Creating new drapes

My efforts in creating soft furnishings have been coming along very slowly after my first major effort to get things completed. However, now that the weather has cooled considerably, we're in full swing trying to complete these drapes.

I was asked to please give a quick description of how I'm making them, as the backing / blockout fabric is attached separately. This is because a sister very generously gave me her remaining fabric after doing her household full of drapes. Well, I'm modelling how I'm making these on other drapes I already have in the house (pre-made). Also, when I went in to purchase the material, I was greatly assisted with information on a new, EASY method for creating the deep pinch pleats with heading tape.

Firstly my window measures 300cm wide x 215cm long. Double the width, allowing for 2.5cm side hems, made a requirement of 5 drops (as the fabric width is 120cm wide). Each length required a 10cm top hem, plus another 10cm bottom hem, making the cut lengths 235cm. ** With the backing fabric, I omitted the 10cm heading hem to minimise bulk with the hanging tape.

Once I CAREFULLY measured (and remeasured a couple more times), the fabric was cut - 2 1/2 drops per side of window. Then they were joined at the side seams. Side hems (of 2.5cm) were sewn. This was repeated for the backing fabric.












With tailor's chalk, measure out the 10cm heading hem line on the reverse side of material.








Pin the backing fabric along the marked line, WRONG sides together.






Carefully, tack the backing in place, then fold over hem.








Measure the length of heading tape (this is deep pleat heading tape). Then find the centre 'panel' or opening. This needs to be placed in the centre of the drape. ENSURE that the opening is facing down, otherwise you won't be able to get your hooks in! Align, then pin into place.




Turn over the ends for a neat finish. Stitch the sides and top of the heading tape in place.







On the bottom of the heading tape (going by how my other drapes were made) leave a gap of 2cm at each seam ... another hook needs to slip in here, keeping the fabric flat, but so it hangs neatly.



Turn the bottom of the seam in as you go along.



Now comes the fun part, when it's all coming together nicely!

Go back and find the centre opening on your heading tape. You need to insert the 4 prong hooks (I used the minus 8mm heading as we're using the wooden poles. If you're using a track, ask which heading tape and hooks you should use.) Okay, leave the centre opening free. Insert a hook into the next 4 openings either side. As you insert the hooks, it gathers it for you. (Yay .. no need to sew fiddly gathered seams!)

Continue along, skipping one opening between each of the four gatherings.


It should look like this from the right side when finished:






All that is left to do is hang the drapes, and voila!!

I've checked the bottom hem again, once hung, before sewing.

With this heading tape, if ever I need to clean the drapes, I just take out all the hooks and the fabric will lie flat. Very happy!!