Dressing a Window !
" Dressing a window " is the term used for preparing curtains to hang in a particular manner.
The basic technique involves hanging the curtain(s) on their hooks/rings and 'creasing' them in a particular way so that whenever opened or closed, the fabric folds will always retain their original position. NOTE: In this example, a metal pole & rings are being used & a simple wave heading is desired. Here a basic heading tape is used but the same process can be adapted for other heading types including eyelets - more detailed sewing instructions for making these curtains can be found by clicking HERE.
1. Hang the curtain on the pole's metal rings. At this stage do not encourage any pleats to form - just get the fabric on the rings.
2. Working from the first ring at the outer edge of the pole (in this example, at the right edge), push the second ring along the pole towards the first. As you do this, ensure the surplus fabric between the rings forms a fold/pleat coming towards you. Continue to push the ring as close as possible to the first.
3. Repeat this again with the 2nd & 3rd rings but this time the pleat/fold must be pushed away from you to the back of the pole. (A 'wave' now appears in the folds/pleats of the fabric.)
4. Repeat this process with each adjacent ring with folds/pleats alternating between 'to the front' then 'to the back'.
5. As you reach the end of the curtain & push along the last ring, ensure each ring is close to its adjacent one & that the fabric has been folded/pleated centrally & squarely between each ring. By this stage, each fold/pleat is forming & running down to the hem & will begin to hang in its position. Verify/ensure the foldline is sitting square (more easily achieved if the fabric is patterned).
6. Check along each fold/pleat at the front of the curtain & then check inside at the back edge. If the curtain is lined, verify the lining is also hanging in position in the same way. NOTE: This step is almost the most important one - from this step on, the curtain folds/pleats will now be 'set'.
7. When all folds/pleats are in place, ensure all rings are even. Then, using a soft cotton fabric strip, tie around the folds/pleats in 2 or 3 places as per images right.
8. Check & verify again from all directions then complete the same steps with the other curtain(s). Leave tied like this for a few days - do not be tempted to remove the ties beforehand!