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Shrinkage.
Almost all fabrics shrink a little when cleaned. You can check
how much by testing a piece of your fabric with the method of
cleaning you will use in the future, eg. wash or dry
clean. This will guide you as to whether to
pre-shrink your fabric.
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Austrian
blinds
are particularly effective when lightweight fabrics are
used.
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Roman
blinds
look and work better when a crisper fabric is used.
For inexperienced sewers, we recommend using fabric where
pattern matching isn't required. Choose a plain, stripe or
abstract fabric.
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Loose
covers
can be relaxed and casual yet attractive and functional.
Remember many soft furnishings don't have to be perfect.
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Curtains.
It is a good idea to hang your curtains before taking up hems.
Most fabrics will drop a little with hanging. It is best to
temporarily slip stitch or pin hem and hang for about a week
before stitching permanently. If using pins nonrust are
best. JUST IN CASE YOU DON'T GET BACK TO FINISH FOR A
WHILE!
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Slipcovers
or loose covers are an effective, yet inexpensive way to extend
the life of worn or faded upholstery. They will disguise a real
wreck or protect a good piece of furniture. If you have children
or pets, it is a good idea to choose a fabric that will wash
easily.
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Upholstery
is
usually performed by an expert. It provides a tailored, formal
look. Fabric cannot be removed for cleaning. Choose a
hardwearing fabric as it will be stretched and nailed.
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Got
a question for us?
info@materialworld.com.au
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What
is the recommended fullness when making curtains?
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Most
curtains are two and a half times as wide as your track or rod,
however, some pinch pleat tapes require a minimum of three
times. It is best to check when buying heading tape if the one
you choose has special requirements. For fine fabrics, like muslin
and voile, you would use more fullness. For heavy fabrics use
less.
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How
many cut lengths will I need across my window or door?
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This
will depend on how full you want your curtains. The average fullness
is about one and a half times the width of your rack or rod, so
multiply the width of the track by two and a half and divide by the
width of your chosen fabric. This will give you the number of cut
lengths.
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What
cut length of fabric will I need for each drop?
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Measure
the finished length you'd like to have, add 30cm for heading and
hems and if you're using a fabric that needs to be pattern matched
you will usually need extra for that.
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Is
it necessary to line my curtains?
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If using
a thermal lined fabric, additional lining isn't necessary. Any other
fabric will fall
better, last longer and insulate more efficiently if lined.
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What
are one pass and three pass fabrics?
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They are
fabrics that have been coated on the back with an acrylic foam. This
coating acts like a lining making separate lining unnecessary. One
pass provides a reasonable degree of insulation and a soft filtered
light through the curtain. Three pass provides maximum insulation
and light blockout.
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Which
side of acrylic linings or fabrics faces the window?
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How
full should Austrian blinds be?
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No more
than twice the width of your track or head board. Any more and they
become bunched up and you lose the relaxed scalloped bottom.
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What
sized hems should I make?
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Bottom
hems on curtains are usually 10cm double hems. The side hems are 4cm
double. The bottom hems on valances are double 5cm hems. For heavy
fabric a double hem is not used.
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What
coloured lining should I use?
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Usually
ivory or cream. Best judged by holding up to the light behind the
selected fabric.
The colour of lining will affect the appearance of fabrics with
light backgrounds.
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