An Introduction to Curtain Making

A comprehensive two day introductory course ensuring professional results!

Creating a beautiful pair of curtains be it contemporary or classic is not as challenging as you might think and will really enhance your interior decoration. You don’t need to be an expert seamstress, all you need are basic sewing skills and to be able to sew a straight line on a sewing machine (Don’t worry if you don’t even have basic skills – we will teach you!) With professional guidance and inside tips and tricks, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

This course will teach you how to make a lined and an interlined curtain as well as how to create mitred corners and how to apply weights. In addition you will be shown how to pattern match, be taught different stitches and how to calculate fabric quantities.

Hand made headings will also be covered, showing you how to create pencil pleats, double and triple pleats and other more decorative headings such as goblets.

Students will make a small sample curtain as well as samples of different types of headings. Specifics of the trade will be discussed, for example students will learn how to choose correct weights of interlining, poles, tracks and suitable trimmings and embellishments. Fabric choices will be discussed, how to decide on a silk or a satin...how to be cost effective with high value fabrics and how to create real impact!

You will also discover inspiring ideas for making your curtains more individual by using trims and contrast fabrics. The ethos behind this course is to teach students professional curtain making and in a very design led way. Current trends will be discussed as well as how to decide on the most appropriate window treatments and how to tackle difficult projects!

Tutor: Gill Grist – Soft Furnisher