The design of curtains does not end with the selection of color and material; it is equally important to choose a fastener and indicate its functionality. Some options involve partial mobility, others - silent sliding of the curtains - a matter of taste.
Drawstring curtains are the simplest and most versatile way to decorate a window opening.
Such curtains are attached to a standard cornice or round rod made of any material using a specially stitched drawstring pocket.
How to sew curtains with your own hands.
2. Calculation of the width of the drawstring and the height of the frill. Using a tape measure, measure the diameter of the rod or rod and add an additional 3 cm (B). Decide how tall the frill will be and multiply that number by 2 (C).
3. Calculation of fabric consumption. To determine the overall cut length of the curtain (D), add together A, B and C and add 11.5 cm for seam allowance. By multiplying D by the number of panels used, you calculate the total amount of fabric consumed.
4. Cut and sew curtains. Cut the required number of panels according to the total cutting length D. Sew the curtains, making a hem 10 cm high.
5. Marking the drawstring and frill. Turn the top raw edge over to the wrong side 1.5 cm and press. From the fold line, use pins or tailor's chalk to mark the width of the drawstring (1/2 B) and the height of the frill (1/2 C). Fold the fabric along the frill line and iron.
Drawstring curtains: types, design and selection tips
Initially, curtains were a way to preserve and retain heat in the house and had an exclusively practical purpose. Over time, they began to be decorated with additional elements and used as the main decorative accent of the room.
Currently, drawstring curtains are gaining popularity again, which ideally emphasize the elegance and comfort of the room.
Thanks to the wide variety of assortment, it will not be difficult to choose the best option for a home of any style.
Peculiarities
The “drawstring” fastening method is considered a good solution for heavy curtain fabric. It is a crossbar design with the ability to put on curtains using a pocket sewn on them.
Thus, to hang such a product, you only need to put the curtain on the crossbar, and you do not need to suffer with the numerous loops and hooks that are inherent in classic curtains.
This is the most convenient and at the same time quite practical method, which attracts many buyers due to the following features:
- attractive appearance;
- convenient fastening;
- easy mounting;
- noiselessness when curtains move;
- ease of use and maintenance;
- curtains with a pocket are easy to sew yourself.
Most often, such curtains are purchased for a spacious room, since they usually look massive and visually “eat up” the space. However, light drawstring curtains also look very impressive and airy.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
There are currently no restrictions on the degree of fabric density, their length and design, and modern manufacturers offer their customers a wide variety of models that will meet the requirements and tastes of anyone.
Drawstring curtains are becoming the best option for those who also want to decorate the windows in their home in an original way. The crossbar can have any shape, height and length, which helps you experiment with the design of the room in any direction. Thanks to the ability to choose the width of the curtain pocket for curtains, you can easily achieve the desired effect, in which the canvas will secure its position and stylishly emphasize the solemnity of the room.
Curtains without hooks are also often used in cases where there is a need to hide the crossbar under a decorative wide top plinth or window frame.
Thus, the curtains will look even more interesting and neat, and they will also create a feeling of airiness and weightlessness.
Conclusion
Fastening curtains with drawstrings is an almost universal way to qualitatively transform or create an interior. If there is little light in the room, you can come up with a combination of a pair of curtains that diffuse light; the preferences of darkened areas of the room can be catered for with curtains.
Thanks to the ability to choose the width of the curtain pocket, you can easily achieve the desired effect.
Therefore, it is not always necessary to follow the sliding functionality, although you can simply make a sliding pipe or purchase silk (or other) fabric for the curtain.
It is important that the curtains are in harmony with the main palette of the house and smoothly fit into the interior without overloading or standing out from it.
How to use drawstring curtains Bookmark 2
For the first time, people began to decorate window openings with curtains and curtains back in the Middle Ages. However, at that time curtains were used mainly to insulate rooms and to protect against the penetration of insects.
In the original version, they were a rough, unprocessed material that was attached to the ceiling. And only later, people noticed that in addition to their functional purpose, curtains can be used as a decorative element and an opportunity to demonstrate their wealth.
During the 17th century, this decorative element, familiar to us, changed dramatically several times depending on fashion trends. It was then that exquisite drapes, curtains, light tulles and curtains appeared that decorate our homes to this day.
However, despite the variety of design delights, modern interiors sometimes gravitate towards something simple, light and laconic. In this case, the best design for windows of any shape will be curtains with drawstrings.
Decorating a light curtain
Using decorative elements it is not difficult to turn a tulle curtain into a room decoration:
- grabs and clamps;
- decorative cords;
- satin and nylon ribbons;
- lace, artificial flowers, bows or beaded threads are sewn to the loops;
- Glue multi-colored pebbles and beads to hairpins and magnets and create patterns;
- decorate with fringe;
- tie up the curtain with chains, ribbons with tassels and pom-poms, or a leather belt.
Feature of curtains with drawstring
Drawstring curtains are the simplest and most versatile way to decorate a window opening. Such curtains are attached to a standard cornice or round rod made of any material using a specially stitched drawstring pocket.
Since curtains of this type are placed on a cornice or rod without the use of hooks, they are considered the most convenient to install and subsequently maintain. As a rule, the width of the curtain is slightly larger than the width of the fastening, which is why soft vertical folds are created on the curtain, giving the design weightlessness and lightness.
The length of the drawstring curtains is selected depending on the features of the interior, the shape and size of the window opening. For example, when decorating small windows and windows of non-standard shapes, curtains up to the length of the window sill are most often used. If you need to decorate a tall or standard window, it is customary to use floor-length curtains.
As for the materials for creating drawstring curtains, everything depends on the style features of the interior and the functional purpose of the curtains. If they perform only a decorative function, you can safely opt for light gas or tulle products.
In this case, the curtains will take on an ideal shape with soft and even folds. However, if the curtains also need to be a reliable barrier from the sun's rays or a screen from prying eyes, it is better to choose products made from denser materials - silk, satin, velvet, etc.
In addition, drawstring curtains are distinguished by a wide variety of design solutions. In the classic version, they can be a smooth, plain material with processed edges, without any additional frills.
However, very often designers decorate the upper part of the curtains with the so-called “comb”, which hides the drawstring pocket. This unobtrusive detail perfectly completes the style of the curtains and complements it with a touch of romance.
The lower edge of the product can also be decorated with a decorative element. As a rule, ruffles, lace, embroidery, etc. are used as decoration in this case.
If necessary, drawstring curtains can be combined with other textile products - curtains, curtains, thick drapes, lambrequins, etc.
Braid (curtain tape)
The braid is sewn to the top of the curtain from the wrong side. It is a mechanism for pulling the curtains together to form many small vertical folds. The braid may have one or two rows of fastenings so that you can choose whether the fabric will cover the cornice or not. A curtain with braid can be hung on a cornice either by stringing it on a rod or using hooks.
Style.
A lush and richly pleated curtain with braid is perfect for luxurious classic interiors of a living room or dining room.
Pros:
suitable for curtains of any weight; easy-to-use and inexpensive fasteners; strong decorative effect;
Minuses:
due to frequent gatherings, you need to take the width of the fabric 1.5-2 times larger than the area to be covered; It is difficult to put the curtain on the curtain rod.
Drawstring curtains in the interior
Curtains with this method of fastening look harmonious in absolutely any room. For example, in the bedroom and living room you can use long curtains, which, due to their brevity, will fit perfectly into any interior.
If there is a need to visually increase the height of the room, then it is recommended to hang the curtain rod on which the curtain will be attached as close to the ceiling as possible. If you want to fill the room with an atmosphere of home comfort, choose wide curtains made of light fabric that will create a thick and even drapery.
In the kitchen, loggia or children's room, short curtains with a drawstring, the length of which reaches the bottom edge of the window, would look more appropriate. The most harmonious feature of these rooms will be complemented by curtains with checkered, floral or any other bright prints.
In addition, designers often use curtains with a drawstring to zone the space. For example, it can serve as a screen when there is a need to allocate part of the room for a dressing room, recreation area, sports area, play area, etc.
Regardless of color, length and style, drawstring curtains are a universal option for decorating a window opening. They do not overload the interior and do not become too bright an accent, but they perfectly complete any style, filling it with comfort and lightness.
Where to apply
If you consider yourself to be one of the people who value convenience, simplicity and democracy, your home should definitely have drawstring curtains in the photo. The use of curtains is recommended for those rooms that are shaded or face north. Light, light curtains allow you not only to decorate the window opening in an original way, but also to allow maximum sunlight to penetrate into the room. In cases where greater decorativeness is required, you can decorate the curtains with all kinds of decorative elements.
- On a closed terrace or attic.
- In the nursery or living room, which have arched windows.
- Large checkered curtains look especially cute in the kitchen. To create a harmonious design, it is desirable that the checkered pattern be repeated on kitchen textiles.
- When creating functional areas.
- At the dacha or in a country house.
Drawstring: its advantages and varieties
There are a wide variety of types of fastening curtains to the cornice in the design of window textiles: on loops, ties, hooks, clips, grommets, curtain tape, drawstrings.
A drawstring for classic curtains is a long stitched “pocket” along the top of the curtain, which is obtained by folding the edge of the main fabric or sewing a special braid on the inside of the product. A round rod or line of string cornice passes through this tunnel. The width of the drawstring ranges from 3 to 20 centimeters.
Depending on the window parameters and the chosen style, drawstring curtains can have different lengths:
- reach the floor, hovering 1-2 cm above it to avoid wear,
- be short - up to the windowsill,
Drawstring curtains have many advantages over other methods of attaching curtains:
- they are easy to install,
- silent when moving along the guide,
- the absence of fasteners (hooks, clips, eyelets) does not injure the canvas,
- easy to care for,
- These curtains are easy to sew yourself.
There is only one caveat: the lack of ease of sliding when moving along the cornice. To make this task easier when opening curtains, decorative clips, tiebacks, and garters will help, which “pick up” the curtains and keep them assembled during the daytime.
Attention! A little trick when sewing curtains with a drawstring with your own hands: so that the curtains can be pulled back easily, measure the diameter of the curtain rod and multiply by 2, this will be the minimum width of the gutter on the fabric.
Drawstring curtains in the classic form are a canvas with hemmed edges, without any special tricks. There is an option with a twist: if you leave a few centimeters of fabric along the upper edge of the curtains above the drawstring, you will get a curtain with an original flounce comb.
In this case, the curtain tape is sewn from the inside, stepping back from the top edge of the curtain to the required distance. Such a cute detail adds completeness and romance to the curtain.
The comb can also be made double: one at the top of the product, the other below the drawstring (then it will look like a lambrequin).
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
The lower edge of the curtain itself can also be trimmed with decorative elements - lace, ruffle, embroidery, frill made of the same fabric or a companion fabric.
On the backstage there can be not only the curtains themselves, but also individual lambrequins included in the overall window “ensemble”.
What do designers advise?
The material for drawstring curtains can be of varying degrees of density and texture. Only the heaviest fabrics such as velvet, jacquard, thick silk, etc. are not suitable for them.
d. Much depends on the chosen interior style and the functional purpose of the curtain.
Light tulle curtains with thick, even drapery look beautiful. To protect from prying eyes, the rays of the sun or the light of night lamps, curtain fabrics made of satin, silk, satin, etc. are chosen.
d.
The view of the curtains is envy of the task at hand. The drawstring allows you to create both drapery and a straight canvas stretched across the width. Depending on the fabric, trim and related details, drawstring curtains have a different appearance.
The texture with small folds evenly distributed over the surface will fit well into interiors of a romantic, “rustic” character, minimalism and modern style. They are not suitable only for pompous, majestic or prim styles (for example, “English” interior).
With drawstring curtains you can cover the windows of a small living room, bedroom, nursery, kitchen, attic, loggia, and even decorate panoramic windows. This is a good idea for rooms that require permanent window shading. They look very harmonious when decorating window openings in niches. A good solution would be to decorate this model of arched windows with curtains.
Owners of premises with windows of non-standard geometric shapes, for example, sloping, will find a successful way out of the situation with curtains of this design.
With the help of such “sleeves”, short curtains are hung on the lower half of the window - the so-called “cafe” style. The second name for this idea is “grandmother’s window.”
It is very convenient to use such a curtain, since its fastening (string, rod) is located at an easily accessible height. Cafes and bistros with such window decorations acquire home comfort and an atmosphere of privacy.
An interesting solution would be to use napkins and tablecloths from the same fabric.
Shortened drawstring curtains are suitable for any home room and even for a living room in a country or Provence style.
Interior designers suggest using curtains with a drawstring if necessary to highlight a separate zone in the interior space of the room. Such a screen can fence off part of the area for recreation, wardrobe, games or sports.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
Curtains with such fastening can act as soft “doors” for open shelves. They can be used to decorate the side of a baby crib.
A glass door in a room can also be decorated with a curtain of this model. In this case, the “gutter” will go along both the lower and upper borders of the curtain.
Regardless of the color, fabric texture and interior design, drawstring curtains are a universal technique for decorating windows. They are easy to clean, quickly remove and put on the bar, are silent when moving along it, and look beautiful at the same time.
Length
What influences the choice of length when creating drawstring curtains with your own hands? There are few factors:
Interior style
Functional purpose of the curtain Amount you are willing to pay for the fabric Level of skill of the author. If you don’t have a lot of sewing experience, you shouldn’t try long fabrics. The smaller the cut, the easier it is to process. Start with an economical and democratic, but very relevant option - a shortened curtain for the lower part of the window. This idea is often called "granny window" or "cafe style". This solution is perfect for a kitchen, nursery, living room in Provence style and any not too formal room. In operation, this curtain is much more convenient and mobile than a long one, since its cornice (rod or string) is located at an accessible height.
More “advanced” craftswomen can afford drawstring curtains for a full window (the length of the window sill), and virtuosos of sewing art can easily cope not only with the classic “floor-length” curtains, but also with the fashionable trend of elongated (“creeping”) curtains. Their length, as a rule, is 5-15 cm longer than usual. It looks very elegant and sophisticated, but requires constant care and attention. Of course, flowing fabric will perfectly hide uneven floors and add charm to the interior. But consider whether you're willing to re-decorate the drapery every time you vacuum, get too close to a window, or have your pet use the edge of the curtain as a bedding area.
Description
A drawstring on a curtain is a way to secure drapes, curtains, or tulle to a cornice. It is somewhat different from the usual hooks, because it is a different hanging scheme. Here a stitch is made on a sewing machine, creating a “tunnel” at the top of the fabric. A pipe is placed there, screwed to the wall above the window, or a fishing line.
Since curtains of this type are placed on a cornice or rod without the use of hooks, they are considered the most convenient to install and subsequently maintain.
This looks aesthetically pleasing and elegant, since the curtains are gathered into a beautiful drapery, both at the top end and at the bottom. And if you add decorative elements, you can create a designer product. This fastening method does not limit the design or selection of material; it is suitable for delicate thin fabrics and thick curtains.
As a rule, the width of the curtain is slightly larger than the width of the fastening, which is why soft vertical folds are created on the curtain, giving the design weightlessness and lightness.
The length of the drawstring curtains is selected depending on the features of the interior, the shape and size of the window opening.
Types of tulle assembly
Tulle with beautiful, neat folds looks even more delicate and attractive. To assemble the fabric correctly, you will need a large supply, so it is better to buy fabric whose width is three times the length of the cornice. Before hanging the tulle, you need to decide on the number of folds and, based on this, buy material that will later be arranged into spectacular assemblies.
There are several options for expressive folds:
- by folding the fabric in waves of equal width, you can get folds facing one direction;
- dividing the folds into equal parts and directing their ridges towards each other, transverse folds are obtained;
- by directing the combs in different directions, bow-shaped folds are obtained;
- pencil folds are made from identical folds, similar to loops;
- Flemish folds;
- fastening on decorative rings.
Window design options
- The use of a drawstring in an arched window opening looks unusual. It looks sophisticated and tasteful, not banal.
- If you use light translucent curtains in the house, on the north side, where the sun does not shine intensely, then the material will diffuse the existing light and visually distribute it. This will add an atmosphere of mystery and lightness to the interior.
If you need to decorate a tall or standard window, it is customary to use floor-length curtains.
- In a children's room, curtains and tulle with drawstrings will be very useful, as they provide greater practicality. Hooks tend to break, pop out and become deformed, but here everything will remain intact for a long time.
- Stylistically, the drawstring is suitable for kitchen curtains, especially it has a hint of Country style. With the right choice of color and material, it can turn out very lively, stylish and fresh.
When decorating small windows and windows of non-standard shapes, curtains up to the window sill are most often used.
In any case, this option can only fail when trying to recreate strict English classics. After all, assembly and drapery are about lightness, comfort and coziness, but not about impeccably clear lines.
As for the materials for creating drawstring curtains, everything depends on the style features of the interior and the functional purpose of the curtains.
Colors
The advice is standard: in a calm interior, curtains can be a bold dominant feature (in color and pattern). If there are already bright spots in the room (furniture upholstery, carpet, walls, bed linen, pillows, bedspreads, etc.), drawstring curtains should in no case “shout out” them. Let them support (duplicate) existing textiles or be neutral.
Please note: the color of the fabric on the window will not be as rich as on the counter. The looser the fabric and the less draped it is, the more washed out the tone of the hanging item will be.
Features of drawstring curtains with comb
Window openings are often decorated with drawstring curtains, but this is not the only way to decorate a window. There is a similar method, which consists of an additional machine stitch that forms a comb over a pipe, fishing line, or wire. This name is not due to the association from the visual image, but rather from the schematic appearance of the pattern.
If curtains must provide a reliable barrier from the sun's rays or a screen from prying eyes, it is better to choose products made from dense materials.
Drawstring curtains come in a wide variety of design solutions.
Many housewives prefer this addition because it looks more complex and of better quality, especially with simple-looking fabrics. The main thing is just not to make a mistake with the indents and length of the canvas if you do it yourself.
Textile
How to sew curtains with a drawstring and not make a mistake in choosing the material? After all, in addition to decorative properties, there is also composition, density, elasticity, direction of the lobe, etc. What should you pay attention to?
When purchasing fabric, look through it and hold it up to the light to determine transparency. Crunch it into your fist and let it go - it will become clear how much it crumples. Study the composition: not all fabrics (mainly natural and textured ones) can be washed, and dry cleaning (especially frequent) is not a cheap pleasure.
And further. The more formal the room (living room, office, library), the more solid the material required (velvet, jacquard, heavy silk, linen, wool). If you create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, choose cotton, satin, chintz, viscose, tulle, organza. If you are decorating a room with problematic temperature conditions and humidity changes, use synthetic materials that do not require special care.
Design options
- Decorating a room in a Provencal style is an ideal way to use a comb drawstring. Harmonious folds and appropriate colors can be an excellent design solution.
- Bedroom design for a girl, if you come up with a combination of pink shades, use a comb (preferably even a double one), ruffles and tulle, you will get a fabulous bedchamber. The baby will be glad to be in a room where fantasies arise naturally.
- This type of fastening will definitely bring romantic notes to the atmosphere, so if you want something new, fresh, “unhackneyed,” then you can simply hang the curtains differently.
Very often, designers decorate the upper part of the curtains with the so-called “comb”, which hides the drawstring pocket.
Curtains with this method of fastening look harmonious in absolutely any room.
Interesting! Close to the idea of drawstrings is another hanging method - curtains with ties (see photo below). It consists of securing a non-stretching tape along the top edge of the fabric, attaching ribbons or belts to it. Then, with their help, the curtains are tied to the pipe and cornices.
How to sew curtains with drawstring yourself
If curtains are often made with a hidden pocket for stringing on a cornice, then the fasteners for curtains at the factory usually provide for something different. Their material is quite thin, so remaking what you have or sewing it yourself will not require additional equipment - only standard ones. These are a sewing machine, a sewing kit and curtain material.
In the bedroom and living room you can use long curtains, which, due to their laconicism, will fit perfectly into any interior.
The first stage is fabric selection
The following materials are usually selected for curtains.
- Organza is a plain, shiny, translucent material. It does not wrinkle, drapes easily, it is relatively resistant to external influences, transmits light, scattering it. But it is difficult to sew from, does not allow air to pass through and belongs to a high price category.
If you want to fill the room with an atmosphere of home comfort, choose wide curtains made of light fabric.
If there is a need to visually increase the height of the room, then it is recommended to hang the cornice as close to the ceiling as possible.
Stage two – cutting and sewing
Hanging curtains (including ceiling ones) using drawstrings, how to cut and sew.
Regardless of color, length and style, drawstring curtains are a universal option for decorating a window opening.
- Defining window parameters.
- It is necessary to add 20 centimeters to the width, and to the length (which the housewife wants to see as a result) add 2.5-3 cm (depending on the diameter of the cornice) to make a bend at the top. And leave 3 cm at the bottom for processing the seam.
- Now you need to stitch the fold and finish the remaining three edges with a closed seam.
- All that remains is to thread the curtains into the tunnel and correct the details beautifully.
They do not overload the interior and do not become too bright an accent, but they perfectly complete any style, filling it with comfort and lightness.
Note! If you don’t have a lot of experience in sewing, it’s better to first practice on a small version - a piece of fabric.
Thanks to the wide variety of assortment, it will not be difficult to choose the best option for a home of any style.
Now you don’t have to rack your brains if the question arises of how to hang curtains on a curtain rod without rings. Moreover, this can be done independently, and if there is no experience or desire, then a master tailor will be able to help with this.
The “drawstring” fastening method is considered a good solution for heavy curtain fabric.
Advantages and disadvantages of curtains and curtains with drawstrings
Curtains with drawstrings, including those with scallops, are a popular way to get out of the situation when a regular curtain rod is too heavy for a plasterboard wall structure. Then they take the pipes more easily and lighten the load as much as possible. Or the cornice is fine, but you need to give the room a special charm and elegance.
Most often, such curtains are purchased for a spacious room.
The following factors can be considered as the advantages of this method of fastening.
- Cool look. Suitable for most environments, it can refresh the interior and add mystery.
- Ease of execution. Tailors do not charge much for such work if the fabric is not too difficult to process. And it’s not a problem to do it yourself; it’s quite possible to do it even with your hands without a machine.
- Practical. It is easy to remove and string, which is important when the house has many windows with curtains that need to be washed.
Drawstring curtains are becoming the best option for those who also want to decorate the windows in their home in an original way.
Some types of material are not slippery enough - this is a minus. But in this case, you can buy garters or make them yourself and, instead of opening the curtains, tie their edges in the morning.
The crossbar can have any shape, height and length, which helps you experiment with the design of the room in any direction.
Curtains with ties
The canvas is attached to the cornice using ribbons or cords tied in a knot or bow. The heavier the curtains, the thicker and wider the ties should be. Drawstring fastening works well for lightweight fabrics; thicker curtains can be secured with stylized ropes or twine tied in a nautical knot.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
Do you want to add a touch of romance to your decor and visually unload the space? Hang curtains on the windows with bow ties. This method of fastening is most often found in kitchens, women's bedrooms and girls' rooms.
Rope ties, on the contrary, add brutality to the interior and become accents in rooms with a marine and rustic flavor.
Hooks
Hooks are a convenient way to hang straight curtains. They come in two types: metal hooks are sewn to the back of the curtain and hold it securely on the curtain rod. Usually these fasteners are combined with the rings that we talked about in the first part of the article, or a closed cornice with a rail or a flat cornice is selected. The second type of hooks are small plastic ones. They are always used with a closed curtain rod and hang on it, the curtain is put on hooks using sewn loops.
Style.
Since the hooks are hidden in most cases, they do not affect the appearance of the curtain and can be used in any style and for any room to which the selected rings or curtain rod are suitable.
Pros:
versatility - can be used with any type of curtains; wear resistance of the metal version; Just hang it on the curtain rod without removing it.
Minuses:
the need for additional fasteners or a special cornice; not suitable for heavy curtains; the fastenings move noisily along the cornice; plastic hooks break easily.