What does curtain tape look like? Types of curtain tape and tape: description, which ones to choose. Features of tape tightening

Curtains will only decorate the window if they are equipped with beautiful drapery. An important component of their appearance will be the folds that fall in waves on the surface of the curtains, giving it uniqueness. Curtain tape, or also called English braid, is ideally suited for these purposes. Externally, it is a frame with twisted cords running along the entire braid. It should be sewn to the curtain from the wrong side at the very top. By pulling the cords along the surface of the fabric, they begin to form folds of the required width and configuration.

Curtain braid can be divided according to the type of drapery:

Column. Forms the simplest folds, such braid is easy to sew yourself;
A tape that, when tightened, can folds will form in the form of intricate glasses or butterflies.
Transparent. Lightweight fabrics are draped: . This braid is represented by a fishing line that has no color and remains invisible.
Opaque. This refers to curtain fabrics.

Depending on the width, curtain tape is divided into types:

1. Narrow. They are used if there is a closed cornice or it is hidden in a niche. It is possible that the niche covers the top of the curtain or there is one that covers the hooks.

2. Wide. In this case, the cornice must be open. In addition, if the number of fastenings is small and it is necessary to prevent sagging, then a wide tape will successfully accomplish this.

Such different folds

The drapery created thanks to the curtain tape will look different. The types of folds can be as follows:

One-sided. Waves of folds are formed in one direction.
Counter. The fabric is divided into paired waves, and their scallops are directed towards each other.
Bow folds. The same formation of paired waves is taking place, only now their crests scatter to the sides. Externally, the figure resembles a bow.
Buffer. The pulled fabrics form a diamond shape, which is formed by four cords.
French or triple. The waves, reaching a depth of up to 14 cm, are formed in the form of a fan.
Glasses or bells. Body waves cascading down.
Trellis. Two rows of drapery that overlap each other.
Waffle. Drapery looks very elegant when the waves lie evenly over the entire surface of the curtain.
Pencil gathering using loop-shaped folds. To do this, the straightened curtain is pulled together with a cord, forming waves, taking into account the spaces between the hooks.
Flemish folds. This requires two cords on the braid. By unevenly tightening, a V-shaped configuration is achieved.

Types of ribbons for creating drapery

There are many of them, and each type makes it possible to create certain folds at the discretion of the housewife. For example, there may be such curtain tapes:

1. For proportional collection of folds over the surface. Has pockets evenly distributed along the length. Using special hooks, tucks are created along the surface of the fabric.

2. Braid using cords for assembly. It is sewn to the very top of the fabric, then the cords are pulled together to the required size and secured.

3. Ribbons forming bows. The condition for the formation is the width of the curtain, which should be three times wider than the cornice.

4. Ribbons forming bows. The size of the curtain is chosen 2.5 times wider than the length of the cornice.

5. A narrow ribbon that is attached to the top of the curtain and forms small folds due to two elastic bands built into it. It is calculated that the curtain is 2 times wider than the length of the cornice, but its size should not exceed 158 cm.

6. Ribbon with tucks. In this case, the ratio of the size of the curtain to the cornice is calculated as three to one.

7. The tape is wide. It is used when you need to get pencil folds - narrow, but quite long.

8. Tapes used in Roman blinds are equipped with rings, as well as a cord on which there are loops. Attaches to blinds.

9. Ribbon with rings attached to it. The rings are made of plastic, sewn at a certain interval. The tape itself is attached to the blinds vertically from the wrong side. A cord will be pulled through all the rings.

And there are variations here. Curtain braid can be:

The material from which the curtain tape is made is polyester. It adheres to the curtain fabric at literally every point and prevents the material from sagging and deforming. Loops are sewn to the tape along its entire length, to which the hooks of the cornice cling. In addition, the curtain tape may include:

Eyelet rings;
Pockets in case of fastening with hooks;
Seals;
Cords in the amount of two to four pieces.

If you need simple gathers on the curtain, use hooks that are threaded into pockets or loops. If the material is heavy, the hooks are made of brass; for light materials, plastic hooks are sufficient. There are varieties of special hooks that are used to form triple or bow folds.

If one row of loops forms simple folds, then 3-4 rows form folds of a complex configuration.

When choosing a ribbon, you should take into account its length, which depends on the size of the folds you want to have on the curtain.

Before the tape is sewn to the curtain, a number of works should be carried out. This is preceded by measuring the cornice, curtain and braid. Moreover, 15 cm of the length of the tape should be added to the resulting length of the curtain as a reserve. Considering that the braid shrinks, it needs to be adjusted. For this purpose, it is moistened, dried and a hot iron is passed over it. All curtain seams must be finished.

The braid is attached to the curtain in its upper part with an indentation of 2-5 mm, from the wrong side, and its edges should be turned up by 2 cm. Using a cord, pulled to a certain size, the necessary configurations are obtained. Next, you should fasten the cord, which will fix the desired condition of the curtain. The optimal gathering factor is 2-2.5, this is what determines the pomp of the curtain fabric.

Thus, the right curtain tape can work wonders even with inexpensive material, creating intricate folds and providing a chic look to the living room.

Buying curtain fabric for home decoration is half the battle.

It is equally important to secure the curtains so that they hang perfectly in place, drape beautifully and frame the window elegantly. The process of forming curtain draperies is quite complex.

The folds should be the same width, lie beautifully and evenly, and embody the idea conceived by the designer. The work of decorating windows would be very labor-intensive if there were no special fittings that would make it easier at all stages.

An indispensable assistant in creating artistic draperies is curtain tape. This special braid provides a framework for all types of folds. Twisted cords are laid inside it along its entire length. The tape is sewn along the top edge of the curtains from the inside with two lines, and then pulled by the cords.

Traditional drapery tape (also known as curtain tape) is the simplest and most common way to drape curtains. The type of folds on the curtain depends on the type of curtain tape.

When choosing a ribbon, you need to consider a simple rule: The larger and brighter the pattern of the fabric, the less deep the folds you need to lay on it. Complex decorative folds will highlight the beauty of a plain fabric.

In accordance with the selected braid, folds of the required width and configuration are formed on the panel. Curtain tape with geometric precision gives the gathers and folds the desired shape and distributes them evenly throughout the baguette. Thanks to her, even a person who knows nothing about this work can handle draping curtains.

On sale today there is a very large selection of curtain tapes of different shapes and widths. There are tapes only for hooks, there are tapes with loops for hooks and Velcro, there are simply adhesive tapes for rigidly fixing a curtain or lambrequin, tapes for vertical fixation of French, Austrian, Roman, and London curtains. In addition, today you can find ribbons for curtains with eyelets, ribbons for tubular curtain rods, and ribbons for strings.

Depending on the type of folds formed by the tape, curtain tapes can be uniform or shaped. Tape with a non-fixed gather can be gathered very densely or very rarely - as necessary to fulfill the curtain designer's idea. Shaped tapes have a structure with a fixed assembly rate.

But I would say that with all the variety, curtain tape with “pencil folds” remains the most popular.

It is best to choose a durable, non-loose tape for curtains. Be sure to collect part of the ribbon by pulling out the laces before purchasing. If the tape firmly holds the folds, then you can take it, but if the folds are not clear and uneven, then it is better to refuse the purchase. Curtain tape can be sewn into the edge of the curtain, or 2-5 cm below the edge, then when assembling the curtain, a so-called “comb” is formed, which can be used to cover the cornice or rings, if desired, or to achieve the effect of “curtains from the ceiling.”

Curtain tape with a bow pleat forms the most severe-looking folds, and is used primarily on frills, which are not recommended for sliding curtains. Curtain tapes with puff pleats are also only suitable for non-sliding curtains; in addition, the laces on this tape cannot be pulled, otherwise the assembly pattern will disappear.

Regular curtain hooks are used when hanging curtains with simple ruffles. The hooks are threaded into the pockets of the sewn braid and into the base of the curtain rings or into the tracks of the rail curtain rods. Hooks are made of brass for heavy curtains and white plastic for light and medium curtains.

For ribbons with triple folds and bow folds, it is better to use special hooks.

There are many types of curtain tape, each of which is designed to drape the fabric in one way or another. The length of the purchased braid depends on the density of the curtains. It is assigned a coefficient or “step”, which determines the required width of the fabric for the future curtain.

Different tapes have their own assembly factor, which indicates the required fabric consumption per meter of finished product. For example, with a gathering factor of 2.5, in order for a draped curtain to have a width of 1 m, when unassembled it should have a width of 2.5 m. To the resulting figure, you need to add about 10 cm for hemming the edges.

The higher the gathering factor, the more magnificent the drapery: 2 - light, 2.5 - medium, 3 or more - thick. It is not recommended to use a gathering factor of less than 2, since too weak drapery looks unsightly.

The choice of curtain tape based on its pitch depends on what folds will be placed on your curtains:

Simple assembly does not require much material, its coefficient is 1.5
folds of puffs, ruffles, waffles require a ribbon with a coefficient of 2.0
radial and bow folds are laid with a coefficient of 2.5
for triple and cylindrical folds, a coefficient of 3.0 is needed

Curtain tape is made of polyester. It fits tightly to the canvas, holds it well at every millimeter, preventing it from sagging and deforming. Along the entire tape at a certain distance there are loops for the hooks of the cornice.

Curtain tape is not only decorative, but also functional, since it has ready-made loops for attaching curtains to the cornice structure. Due to the fact that they are located at different levels, you can adjust the height of the curtains.

Special curtain tapes are supplied with:

Rings for eyelets
pockets for hooks
seals for rigid lambrequins
two, three, four cords

There are varieties of braid that are glued to the canvas using Velcro or do not have a cord forming the fold. Different types of tape are designed for different types of fastening. Universal curtain tapes are also produced, with loops and pockets located at different levels. They can be used both on rod baguettes and on rail ones. For thin curtains made of tulle or organza, curtain tapes are made from transparent material.

The width of the purchased braid is determined by the length of the curtains. To attach short, light curtains, it is recommended to use a narrow braid, and for long, heavy curtains, it is better to purchase a wide tape.

Curtain tapes can be transparent or opaque, which are used according to the type of fabric. Curtain tapes also come in different widths. It can be with Velcro or with loops for hooks, adhesive or sewn. The tape is stitched to the top edge of the curtain or glued with an iron. In wide ribbons, the loops can be arranged in two rows.

The use of curtain tape allows you to create uniform and random gathers, radial, bow folds, tulip puffs and will help reduce the time of sewing curtains. Curtain braid allows you to simply and beautifully drape any curtain. Neat, elegant drapery is good in any interior.
Some types of curtain tapes are used in the manufacture of lifting curtains. Thus, for French curtains it is very convenient to use a tape with rings and the possibility of gathering, a vertical gathering tape with two cords, as well as a curtain tape for Roman blinds with pockets for fiberglass inserts. The width of this braid varies from 1.5 to 2.2 cm.

Main types of folds:

Bow ones. These are strict symmetrical folds. They look best on plain fabrics.
Radiant. Best used for heavy fabrics or lined curtains.
Cylindrical. These are universal folds. Suitable for many models, giving a sophisticated look. The tape comes in different widths for different lengths of curtains. The longer the product, the wider the tape needed.
Triple or French folds.
Buffs and waffles. Very decorative. Especially good for plain fabrics.

1. Curtain braid for draping the top of curtains.

1.1 Curtain tape with uniform gathering, opaque, for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics. Type of assembly - pencil folds. Width - 6.5 cm. Assembly coefficient - 2.5-3.

1.2 Curtain tape with a bow fold, transparent, for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense transparent and opaque fabrics.

Width 6.5 cm. Assembly factor – 2.5-3.

1.3 Curtain tape with a bow fold, opaque, for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width 6.5 cm. Assembly factor –2.5-3.

1.5 Curtain tape with puff gathering, opaque for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics

Width 6.5 cm. Assembly factor – 2.7.

1.6 Curtain tape with puff gathers, transparent, for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense transparent and opaque fabrics. Width 6.5 cm. Assembly factor – 2.5.

1.7 Curtain tape with French folds, opaque, for draping the top of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width 10 cm. Assembly factor – 2.5.

1.8 Curtain tape with Flemish folds, opaque, for draping the tops of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width 10 cm. Assembly factor – 2.

2. Curtain braid for vertical drapery of French and Austrian curtains

2.1 Curtain tape for vertical drapery, opaque, for vertical draping of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width 1.5 cm. Assembly factor – 2.

2.2 Curtain tape for vertical drapery, opaque. For vertical draping of curtains made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width 1.8 cm. Assembly factor – 2.

3. Curtain tape for lifting curtains (Roman, French, Austrian, London)

3.1 Curtain tape for lifting curtains, with loops, opaque. Holds cords of lifting mechanisms and is used as drawstrings for Roman blinds made of light and dense opaque fabrics.

Width - 2.6 cm

3.2 Curtain tape for lifting curtains, with loops, transparent. Holds cords of lifting mechanisms, used as drawstrings for Roman blinds made of light and dense transparent and opaque fabrics.

Width 2.0 cm

3.3 Curtain tape for lifting curtains, with rings, transparent. Holds cords of lifting mechanisms, used as drawstrings for Roman blinds made of light and dense transparent and opaque fabrics.

Width - 1.6 cm.

4. Curtain tape without assembly for tubular curtain rods and strings

The tape is stitched to the top edge of the curtain and the cornice (tube) or string is threaded directly through the curtain tape, allowing you to create folds of the required size.

5. Curtain tape for curtains on grommets

Curtains with eyelets look very good in modern interiors. These curtains require very precise calculations. The width of the curtain must be at least 1.6 times greater than the length of the curtain rod in order to be able to curtain the window. When making these curtains, the top cut of the fabric is glued with a special grommet tape. There are two types of eyelet tape - transparent for light and transparent fabrics and opaque for curtains made of opaque fabrics.

How to sew curtain tape

Before sewing on the braid, you need to trim the edges of the curtain, fold them evenly and stitch the edges. The top edge of the curtain is folded inside out to the width of the tape or a little more. If the hem is wider than the braid, then its edge must be overlaid so that it does not crumble during use.

Cut the edge along the entire length of the curtain. Iron the edge 3 cm wide.

Curtain tape with the ends pre-folded inward by 2-3 cm and released cords is sewn to the back of the curtain at a distance of 5-10 mm from the fold and from the side at double the width of the hem (3-4 cm). .

We attach it to the edge along the top line of the tape along the entire length of the curtain. We lay the second line along the bottom edge of the tape, also along the entire length of the curtain.

If the ribbon has three or four cords, it is sewn along each one.

Fold the side seam over twice. We sew to the edge.

At the same time, we release the threads from under the seam to tighten the tape.

Iron the curtain and assemble the tape to the desired width.

Caring for polyester curtain tape is not a problem and depends on the curtain itself. The braid can be washed, dry cleaned, ironed, machine washed or hand washed.

How to sew curtains on curtain tape

How to tighten curtain tape

A good braid for curtains must have at least three ropes for tightening. They are tied simultaneously to each edge of the tape. It is more convenient to tighten the tape if you have an assistant who holds one edge of it.

If you need to do this operation alone, this edge is fixed, for example, by draping it over a door handle.

At the time of assembly, the braid should be taut, a loose knot (the tied ropes are held in one hand, and with the other, the tape is gathered from the edge to the middle, moving the fabric along the ropes.

The braid is collected in warehouses, and the ropes become longer and longer; they are wound on cardboard or a board.

When the warehouses begin to slow down the assembly, they are moved to the fixed edge of the tape.

The fully gathered curtain tape is measured with a tape measure, adjusted to the required width. All that remains is to distribute the assembly evenly and fix the skein of ropes (it is not recommended to cut it off, because it is more convenient to wash and iron the curtains in the straightened state).

The hooks are attached to the tape after 8-10 cm. After this, they begin to hang the curtains: they are tucked into the tracks of the ceiling cornice or attached to the rod rings.

The beauty of a room’s interior depends not only on high-quality finishing and proper arrangement of furniture, but also on how well the textiles are chosen. The most important textile component of an apartment is curtains, because they occupy most of the wall on which the windows are located. But buying beautiful curtains is only half the battle. It is much more important to hang them so that they hang in beautiful and even folds. Curtain tape will help you with this.

The process of decorating a window with curtains is an important part in creating the interior of a room. Previously, such work took quite a lot of time, but now, thanks to the availability of various accessories, you can hang a curtain in the shortest possible time.

One of the most important elements needed to hang curtains is a device called a curtain strip. Thanks to it, there is no need to manually sew loops to the curtains. Also, only with such a tape can you create ideal and unusual curtain folds.

Curtain tape is a braid, through the entire length of which several laces are threaded, and loops are also made. It is through these loops that the curtain is hung on the hooks of the cornice. The laces have another function: by pulling them, you will get curtains in beautiful, uniform folds.

Curtain braid is made from natural and synthetic fabrics. Often such a device feels quite rigid to the touch, thanks to which it holds its shape well. Curtain tape serves several functions.

Application of curtain tape:

Using curtain tape you can quickly and easily process the top edge of tulle or curtains;
Curtain tape makes it easier to hang the fabric from the curtain rod, since it has loops, and now there is no need to use metal tucks;
This braid allows you to get a variety of folds on the curtain.

Curtain tape is sewn not only on the top edge of the curtains, it can also be located in other places. Thanks to this, you just need to pull all the laces, and the entire surface of the curtain will be evenly covered with attractive folds. If you need to wash the fabrics, you will need to untie the laces and straighten the tape before washing.

As you can see, the presence of a special tape on the curtain greatly simplifies the process of decorating a window with it. You can sew this important element with your own hands or take the curtain to a studio.

Types of curtain tapes

To get the folds of your dreams on your curtains, you need to choose the right ribbon. This task is not as simple as it might seem. The fact is that there are many varieties of curtain tapes, which can be very difficult to understand.

Basically, curtain tapes are divided into types according to shape, type of fastening, material and width. For each curtain, a separate option is selected.

What types of curtains are there based on the material from which they are made:

Fishing line ribbon is used to decorate tulle, veil and organza. It has excellent transparency, and therefore practically does not show through even through thin fabrics.
Tape for thick fabrics is made of polyester or cotton, less often of paper. This braid is coarser and more noticeable; it does an excellent job of assembling massive curtains.

From the above it follows that transparent tapes are used for thin transparent fabrics, and opaque ones for heavy and dense ones. It is much more difficult to decide on a mount for hanging curtains on a cornice.

Types of curtain tape fastenings:

Tape with loops for attaching to a hook:
Modern ribbon with eyelet fastening;
Adhesive tape attached with Velcro;
Combined tape, which has both Velcro and loops;
Drapery tape for string cornices;
Tape for fastening to pipes of various diameters.

Which ribbon fastening is right for you depends on the type of curtains you have, and whether they will be covered with a lambrequin or some other interior element. Examples of curtains for which this or that tape can be used will be provided to you by a sales consultant in a sewing store. It is also worth paying attention to the width of the curtain tape.

The width of the tape can be very different. Standard braid varies between 2.5-10 cm. At the same time, 2.5 and 6 cm tapes are considered the most popular.

Narrow ribbons can be used if the upper part of the curtain goes to the ceiling or is covered with a lambrequin. Wide ribbons allow you to create beautiful folds. They are also great for decorating curtains with an open cornice.

Curtain tapes and types of folds

The assembly of curtains greatly influences the interior. It is provided with strings of tape, which can be sticky or equipped with loops.

Choosing the type of folds is quite simple. For laconic modern interiors, straight curtains or fabrics flowing in soft waves are suitable. Tulle for pompous classic interiors can have the most intricate decor; curtains with unusual folds will look great here.

To use curtain tape, you need to decide on the type of folds you want to see on your curtains. This is quite simple to do, but first you need to study all possible types of such decor.

Types of folds on curtains:

Classic pencil folds are the easiest type of assembly. This curtain is convenient to use, and you can hang it in a matter of minutes.
Buffer folds (aka “butterfly”) are formed in the form of diamonds. To achieve this effect, you need to choose a ribbon with four cords, along which you need to lay four lines.
Curtains with French folds are drawn in the form of a fan. They usually have three folds and two pockets. The depth of the pockets can reach 14 cm.
Glass folds look very voluminous. To create them, a ribbon with two pairs of cords is used.
A counter or trellis fold consists of two tucks mutually overlapping each other. These ribbons have three cords and three lines along them.

Curtain tapes should be selected depending on the types of folds you want to achieve. Also, when choosing decor, you need to take into account the style of the interior of the house.

How to sew ribbon to make pleats on a curtain

You can buy ready-made curtains or order them from a studio, but the best effect can be achieved by sewing such an interior element with your own hands. This work will not take much time; you will only need to correctly calculate the required fabric and calculate the footage of the curtain tape.

In order to make curtains, you just need to have a good sewing machine. If you do not have such a device, then you can independently make calculations and outline all the elements, and then take the workpiece to the studio. A few lines that a master will make will cost you less than sewing curtains “from A to Z.”

To calculate the required length of the curtain and curtain tape, you will have to multiply and calculate the product of the length of the cornice and the curtain gathering factor, and add another 15 cm to the result obtained. For most types of folds, the gathering factor is 2, 2.5 or 3.

Curtain sewing guide:

Cut a piece of fabric according to your measurements;
Use a sewing machine to sew the bottom and side edges;
Fold the top edge of the curtain 2.5 cm and iron it;
One of the edges of the curtain tape also needs to be folded 2 cm and ironed;
Cords are pulled out and tied from the folded edge;
The tape is applied to the curtain at a distance of 1 cm from the top edge of the curtain and basted or secured with pins;
The second edge of the curtain tape is folded up 2 cm, and the cords are pulled out of it;
The tape is sewn along the basted lines.

All stitches must be done in the same direction, otherwise puffs may form on the curtain. The number of lines should be proportional to the number of cords, but in some cases there may be more lines. This happens if the tape with two cords is more than 6 cm wide.

To make folds on the curtain, just pull the laces of the sewn ribbon. The protruding ends of the threads are not cut off, but neatly hidden.

How to use curtain tape (video)

Curtain tape allows you to quickly hang the curtain, while forming beautiful and neat folds on it. If such an element is not on your favorite curtain, then do not worry, you can easily sew it on with your own hands. You just need to correctly calculate the length of the tape and choose the option that suits you!

Examples of curtain tape (photo)

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Buying fabric is only part of the process when it comes to getting beautiful, eye-catching curtains. It is very important to fix them correctly so that they frame the window opening attractively. To solve this problem, curtain tape is used, with which you can make beautiful folds on the curtain attached to the cornice. Wide or narrow braid is the basis for the formation of any folds, along the entire length of which cords are laid. Some products are complemented by pockets for hooks, rings for eyelets, and seals.

What is curtain tape

Curtain tape means transparent or white braid of different thicknesses, which is attached to the wrong side of the upper part of the textile. In the center of the tape there is a seal - ready-made loops are made in it, necessary for hanging the product on special hooks. Several cords run along the entire length of the product, parallel to each other. Thanks to their presence, you can regulate the size and frequency of folds on the curtains. The appearance of such braid simplified the process of fixing the curtain on the cornice, because There is no need to use metal clamps.

Types of folds

Depending on the configuration, curtain tape is divided into products for forming folds horizontally and vertically. The first ones are used for hanging classic curtains, lambrequins, curtains, and Italian curtains. The tape for vertical drapery is suitable for sash window structures, for example, Roman, French. You can order suitable braid in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country in a specialized online textile store with delivery by mail. Varieties of decorative assemblies on braid:

Often the curtain fabric is draped in one-sided uniform folds. For this purpose, the material is laid in one direction using identical waves. To diversify this drapery, you will need to lay counter folds - the fabric is divided into pairs of waves and their ridges are directed towards each other.
Bow folds are opposite to the oncoming folds - they are formed in a similar way, but the crests of the paired waves extend in different directions. Externally, the design is similar to a flat bow, hence the name. Assembly factor – 2.5-3.
Folds that are uniform along the entire length are called waffle folds - although such drapery is considered a simple assembly, it is quite elegant.
Pencil gathering - this is the name given to the identical loop-shaped folds. There are no crossbars, so this tape can be tightened arbitrarily. For assembling the product, the optimal coefficient is 2.5 or 3.
Flemish folds give the curtains an original appearance. To form them, a wide braid with two rows of threads is used. When making such an assembly, the upper and lower cords of the product are pulled together so that the final result is a V-shaped element.
Puff pleats look good on curtains. In shape they are similar to rhombuses, pulled together along the lower and upper edges. An expansion forms in the middle. To form this type of folds, a special tape with limiters is used.

How to sew

Before you make Flemish or French pleats on light or heavy fabrics, learn how to sew curtain tape correctly. With a competent approach, taking into account all the features, it will not be so difficult to obtain beautiful folds using a special tape. Thick braid is taken with a reserve, because After steaming it may shrink. Sequencing:

First of all, process the edges of the textile.
Next, fold the back of the curtain to the width of the tape or more. Cut the edge along the entire length of the canvas.
Iron the edge of the fabric to about 3 cm.
Then the curtain braid with the released cords is sewn to the underside of the fabric at a distance of up to 1 cm from the bend.
Make a line along the length of the textile at the very top. The second line needs to be made from the bottom of the braid - also along the length of the fabric.
Finally, iron the product and gather the braid to the desired length.

How to pull

As for tightening, this action must be performed simultaneously from all cords from each edge. It is better to solve this problem together, otherwise you will have to fix one edge with improvised means. Stretch the braid during assembly, causing folds to form. After collecting the ribbon, try it on and select the appropriate length. Then distribute the fold evenly, securing the skeins of cords - the distance between the hooks should be up to 10 cm. All that remains is to hang the curtains on the curtain tape.

Types of curtain tapes

On sale today you can find a large assortment of tapes for curtains and drapes, which are made from dense transparent or opaque fabrics. Curtain tape for curtain rods has a width of 1.5-10 cm. A wide tape is ideal for attaching heavy curtains, and a thin tape is ideal for small fabrics made of light fabrics, for example, tulle, organza. Depending on the method of fastening, products are distinguished:

Sew-on. Attached to textile fabric using a sewing machine.
Adhesive. Attached to the material by treatment with a hot iron. Such ribbons are suitable for short and thin curtains that are lightweight.

Curtain type tape can have several rows of loops. For example, loops in 3-4 rows are suitable for assembling canvases and forming a decorative top edge. There are products that are designed only for hooks or Velcro. There are often options suitable for curtains with eyelets, strings and pipe cornices. Types of curtain tapes and their use in terms of transparency:

Transparent. Excellent for canvases made of thin translucent fabrics, because... are invisible. Among curtain tapes made of transparent material, nylon tape is quite popular.
White. Apply in all other cases. Particularly suitable for stiff fabrics, such as velvet, brocade, jacquard. Such curtain tape is often made of polyester, which holds the fabric well and fits tightly to it.

The length of the tape is determined by the density of the curtain's gathering. For convenience, a special coefficient is used, for example, with a value of 1 to 3, for a meter of curtain you need three meters of curtain fabric. To obtain the full width of the fabric, add another 10 cm to the hem for the side edges. Coefficients for different curtain products:

1.5 – simple assembly;
2 – waffles, ruffles;
2.5 – radial and bow folds;
3 – triple or cylindrical assemblies.

Eyelet tape for curtains

When buying curtains with tape, focus on the footage, length of the curtain rod and fabric. As for the assembly pattern that will be laid on the curtains, you can see it by pulling the laces - you need to hold the tape itself. To highlight the attractiveness of curtains and create a textured, stylish and uniform drapery, use grommet tape. Not every matter can boast a structure that has sufficient density to install functional elements:

model name: TZ18-100/2 (20560/100);
price: 97 rub./m;
characteristics: double-sided, adhesive, width – 10 cm, roll – 50 m, country of manufacture – Poland;
pros: great for organza and sheer fabrics, two sides;
cons: high cost compared to analogues.

The next curtain braid is much cheaper. True, it only has one side:

Model name: PM 20150B-100;
price: 40 rub./m;
characteristics: single-sided, width – 10 cm, roll – 50 m;
pros: cheap, good quality;
cons: one-sided.

If you are looking for curtain fittings for a pipe cornice structure, then take a closer look at the ART 09016 tape. The product as a whole is relatively inexpensive, but aesthetically pleasing and has good workmanship. Great for decorating different types of canvases:

model name: ART 09016;
price: 3093 rub.;
characteristics: material – transparent organza, without folds, package – 50 m, width – 10 cm;
pros: good workmanship;

Take a closer look at another product in this category. Gathering tape with translucent loops for curtain rods and two drawstring cords:

Model name: R&E 20574/50;
price: 45 rub. per unit;
characteristics: with hinges for curtain rods up to 16 mm, dimensions – 50 mm, quantity per package – 50 units;
advantages: aesthetics, ease of use;
cons: none.

Curtain

Curtain braid is a convenient device for draping curtains, thereby creating beautiful and effective assemblies. “Classic” products from TD Textile are suitable for draping almost all types of curtains, including curtains, drapes, tulle, etc., i.e. it is kind of universal. You can find out more about the product below:

model name: Classic 137692367;
price: 329 rub.;
characteristics: color – white, length – 100 m, width – 2.5 cm, composition – polyester, country of manufacture – Russia;
advantages: low cost, versatility;
cons: may be narrow.

If you are looking for a wider product that is also suitable for draping curtains, then take a closer look at another product from TD Textile. It costs a little more:

model name: Classic 137692369;
price: 499 RUR;
characteristics: color – white, length – 100 m, width – 4 cm, composition – polyester, country of manufacture – Russia;
pros: versatile, affordable;
cons: none.

For Roman blinds

If you are looking for highly specialized fittings that are suitable for Roman blinds, then ROM 2 products are a good option. The product is transparent, so be sure to take this into account before placing your order:

model name: ROM 2;
price: 19 rub. per m;
characteristics: color – transparent, package – 200 m, size – 1.8 cm, production – Greece;
pros: reasonable price, there are pockets for vibration inserts;
cons: a little narrow.

To save on purchasing curtain accessories, look for suitable products in stores that often hold sales or organize promotions. Take a closer look at the domestically produced transparent nylon tape, which is optimal for facilitating the installation and operation of Roman blinds:

model name: TD Textile 137692392;
price: 1409 RUR;
characteristics: color – transparent, material – polyester, length – 100 m, width – 1 cm;
pros: there are rings, low cost;
cons: a little narrow.

Universal corrugated tape from the Austrian manufacturer Bandex - Perth has an adjustable assembly coefficient. The product will make the textile covering the window opening of your bedroom or living room more impressive. The products are completely transparent:

Model name: Perth 1043282;
price: to order;
characteristics: width – 5 cm, repeat – 1.2 cm, number of rows of pockets – 2, tightening cords – 2, material – polyester;
pros: quality, aesthetic appearance;
cons: none.

Chigago is another no less impressive and high-quality corrugated option from the same manufacturer. The braid has an adjustable gathering factor:

Model name: Chigago 5562700120;
price: to order;
characteristics: color – transparent, repeat – 1.7 cm, width – 2.2 cm, number of rows of pockets – 1, tightening cords – 2, material – polyester:
pros: good quality, impressive appearance;
cons: none.

Sticky

Curtain hook braid "Papa" made in Belarus has a sticky layer. Consists of two parts of Velcro contact tape. You will need to additionally buy a loop tape for it - when connected to it, the hooks will fit into the loops, providing the necessary grip. The product has a wide range of applications:

Model name: Dad 13952510;
price: 32 rub./m;
characteristics: color – white, width – 2 cm, composition – 100% polyester, country of origin – Belarus;
advantages: reasonable cost, strength, durability;
cons: costs a little more than analogues.

Check out another Belarusian-made braid. Color and width are identical to similar parameters of the previous product:

model name: Contact 02S3051-G50;
price: 26 rub./m;
characteristics: color – white, width – 2 cm, roll – 25 m, country of origin – Belarus;
pros: availability, good quality;
cons: none.

Uniform assembly

Curtain braid with uniform gathering has become quite widespread. Products 10120-DP are transparent with a pattern in the form of columns and a ratio of 1:2. The following cords are used as constriction threads:

model name: 10120-DP;
price: 40 rub./m;
characteristics: color – transparent, material – polyester, size – 10 cm, package – 100 m;
pros: good workmanship, durability;
Cons: slightly overpriced.

The next option is also transparent and has a “columns” pattern. The coefficient in this case is 1:3, more details about the product parameters:

model name: 4130-DP;
price: 14 rubles/m;
characteristics: color – transparent, material – polyester, package – 100 m, size – 4 cm;
advantages: availability, durability;
cons: none.

Curtain braid with bow - the most severe-looking folds. This option is mainly used on frills, which are not recommended for sliding curtains. Inexpensive and affordable curtain option with bow assembly and fishing line as a tension thread:

Model name: 6125-PD;
price: 25 rubles/m;
characteristics: color – transparent, made of polyester, assembly factor – 1:2.5, size – 67 mm +/- 2/3 mm, packaged – 100 m;
pros: low cost, size suitable for many paintings;
cons: none.

Bow braid 8125-PD looks great on plain fabrics. They are even ideal for creating ruffles on tablecloths, armchairs and couches:

Model name: 8125-PD;
price: 34 rub./m;
characteristics: color – transparent, made of polyester, assembly factor – 1:2.5, size – 82 mm +/- 2/3 mm, packaged – 100 m;
pros: good quality, optimal size;
cons: costs more than analogues.

With pencil folds

Pencil-type folds are assembled using the simplest tape with two cords and without fixing hooks. This option is one of the most popular. Bocelli curtain tape is a special woven product made of durable polyester. Optimal for attaching curtains, tulle or curtains to cornices. It has 4 rows, thanks to which you can neatly distribute the curtain at any level. The top edge of the canvas will look perfect. The product has sufficient rigidity, so it is suitable for thick and heavy curtains:

model name: Bocelli 16809402;
price: 118 rub./m;
characteristics: color – transparent, width – 7.6 cm, country of origin – Austria;
advantages: strength, rigidity, aesthetics;
cons: high cost.

Take a closer look at products with pencil assemblies from a German manufacturer. In terms of quality and aesthetics, it is not inferior to the previous option:

model name: “Pencil fold” 20606/150;
price: 166 rub./m;
characteristics: color – transparent, width – 15 cm, assembly ratio – 1:2, number of cords – 5, pockets – 4, packaging – 50 m, country of origin – Germany;
pros: quality, optimal width for different fabrics;
cons: expensive.

How to choose curtain tape

When choosing curtain tape, you must adhere to the style of the interior. For example, you are unlikely to want to buy a strict fold for the bedroom - it is more appropriate in the office. Pay attention to the fabric itself, the parameters of which must be taken into account so that it fits well into a particular assembly. If the fabric turns out to be stiff, then take a close look at how it will be assembled, because... The drawing should completely suit you. Other useful tips:

For light short curtains made of organza, chintz, silk, veil and other materials up to the window sill, a narrow option with two rows of loops is optimal.
A wide product will be needed if you need to curtain massive porters. With its help, textiles will keep their shape without sagging on the eaves and forming aesthetic triple assemblies on the canvas.
If the curtains are installed on a hidden cornice and a deep niche is expected, then there is no need to purchase expensive products with special fixed folds. In this case, a product with uniform assembly will be a win-win option.

One of the key components of interior design is the harmonious arrangement of textile elements, in the design of which special tape is of no small importance.

Functionality and purpose

Tape or curtain tape is a structure made of a strip of fabric with a built-in cord mechanism and various types of fastenings in one or several rows, designed to fix curtains depending on their models and location. The advantages of such a device are both cost-effectiveness and versatility, variability and diversity.

The inexpensive product is easy to select for any type of fastening. With its help, all kinds of fantasy patterns are made, the drapery of the fabric changes, original, and at the same time, neat and even folds are formed. To wash such a curtain, just untie the cords and straighten the fabric.

Tape selection

An important preparatory stage is the competent selection of an accessory, which can be done in advance by looking at photos of curtain tapes on the relevant websites. However, it must be taken into account that to decorate transparent, thin products, you should use ribbons made of fishing line, which are invisible and easy to use.

For denser fabrics, their use is not practical, since the drapery quickly deforms under the influence of the weight of the structure. For these purposes, cotton or synthetic models with a denser structure are made. If it is necessary to strengthen the upper cut, the preferred material would be horsehair or beading.

One of the varieties of tapes that have not only decorative, but also practical purposes is grommet tape. It serves as a seal for curtains or curtains, including those made of thin fabrics, preventing distortion of the fabric when installing eyelets, placing appliqués and all kinds of decorative elements.

The strip, made from hot-melt adhesive raw materials, has a width of 50 to 150 millimeters and is selected in accordance with the diameter of the rings, increased by 20-30 millimeters.

For blinds or Roman shades, strips with plastic rings are available to accommodate the control mechanism.

The size of the textile element varies from 25 to 100 millimeters. Thanks to the wide ribbon, it is possible not only to decorate the curtains with decorative drapery, but also to hide flaws in the fastening and improve the stability of the composition. But the more common format is 40-60 millimeters. With the help of such braid, the pattern becomes more sophisticated, refined and varied.

The length is calculated based on the type and size of the folds, the width of the main fabric along the cornice with the addition of a few centimeters for hems.

We sew ourselves

The next not difficult, but essential step is connecting the tape to the main fabric. After processing the lower and side edges, the upper section of the fabric is folded by 20-30 millimeters, pre-processed on a sewing machine with a special overlock stitch, and then subjected to heat treatment using an iron.

If the tape is made of cotton, in order to avoid deformation during use, it is also recommended to steam it with an iron. Next, its upper part is folded up by 20-25 millimeters and applied to the wrong side of the curtain, retreating from the fold 50-150 millimeters, also with the wrong side. The indentation distance depends on the type of drapery and the size of the braid.

When basting parts, it is important to ensure that the fastening elements, cords and pockets into which they are threaded remain free on the outside of the product. The final fixation is made by laying two or more horizontal seams, from the top edge of the tape to the bottom in accordance with its width parallel to the location of the cords. The curtain on the curtain tape is ready.

Decoration and fastening

A properly hemmed curtain makes it possible to create an original individual design on an almost finished product. It is more convenient to do this on the front side, giving the fabric the required shape. Solid fabrics and frills are decorated with bows; glass-shaped folds will look elegant and aristocratic on long models.

Wave-like compositions can give airiness and lightness to classic curtains; small accordion-shaped versions can complement tulle, organza or silk in an original way, and coarse and dense fabrics can be complemented with regular symmetrical folds.

Depending on the style of the room, the ornament can take on various geometric shapes in the form of rhombuses or squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern, double pleated from triple rows, triangles or cylinders.

Before hanging on the cornice, the tightening cords must be secured and masked. Now the curtain can be placed in its intended place. This is an important stage, which also gives the opportunity to show imagination: fasteners are swapped, folded in pairs or in several layers, alternated, creating a mirror image, and complemented with all kinds of accessories.

The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the uniform distribution of the components along the entire length of the cornice, as well as the style, model and structure of the textiles.