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Window Treatments 3

This is the third in our series on easy and inexpensive
window treatments.  This week we will give instructions
for draperies using a dowel, clip rings and decorative rod
holders.

EQUIPMENT: 

• 1 1/2 " dowel that extends six inches past the window on both sides
• 2 unfinished wood finials that screw into the ends of the dowel.
• 2 sets of drapery rings with clips.  The drapery rings allow you to have pinch-pleat draperies without all the measuring and work.
• 2 decorative rod holders.  Be sure to select the holders first and then the diameter of dowel that will fit easily through the hole.  Mount these above the window and just outside the window frame.

Step #1 — Spray paint the rings, finials, rod and rod holders with the color desired.  It might take a couple of coats to cover the unfinished wood.  I used 3 coats of gold metallic paint on this rod to get the finish I wanted.  When all the  hardware is dry install as indicated above.

Step #2 — If you hang the valance so that the edges of the fabric are folded under you will not need to hem them.  The ends should have a shirttail or 1” hem (you could use "stitch witchery” instead of hemming).  Because this valance was very sheer I serged the ends and the fabric salvage on both sides so it wouldn’t ravel.  

Step #3 — Measure the distance from the top of the ring hooks to the floor.  Add  5” to the length for hemming.  Cut the fabric and make a 2” hem on all sides of the fabric with a 1/2” turn under.  The same size hem on all sides allows you to use the drapery either direction on a different size window. Hang the panels on the hooks.

Step #4 — Fold the valance fabric in half and attach it to the rod with cording.  Fold the cording in half and pull the two ends through the loop to hold the valance in place.

Step #5 — Tie a knot just inside of the finial by looping the fabric around your hand, bringing the end over the rod and down through the loop you made with your hand.  Slip the cording through the knot so it hangs to the end of the valance.

Step #6 — Attach fringe or a decorative tassel to the end of the cording if you desire, or just tie a knot in the end.  I have wrapped the loop of the tassel around the cording several times to shorten it and then tied a sailors knot in the cording.

Step #7 — Make the tie back by folding 8” of  fabric with the edges meeting in the middle.  Overlap edges enough to put "stitch witchery” between them.  Press in place.  Hand stitch the cording to the middle of the tie back.  The cording will unravel unless you wrap scotch tape around the ends. Thumbtack in place.

Step #8 — Pleat the drapes where they attach to the ring clips and fold them in place with the tie backs.  Adjust the swags in the valance to the desired length, gather at the center where the looped cording holds it in place and adjust the folds.

There you have it!  Beautiful pinch pleat draperies that fit the first time with no measuring or adjusting pleats or using pleating tape.  And—if you don’t know how to sew, use "stitch witchery” for all the hems.




Tags: drapes  window treatments  money matters  home decor  affordable decor  

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