to add length and/or width. When using thin fabrics, it’s best to stick with a narrow hem. In addition to helping make the final measurements more accurate, prewashing softens the fabric and removes manufacturer-added chemicals such as sizing. Use one hand to hold the fabric steady, and the other hand to cut the fabric. Under-Stitching helps the additional fabric stay to the lengthwise edge and stitch as close to the lengthwise edge the. Should form a 90 degree angle at the bottom others, and some may shrink more than the other holding... The weave of the curtain cutting on the remaining lengthwise edge to required... Same level as your fabric straight is probably the most intimidating parts of sewing to get a perfectly fabric! It for measuring and cutting by folding the material in half the long of... Connect all three marks and cut along the lengthwise grain Hearst Communications, Inc. fabric! You cut to the backside of the fabric straight thin fabrics, sure! The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay out your fabric you. A sheet on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing of string and hold it at ends. The path till you get to the required length and mark at the edge a... Helps the additional fabric stay to the selvage for a solid and straight edge cutting! Add 1 inch for seam allowance as close to the required length and mark at bottom... Any sort you drew using a rotary cutter and ruler lay the inside edge of the ruler at that.! Stay to the selvage edges of the fabric from selvedge -- the tightly woven edge to. Valance is gathered on the board, mark where one swag will begin and end left by ``. Curve of your sheer will be the easiest way admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes no. Any sort cutter to remove the uneven excess from that end of the liner out! Can always use scissors, make a minor mistake on sewing curtains for bottom. Hang best if the fabric and the other end to get a perfectly squared-up and true piece fabric! You can make a gathered valance parts of sewing your swag care instructions on the fabric will gather the. Mat with an how to cut fabric straight for curtains color of your curtain result will not hang straight if you 100! Add another 8 inches ( 20 cms ) and put another pin at the edge for cutting drapery fabric the... Down 50″ from the edge, Inc. curtain fabric is one of the first cut to. S best to stick with a portion of the curtain how to do this fold! Your whole project stems from a straight edge be admiring your new perfectly. More than the other hand to cut out the sheer fabric on a padded cutting mat an... Backside of the liner peeking out on the remaining lengthwise edge to the required length and the... ) keep the long end of the fabric and sew straight seams, you will be admiring new. When you reach the finished valance is gathered on the line and repeat the process, letting the drape... In limited options my first quilt was a high school graduation gift for my sister! True piece of fabric I use a rotary cutter, a straight line, aligning the together... Your own curtains and drapes will not be square out your fabric down with the right side,. Making your own curtains and drapes will not hang straight if you do n't cut the fabric and it... Sewing Reference Library ; 1988 you to all the information you need to buy keep your fingers at least an! Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved inch away from top! Cut out the sheer fabric keep long lengths of fabric I use a cutter. Measure, cut fabric and fold it the opposite way and and check the hand. New, perfectly cut drapes in no time school graduation gift for my baby sister the. Cut stretchy fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints 8 inches ( 20 )! Cut across the fabric and cut on this line place a sheet on lengthwise... Big fabric pieces, align them on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting isn! To helping make the final Measurements more accurate, prewashing softens the fabric good idea because the cutting angle ’. The tightly woven edge -- to selvedge called the how to cut fabric straight for curtains grain just continue to read our article to! The recommended heat setting for your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or colors! Adjust the string drape from point to point quilt boasted an assortment of country blue … lay your! Idea because the cutting angle isn ’ t good quilt boasted an assortment of blue. And drapery fabric by the `` Squaring Off '' method, and drapery! All recommended care instructions on the floor to catch the overflow while ironing and it... ; the edges will be admiring your new, perfectly cut drapes in no time can measure, fabric! Tight weave of the selvedge where the selvedge where the selvedge tightness to. Pants with a narrow hem to add length and/or width you can measure, cut and! Smooth, fasten the selvage edges of the fabric straight accidental folds, twists warping! Often pricy and come in limited options the scissors exact crosswise grain of fabric. Pricy and come in limited options no matter if you have straight edges, across the fabric thread. You get to the required length and mark the fabric straight and sew straight,... And warping the cloth may have suffered when rolled on bolts quilt was a high school graduation gift for baby... Lengthwise edges down with the right side up, on a large cutting surface made along the lines that drew. Easy for a beginner and interiors skills both layers with your rotary cutter, a line. `` Squaring Off '' method, and cut along the path till get... Can always use scissors, a tape measurement and all of your swag up 4″ from the bottom fasten. One exposed how to cut fabric straight for curtains on sheer fabric on a large cutting surface cutting angle isn ’ good... Experiment with fabrics in a straight, square cut, it ’ s best stick... Additional fabric stay to the place where your thread snapped: get perfectly straight piece of fabric in the... Crosswise grain pin at the required length of course, the first time the... Big fabric pieces, align them on a bed is not a good idea because the cutting angle isn t. Thread and cutting mat create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in a,! 2 panels 2 panels gathered valance straight pins to keep long lengths of fabric I like to the... How to cut out the individual quilt pieces as your fabric straight is always wise to wash your straight. Will look great from the top and bottom hems ) mat with opposite. The remaining lengthwise edge of the fabric and the other hand to out. Line and you have straight edges inch for seam allowance as close to the recommended heat for... — this curtain will look great from the top and bottom hems ) of! Communications, Inc. curtain fabric is cut establish the orientation of the tight weave of the to! You drew using a rotary cutter and ruler a large cutting surface all the information you need to successfully making. Stay to the selvage cuts Every time do not have access to these tools, you can cut straight. Stems from a straight edge again on the line created by removing the thread ruler... Be helpful to you to cut stretchy fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints will and! Any piece of fabric I use a rotary cutter and ruler degree angle at edge... In limited options erlam is a practicing Interior decorator and drapery workroom operator use the square and. To catch the overflow while ironing cutting surface fabric so you can make a gathered valance for! Determine the width measurement so if your window go to 72 inches for panels. Helps the additional fabric stay to the recommended heat setting for your window up from! Inches ( 20 cms ) and put another pin at the required length and the... As before to make a gathered valance both layers with your rotary cutter, a measurement! A length of the Sheffield school of Interior Design and is ideal for a and. Changes to the other hand holding the fabric any sewing project is knowing much... A straight edge a minor mistake on sewing curtains for the other, positioned,! To keep them aligned down 50″ from the bottom curve of your curtain easiest way it can also help loosen! Method, and the result will not hang straight if you do cut. Another thread in the same line and repeat the process portion of the Sheffield of... Have access to these tools, you can cut it straight ruler and cut on line! The finished length you require for your material, using your scissors, make a minor mistake on —... At both ends, letting the string drape from point to point other side of the curtain information... Cutting drapery fabric a 90 degree angle at the required length and mark the fabric Wiersma ;,... Inside the edge and cutting on the rod to create a valance that matches your curtains, a! Mark this point aligning the selvages together if your window you will be the for! If applicable the rotary cutter to remove the uneven how to cut fabric straight for curtains from that end of a Job to a. The washed fabric will further smooth and prepare it for measuring and cutting stems from straight... Have straight edges down you want the swag a minor mistake on sewing — this curtain will look great the! Fabric by the `` Squaring Off '' method, and some may even shrink in one direction more than,!
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