Do-it-yourself marquise curtains. Do-it-yourself French curtain - instructions and tips

20.06.2020

To decorate a window with such an "awning" it is not necessary to go to a specialized store or atelier. Its tailoring is quite simple, therefore, with due attention and observance of simple rules, it is easy to do it yourself. In order for the finished product to be light, fit in beautiful waves, not slide down under its own weight and not taper to the bottom, you need to read the tips below.

Fabric choice

In the description of the do-it-yourself French curtains master class below, one of the varieties of organza, crystal, is used. For such a model of the product, it is best to use similar types of fabrics:

1. The material should be light, rather thin than dense, should not special efforts fold into soft folds. These requirements are met by the characteristics of such materials: the above-mentioned organza, muslin and satin, guipure and silk, and others.

Due to their characteristics, these materials can lie in neat and soft folds. Translucent fabrics will reliably protect the interior of the room from prying eyes, but at the same time they will continue to let in a sufficient amount of daylight.

2. Absolutely not suitable for the manufacture of such a product plan are heavy and dense materials: velvet and toile, taffeta and moire, damask and chintz, canvas and brocade and others.

It is extremely difficult to fold folds beautifully on such matters. In addition, their weight is quite impressive, and if you use them in this form (many folds are collected), then it will increase at least three times. The cornice simply cannot withstand such a load.

types of curtains
cutting diagram

cut the fabric to the required length
sew on the braid

preliminary calculations

The description below of sewing French curtains with your own hands (master class) began with calculating the size of the canvas for purchase. A window 1.4 m high and 2 m wide was taken as an example. The finished product should have a height of 20 cm (height from the cornice to the window sill) and a width of 50 cm more (25 cm on each side of the slopes). Calculation the right sizes canvases are conducted as follows:

1. We multiply the desired final width by 1.5 (maximum 1.6, otherwise the product will sag along the bottom edge). In our case: 2 m 50 cm x 1.5 \u003d 3 m 75 cm (we will round up to 4 meters, since folds and folds will be made along the vertical line).

2. We multiply the desired final length by 2 (this is done if a special braid is sewn in the process for a similar cut of the product, otherwise you will have to take more due to the fabric sliding down under its own weight). In our case: 1 m 60 cm x 2 = 3 m 20 cm.

3. A special braid will be stitched on the canvas every half a meter, for the described option you will need to buy 9 segments, the length of which is equal to the length of the product (total - 27 m). Additionally, a segment will be sewn along the top of the canvas. If it is sewn with the expectation of tightening the cord (folds are formed from tightening), then you will need to purchase 4 m. If the folds along the upper edge are made independently during work, then a cut 2.6 m long is taken.

french curtains diy steps 1-3
steps 4-6

steps 6-9

When buying fabric, you should rely on the width of the finished product. The width of the curtain depends on the shape and size of the window, the type of cornice. In addition, allowances for the assembly factor of the product are taken into account, which mainly depends on the preferences of the hostess.

On the French curtains sewing quite a lot of fabric is required, since to create airy lush folds you need more material than the amount of fabric needed to sew a regular curtain: one and a half times as wide, twice as long.

What fabric should I choose for French curtains?

The selected material for the curtains should be elastic, drape well, lay down in soft and smooth folds. Basically, traditional fabrics are used for sewing French curtains - these are thin and light fabrics with a smooth texture: silk, moire and satin, wool, cambric, organza, transparent light tulles. Fabrics can be any colors and shades. Sometimes used modern materials with a denser texture, which form hard and lush folds. Usually the edges of such curtains are decorated with frills, ruffles, tassels, fringe. If desired, French curtains can be supplemented with a lambrequin and heavier curtains. To complete the stylistic and color solutions The interior is influenced by a well-chosen fabric texture, color and pattern of the material.

DIY French curtains with photo instructions

It is not difficult to sew French curtains with your own hands with a photo instruction for your home: for this you need to be proficient in sewing technology and all the intricacies of operations on sewing machine, know technological features used fabrics and apply imagination, which will prompt interesting ideas for interior design. A beginner should not take on sewing such complex curtains, it is better to practice on creating simpler products. We offer you an option how to sew do-it-yourself french curtains photo.

Determination of tissue consumption

Width. Usually the width of the curtain should be equal to the length of the cornice, but for a spectacular assembly, the width of the fabric can be slightly increased. Without applying the coefficient, the width of the curtain is calculated as follows: the width of the cornice plus four centimeters for the processing of side seams.

Long. To ensure good drapery of the curtains into lush folds, it is necessary that its height be one and a half to two and a half times longer than the height of an ordinary finished curtain. Length calculation: the desired height of the curtain, multiplied by two, plus two centimeters for the processing of the top edge, plus five centimeters for the processing of the bottom edge (hem).

cutting

the cloth must be laid out on the desktop, straighten the material and carefully trim the bottom edges;

when cutting, it is necessary to take into account the additional length for hem and allowances;

before starting work, the fabric should be processed on the sides and then ironed.

For the formation of beautiful draped folds after tightening the braid at the top, as well as for a strictly vertical arrangement of the curtains along the upper edge, tucks are made along all vertical lines. Depending on the height of the curtain, the size of the undercuts can change: with the lengthening of the curtain, the undercut becomes longer and deeper.

How to sew French curtains with your own hands photo

The step is the distance between the vertical lines along which the mounting narrow tape with ringlets for the cords is sewn.

Braid or decorative fabric can be sewn between the drapery guides.

Drapery tape

Drapery in height is done using a narrow drapery tape (braid with rings for threading the cords of the lifting mechanism). The length of the tape is bought from the calculation: the height of the cut of the fabric, multiplied by the number of scallops, plus the height of the cut of the curtain.

Calculation of the number of scallops

For large windows wide sections on curtains are better suited, and for tall and narrow ones - small soft waves (from twenty-five to forty-five centimeters). The number of scallops for large windows can be calculated from the following table:

Put the curtain down front side on a horizontal flat surface.

Pin the braid along the vertical lines with pins so that the lower edge of the curtain coincides with the end of the braid;

From the side edge, the draping braid must be placed close to the side edges. After that, you need to bend the lower ends of the braid by 2.5 centimeters, after pulling the cords out of the hem. Attach the ribbon to the curtain. Next, iron the bottom edge of the curtain twice 2.5 centimeters each and stitch the bottom edge.

After sewing on the braid, the upper cut must be adjusted to the width of a special fastening tape (with its help, the curtain is later draped and hung on the eaves).

Then close this section with a ribbon and sew it on a sewing machine.

To the lower edge of the curtain, along all the guide lines of the stitched tape, special weights are sewn to maintain the vertical position of the curtains.

The cords must be pulled tight so that the lush folds are evenly distributed over the entire width of the curtain. Secure the folds with ribbons in this position.

Time to sew handmade french curtains it will take quite a lot. However, this piece of furniture will delight you and your loved ones with its amazing beauty for a long time. Decorating your home with handmade products, you can emphasize your individuality and good taste.

French curtains are well known to many, but earlier they were used only for large rooms and ceremonial halls. However, this type of curtain can also be used for ordinary living rooms. French curtains are fabric assembled into vertical scallops - awnings. The canvas is gathered in semicircular folds to give the curtain pomp and elegance. DIY is not as difficult as it seems at first glance, but it takes a lot of patience. It concerns the calculations, the assembly of the folds of each scallop. The difficulty lies in the fact that the markup must be accurate, and the folds must be the same. Otherwise, the French curtain will have an extremely unattractive appearance.

French curtains can be lifted or not. In the first case, a system of lifting cords is used, which allow you to fix the drapery exactly at the required height. A curtain is used for any room, but it is desirable that the ceilings are not too low, as a large number of folds will visually conceal this height. There are options for curtains that are perfect not only for an ordinary city apartment, but also for a relatively small kitchen.
To sew French curtains with your own hands, it is best to take light fabrics that drape perfectly into soft folds and keep their shape. Massive, rigid fabrics are not collected well, the folds are too rigid. Some experience is needed to assemble them in the way that the shape of the curtain requires.

Sewing curtains with your own hands

To simulate French, it is necessary to perform a preliminary calculation. There is nothing complicated here, it will be much more difficult to process a mass of fabric, to collect it into folds. It is imperative to determine how many scallops to make for French curtains in order to general form was harmonious and attractive.

The build factor must be determined. This value can be:
for tulle - 2.5;

for a synthetic veil - 2-2.3;

for organza - 1.8.

Saving in this case is not recommended, since the width of the fabric may not be enough. Such a coefficient is necessary to compensate for the pulling of the curtains under its own weight towards the center. For example, for a cornice width of 2 m, the cutting width will be from 3.6 m.

Cutting will be done in a ratio of 1:2. The softer or heavier fabric is used, the lower the build factor will be:

for tulle - 2;

for a synthetic veil - 2.5;

for organza - 3.

When cutting, it must be remembered that with a future curtain height of 2.5 m, the cut height will be 7.5 m, taking into account the folds. Additional actions:

The width and height of each assembled scallop is determined, after which the resulting value is multiplied by the appropriate coefficients.

The required number of sections is specified, the value will depend on the width of the window opening.

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Sewing awnings for curtains

To sew French curtains with your own hands, you need to prepare:

translucent veil of the selected shade;

curtain braid, which has special eyelets for cornice hooks;

needles, threads of the selected color;

scissors;

sewing machine;

special braid for French curtains;

tailor's meter, chalk or a bar of soap.

The cut of the prepared fabric must be laid out on a horizontal flat surface, then mark the face and bottom of the fabric. Next, the left edge is cut off, marking is performed taking into account:

side seam allowance;

section width (the number of sections required for a given curtain is determined);

allowance for stitching individual panels.

The next piece of fabric is taken, the whole operation is repeated. Separate pieces of the panels must be connected with a seam, then carefully smoothed out with an iron. The side seams are sewn up and smoothed out. Next, you need to start sewing on a special braid for the French curtains. This part of the work is demanding, there will be many vertical sections.

Next, you should decide what will be up. There are 2 options: shirred or plain flat. For the 2nd option, a special braid is used, it is attached from above. Darts are used to remove excess folds, their depth is calculated as follows.

The excess fabric (usually 1.6 cm) must be divided by the number of sections. The result will be equal to 20. This number should be divided by 2. All tucks are spent, the excess of 1 cm is cut off. The braid is attached from below, retreating 3 cm from the edge, since the seam will go here. If necessary, space is immediately left for fringe or other type of decoration. When the curtain is ready, make it fasten to the eaves. First, the curtain braid is pulled together by the threads, after which the hooks for the cornice are sewn. The fabric must be straightened into equal folds, then attached to the eaves with hooks.

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What parameters make up the cost of a French curtain?

It should be remembered that the fabric should allow air and light to pass through, and also not darken the space.

Many are afraid to sew such curtains due to the fact that their cost is much more than it actually is. If you buy curtains in a ready-made form, then the price can be significant. If you buy fabric and organize tailoring with your own hands, the cost will be much less. So what determines the price of a French curtain?

The price is influenced by the type of curtain. French curtains can be of various models, therefore, the amount of fabric, decorating elements required is different.

The complexity of the work. This applies to curly decoration, decoration, the use of a special system for lifting the canvas.

To sew a French curtain, you can use different kinds fabrics, but it is recommended to take soft and light ones that drape well. It is better to buy natural fabrics, but artificial fabrics are also good for work. The most expensive option is hand-embroidered canvases. Usually it is silk and satin, but it is not recommended for beginners to purchase these fabrics, since these canvases are capricious and complex.

Expendable materials. A common mistake is not accounting for fittings and Supplies. And in total threads, needles, curtain tape, braid, decor elements can be a significant cost.

The amount of material to work with depends on the number and size of the folds.

French curtains are very beautiful, but at the same time very expensive. In curtain stores you can see a wide variety of models from various fabrics and materials with sagging folds or with more lush assembly options. However, it is much cheaper to make such a curtain yourself. However, this is a very painstaking and reverent business that does not tolerate mistakes.
In order to sew correctly, you first need to do correct calculations, pick up the fabric, cut it and only then proceed to the processing of the selected fabric. The tailoring of the French curtain begins with the calculation of the required cut of the material.

When you see the curtains of this model, it immediately becomes clear that a lot of material is needed to make it. Pleats, which greatly shorten the length, look more beautiful if the material was purchased at the rate of reducing the finished curtain in width. This means that knowing the width of the window opening or the length of the cornice, this figure cannot be taken as the width of the canvas. In order for the waves to turn out beautiful, and the distance between the scallops to be sufficient, it is necessary to multiply the figure indicating the width of the desired curtain by a factor of 1.8. It is this coefficient that will allow the folds of the material to lie down beautifully, without giving the impression of sagging fabric.

When calculating the length of the fabric for the manufacture of curtains, you need to multiply the number indicating the length of the desired finished curtain by at least two. In addition, you need to add a few centimeters of material for processing the edges. This means that it is necessary to add another 5-8 cm to the obtained values \u200b\u200bof the length and width of the canvas for processing sections.

Which material to choose

Having calculated the length and width of the material, you need to choose the one suitable for drapery. It should be elastic, and the folds on it should be smooth, even and soft. When choosing a cut in the store, you can try to collect a little canvas in your hand and see if the fold lays down beautifully, whether it forms even waves. If it bends, looks wrinkled or crooked, it is better not to choose this one.

The color of the curtains can be any, the main thing is that it is combined with colors rooms in general. The denser the fabric, the more magnificent the folds will turn out, but they will have more irregularities. At the same time, the thinner the fabric, the more evenly waves will form on it.

What to buy besides fabric

In addition to materials, for sewing a French curtain you also need:

sewing machine;

pins;

scissors;

as well as soap or chalk (for cutting).

How to prepare fabric for cutting

Before cutting and sewing the curtain, it is necessary to process its edges, using a special braid for attaching the curtain. The side and bottom edges just need to be doubled and stitched, and then smooth the seams. The edges must be processed before sewing the curtains, since then they will be uneven and it will not be possible to process them beautifully.

It is also necessary to iron all the material before starting sewing, and if it is difficult to iron, then this should be done two or three times. After sewing the curtain, it will not be possible to iron it, therefore this stage cannot be neglected, but it must be done with high quality. When the edges of the canvas are processed and it is completely ironed, you can start cutting.

How to cut material

To properly cut the canvas, you need to know exactly the width and length of the finished curtain. When determining the width, you can focus on the length of the cornice, you can measure the length by measuring the distance from the cornice to the floor, or to the level where the curtain should end.

Next, you need to calculate the number of scallops and determine the distance between them. The number of scallops for the same width of the curtain may be different, and the finished curtain will also differ in appearance. The fewer scallops, the longer the folds will be, the more there are, the more magnificent the finished curtain will appear.

Below in the table, using the example of several options for the width of the finished curtain (in the absence of the necessary option, you can do the calculations yourself) and the number of desired scallops, the calculation of the distances between them is given.

Having decided on the distance between the scallops, you should make marks on the stretched canvas after a certain number of centimeters. The numbers indicating the distance between the scallops are those centimeters, through the number of which it is necessary to make marks on the panel.

If the required web width is not among those indicated in the table, then it is necessary to determine the number of scallops, and divide the web width by this number. The resulting figure will be the distance between the scallops.

For example: the width of the cloth is exactly 500 cm.
Number of scallops desired = 8.

500/8=62.5 centimeters distance between the marks on the canvas.

When making marks on the canvas, it is necessary to place the fabric on a flat smooth surface, make designations on reverse side fabric top and bottom. A line should be drawn through both of these marks.

Carrying out tailoring

Having processed the edges, ironed the panel, marking the lines along which the braid will be attached, you can start sewing.

phased step-by-step instruction sewing a french curtain:

It is necessary to take a braid that is intended for drapery and cut it into pieces equal to the length of the canvas. With the help of sewing pins, this braid should be attached to each upper and lower mark (to the lines along which the folds will form). All these manipulations should be done exclusively on the reverse side of the material. 2 braids, which will be located at the edges, are placed as close as possible to the side seam. The edges of the braid from below must be ironed and stitched to the canvas;

Next, you need to attach the drapery braid to the panel. A special cord is attached to this braid, which later form the treasured folds;

Next, you need to prepare the drapery cord. The length of one cord should be equal to the length of the finished curtain, and the number of cords should match the number of lines on which the braid is sewn;

Next, thread the drapery cord through the holes on the braid. Tightening the cord tightly, a drapery is formed. The cord must be fastened to the drapery braid so that it does not unravel and uniform folds form.

Then the curtain can be hung. The fact that the width of the curtain exceeds the dimensions of the window opening will allow the folds to sag more freely and, accordingly, evenly.

In the master class described above, all stages of sewing curtains during french style. These steps include calculating the required amount of material, right choice fabrics and list necessary materials which will be useful in the process of tailoring. In addition, the article covers in detail the issue of cutting the purchased fabric and directly sewing the curtain itself. It also explains in detail how to properly prepare the panel for processing.

Based on the information in this article, you can sew a French-style curtain yourself. These curtains are suitable for guest rooms and bedrooms. They give the room a special solemnity and comfort, look very rich and stylish. Also, French-style curtains never go out of date and always remain in fashion.

The French curtain is an aesthetic interior decoration that makes the room solemn thanks to airy draperies.
French curtains

History of awning curtains

Name of this textile product people associate with the place of origin: with ancient, amazing traditions of France. History coincided with the development of the Baroque style and the ascension to the throne of the Sun King - Louis XIV, which gave rise to pomposity and a solemn look. During his reign, even everyday little things became luxurious, including clothes and dishes, architectural nuances and interior decoration.

Massive windows, luxuriously decorated spacious rooms, expensive furniture - these factors influenced the creation of a new one, later called French.

Previously, in lush halls, not only windows were decorated with fabric. Shade, which upholstered the walls. Draperies and scallops saturate the atmosphere with luxury, and a French curtain with a lambrequin has become a familiar attribute of a wealthy French house.

The “companions” of French textiles are considered to be those that received the second name - scalloped. But if in the first case the emphasis is on luxury, then in the second - on practicality and convenience.

They are called blinds, drawing parallels with the chain. If there is a need to give access to sunlight, the canvas is moved to the top of the window using a special design. These are not familiar to consumers, but products that retain luxurious folds even when assembled.

Sewing French curtains involves hanging products on a profile cornice designed for lifting structures or on classic cornices. The mechanism is controlled manually or using a remote control if the console is equipped with a built-in electric drive.

What color is better to choose?

The color scheme of the textile product depends on the surrounding decor. At the same time, they are repelled by the following elements of the interior:

furniture;

wallpaper;

Where do we start sewing?

The textile industry offers many options for ready-made French curtains. The average price of a French curtain is from 2 to 5 thousand rubles.

French tailoring is often practiced now. It is exciting, profitable, and in addition, it allows you to take into account personal preferences. If it doesn’t work out, light tulle or rayon is suitable for sewing French curtains.

The harder and lighterfrench fabrics for curtains- the drapery is more magnificent, and when using soft and heavy canvases, the tails are more rounded and seem to “sag”.

Fabric calculation

First, a mandatory calculation of the fabric for the French curtain is performed. To do this, take an assembly factor equal to 1.5 in width and a factor of 2 in height (in order to properly sew French curtains 2 meters high, you need to take 4 meters of fabric).

An important condition is that a special one is used in the sewing process, which ensures that the assembly does not slip during operation of the product. It is also important to take into account a stripe 5 cm high at the bottom for the hem of the fabric and 2 cm for processing at the top.

Festoons are calculated according to the schemes that can be found on specialized sites. A pattern of French curtains is also published there, which is examined in detail in order to better understand the principle of operation.

Sometimes, in order to sew French curtains with your own hands, the canvases have to be joined. In order to mask the resulting seam, a decorative braid is sewn onto it to match the fabric.

Important: the distance between the lines of the assemblies is 50 cm! This must also be taken into account when preparing materials for tailoring.

Preparation of tools and materials

For work, stock up on the following things:

the cloth;

threads in tone;

braid, with which the canvas is then tightened;

a plank along the width of the window opening or a finished cornice.

Sewing steps:

As you can see, to sew French curtains, you need the simplest sewing skills and perseverance.

If the awnings are made of dense expensive fabrics, it is recommended to clean the products in a professional dry-cleaner. French curtains should only be ironed when absolutely necessary, using a gentle iron that is not too hot and without disturbing the drapery.

Interior nuances

French chic is welcome in living rooms, bedrooms or offices. Awnings for the kitchen are selected taking into account functional purpose premises. They are sewn from a synthetic fabric that does not shrink with regular washing and is not afraid of pollution.

In order to focus on the French spirit, posters or panels with thematic images are placed on the walls of the room: the Eiffel Tower, cozy street cafes, vineyards.

In addition to being used in home interiors, awnings are used in public places such as museums, theaters, exhibition halls.

room, decorated with curtains in the French style, will never look boring and monotonous, because draperies and pleats give a feeling of eternal celebration. Do not forget to watch the video on how to sew French curtains with your own hands. It's a real masterclass.