hints 'n' tips…….
Information provided by Wilsons Fabrics & Homewares

COATINGS

1 PASS:
A single layer of crushed acrylic foam applied to the back of the fabric.  Allows some light into the room in daylight.  It reduces the amount of light transmitted by approx 50%. 

3 PASS:
This is a Block Out finish which reduces the light transmitted by approx 100%, essential when total light control is required.  It has multi-layers of coating including a dry grey coat for the "total block out". 

All available in White or Ivory and can be washed or drycleaned. 

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WHY USE LININGS?
* Lining protects your furniture and furnishings from the harsh effects of the Australian sun.  It protects your investment from ultra violet damage, making your curtains last longer, enhancing their appearance. 
* Lining helps to insulate the home and can reduce the need for excess heating and air conditioning, saving our world environment....and your power bills! It keeps heat in its place; inside in winter and outside in summer. 
* Lining also gives you light control and reduces external noises. 
Flame Retardant: available in 1 Pass & 3 Pass
Protect your home, control the light, heat and noise. 
 

Coated Fabrics: All you need to know
For a high level of light control make sure you have a generous overlap around the windows.  No light will penetrate 3 Pass finishes.  Most of the light entering a room will be around the sides and from the top and bottom of your curtains.  To eliminate this make your curtain track up to 30% wider than the window.  The curtains will then be opened clear of the window.  Floor length curtains will reduce the light more than sill length.  Pelmets will reduce the light from the top of the curtains.  Light can also be seen through the stitch marks where the curtain drops are seamed. 

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS
For best results, put the coated side to the window.  Use a new needle size 14-16.  Stitch length should be about 10 stitches to 2.5cm on a fairly relaxed tension - not loose.  Check the tension and stitch length on a scrap of fabric and an off cut of the curtain tape before sewing the curtain.  The stitching should be even and not puckering .  Always remove selvedge edges to allow the fabric to fall in its natural manner.  The coating prevents raw edges from fraying.  Use either a zigzag seam, or an overlock stitch on the raw edges. 

CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Regular vacuuming with the appropriate attachment reduces the need for cleaning.  Always refer to your care label! If you are using a drycleaner, make sure they are drapery specialists.  Remove hooks when washing and hang on the line by the hooks.  Avoid direct sunlight and iron on fabric side only.