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Sewing/Sheer Curtains

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Expert: Karen Erickson - 7/31/2009


Question
QUESTION: When using sheer fabric at 114" + wide, are we meant to use this width  horizontally so there are no seams at all? Is that what most do? If so where would I put the bottom "weights" which are usually placed at the seams?

Thanks Feef

ANSWER: Thanks for writing.  I hope I can help.

Yes the fabric is designed to be used 114 for the width of the sheer, so you do not have to have seams. I have never used weights in sheers.  If there is a proper hem, that and gravity should do the trick. I usually do a hem of 4" and 4"... depending on the finished length of your sheers?  Are these being shirred onto a rod, or pinch pleated?

always
Karen Erickson
www.homefashionsu.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Karen,

Yes, the heading is a pinch pleat and the length is 90". I was going to do a double 4" hem top and bottom. Think I should be okay? What type of heading tape do you suggest?

Thank you so much for answering, Feef

Answer
Great...

Are you in business or are you doing this for yourself?

There are several header tapes you can sew on and just pull the strings to create your pleats.

Is there a valance that goes over the sheers?

You did not write how large the windows are you are trying to cover?  

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Karen Erickson

Expertise

All about home decor sewing, with many tips and trick on how to make a finished project look like a professional was hired to sew them. Specialize in "home decor" sewing. From how to measure, to how to cut and sew. Slipcovers, deocrative pillows, bedding, table accessories, drapery toppers, top treatments and more... Please do not ask me questions about clothing or trouble shooting sewing machines. I appreciate if you ask about home decor sewing.

Experience

Started sewing at the young age of 10 years. In 1986 opened up my own Designer Sewing Workroom, in 1998 started teaching workshops and classes to others in my Industry. In 1998 established Slipcover America Inc, produced 3 DVDs and 3 CDS. I have traveled to the American Sewing Guild Conferences and various Sewing Expos in both the US and Canada, as a speaker, teaching and instructor. Also was on staff at the CHF Drapery School in North Carolina as the Slipcover Instructor. Continue to speak at special engagements at Fabric and Sewing stores throughout the country. In 2006 established Sonoran Sewing, in 2008 www.HomeFashionsU.com with an associate Claudia Buchanan in Arizona where we do specialized in "home decor" sewing workshops and retreats throughout the year.

Organizations
Slipcover Network Drapery Pro Workroom Association of America Window Coverings Association of America American Sewing Guild

Publications
Sew What Magazine (trade) Window Coverings Magazine (trade) Sew News Magazine Drapery and Window Coverings Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Magazine St Louis Home and Garden

Education/Credentials
College degree in Photo Journalism, Chaffey Community College in Cucamong, CA. Years of continual education through conference and workshops dealing with the sewing industry.

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