HAND SEWING CURTAINS
Use dressmaker’s chalk to mark the pleat fold lines on the back of the ungathered curtain, according to the calculations. Fold and- stitch along the pleat lines in a straight line to 10 cm (4 in) depth, then 4 fold each pleat by hand. Stitch the base of the pleat by hand, and catch the inner folds together at the top. Insert spiked hooks- into each pleat.
WINDOW DRESSING SWAGS & TAILS
Swags and tails are fixed to a shelf above the window. There are no text-book rules for proportions, but as with all window dressing, if you want plenty of light to come through the window, fit the shelf well above the window and extend it on either side. Norm- ally, the first pleat of the tail should be at about the same level as the lowest point of the sweep of the swag. When making your own swags and tails, it is worth using old sheets to make a mock-up or toile of the finished item. The upper edge should be about 50 cm (20 in) shorter than the shelf, and the lower edge about 20 cm (8 in) longer, according to the depth of the swag.
Decide on an appropriate depth for the tails, depending on the fullness required. Pin the toile across the top of the shelf to give the effect, pleating or gathering the ends. When you are happy with the arrangement, mark the fabric where it folds over the front edge.
Open out the taile and mark the seam line following the existing marks. Use this as a guide to cut out the fabric, allowing 4 cm turnings along the top and bottom edge, and 10 cm (4 in) for gathering and finishing down the angled side edges. Make up the swag, lining and interlining if necessary, as for machine- or hand-made curtains, treating the upper and lower edges of the swag as the sides of the curtain. Gather or pleat the angled sides along the seam line and pin in place to check the drape. Topstitch, then trim the raw edges and finish by binding or zigzag stitching.
To make a toile for the tails, plan the width and spacing for the fold lines using a tape measure held along the top of the shelf. Decide on the inner and outer lengths of the tails and transfer all the measurements to the toile fabric. Cut out and check for fit. 4 Use the toile as a pattern piece, allowing 2 cm G in) turnings all around the sides and lower edge, and 10 cm (4 in) at the top edge. Cut lining to the same size as the main fabric. Interline the main fabric panel, then position the lining on the tail, right sides facing, and stitch together all around the sides and lower edges. Trim scams, press and turn right side out.
Press again, then mark and press the pleats into position. Check for fit, then top- stitch pleats, trim raw edges and bind or zigzag stitch together. 5 Finally, fit the swags and tails in place, stapling them to the top of the shelf so that the tails overlap the ends of the swag.