Drapery Questions and Answers - Part 1
1. What is the correct length for glass curtains?
Glass or inner curtains, hung inside the window casing should hang to the sill. Curtains hung on the outside casing, whether used in conjunction with overdraperies or not, should hang to the lower edge of the apron, or to a point 3 to 4 inches below the edge of the sill.2. What is the correct length for draperies?
There are three definite lengths, according to location, style of room and class of window.Sunrooms, breakfast rooms, small bedrooms and in such schemes as will call for simple effects in cretonne or similar material, draperies hung to the lower edge of the apron will be correct. In larger rooms having schemes of a general nature, side draperies of all materials should hang to the floor. Where windows are placed at an unusual height from the floor, such as piano windows, the draperies should hang to the lower edge of the apron only. In some of the more ornate decorative schemes, and particularly in rooms of Spanish design, the side draperies may be sufficiently long so that the bottom ends will spread out on the floor.
3. When should material be split in the making of overdraperies?
The splitting of material, or the practice of using halt widths for side draperies, is usually prompted by a desire for economy, rather than by the demands of decorative correctness.The correct width for side draperies is determined by the space they are to occupy. Their beauty is in their fullness and from 50% to 100% of extra width should always be allowed for pleating or shirring.
4. Should curtains or draperies be hemmed on the machine or by hand?
Materials of average weight can be hemmed on a machine. However, if material is light — such as rayons, voiles, etc., they should be hemmed by hand. They should also be hand- hemmed if velour or any deep-piled fabric is used.5. Should window shades be hung on the inside or outside of the window casing?
Where window shades are to be used they should be hung as close to the glass as possible. With the use of draw curtains, shades are not a necessity. With two-tier draw curtains on double hung windows, as will be seen in the many illustrations in this book, the light and air can be controlled to better satisfaction and with truly decorative effect.6. Are valances used as much as formerly?
Valances are decorative in effect and are used according to the demands of the particular drapery scheme chosen.Wood poles have, because of their decorative value and greater utility in the control of light and ventilation, replaced the valance in general popularity.
7. If valances are used, what types are best?
Shirred or ruffled valances are very suitable in bedrooms, or in schemes using very light weight materials. The ruffled valance is correct in rooms of the cottage type and by using draw valances, a valance may be used with correct effect on an in-swinging casement window.In depth, a valance should never exceed one-sixth of the window length. They may be less and shirred or ruffled valances of four to six inches on ordinary size windows are very effective.
8. How full should ruffles be cut for ruffled curtains and how wide?
Cut ruffled material one and one-half times as long as the combined width and length of the curtain. The ruffles should be 3 to 4 inches wide when finished. Allow one-half inch for seam and hem or picot edge.9. When should draperies be lined?
As a general rule all draperies should be lined, and when such silks as taffeta are being used they should be interlined as well. The work of lining and interlining should be expertly done. Like clothing, draperies depend upon good tailoring for their excellence of appearance. While there is an advantage in having this work done in a drapery workroom, nevertheless—good draperies can be and are made in the home, and with good sewing, careful fitting and close attention to every detail in making, this can be done.10. How deep should headings be on curtains or draperies?
A. Curtains or draperies when hung with heading hooks should always have enough heading to cover the rod.B. When curtains or draperies are shirred on the rod, the heading should extend from 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the rod.