French curtains are well known to many, but earlier they were used only for large rooms and ceremonial halls. However, this type of curtain can also be used for ordinary living rooms. French curtains are fabric assembled into vertical scallops - awnings. The canvas is gathered in semicircular folds to give the curtain pomp and elegance. DIY is not as difficult as it seems at first glance, but it takes a lot of patience. It concerns the calculations, the assembly of the folds of each scallop. The difficulty lies in the fact that the markup must be accurate, and the folds must be the same. Otherwise, the French curtain will have an extremely unattractive appearance.
French curtains can be lifted or not. In the first case, a system of lifting cords is used, which allow you to fix the drapery exactly at the required height. A curtain is used for any room, but it is desirable that the ceilings are not too low, as a large number of folds will visually conceal this height. There are options for curtains that are perfect not only for an ordinary city apartment, but also for a relatively small kitchen.
To sew French curtains with your own hands, it is best to take light fabrics that drape perfectly into soft folds and keep their shape. Massive, rigid fabrics are not collected well, the folds are too rigid. Some experience is required to assemble them in the way that the shape of the curtain requires.
Sewing curtains with your own hands
To simulate French, it is necessary to perform a preliminary calculation. There is nothing complicated here, it will be much more difficult to process a mass of fabric, to collect it into folds. It is imperative to determine how many scallops to make for French curtains in order to general form was harmonious and attractive.
The build factor must be determined. This value can be:
- for tulle - 2.5;
- for a synthetic veil - 2-2.3;
- for organza - 1.8.
Saving in this case is not recommended, since the width of the fabric may not be enough. Such a coefficient is necessary to compensate for the pulling of the curtains under its own weight towards the center. For example, for a cornice width of 2 m, the cutting width will be from 3.6 m.
Cutting will be done in a ratio of 1:2. The softer or heavier fabric is used, the lower the build factor will be:
- for tulle - 2;
- for a synthetic veil - 2.5;
- for organza - 3.
When cutting, it must be remembered that with a future curtain height of 2.5 m, the cut height will be 7.5 m, taking into account the folds. Additional actions:
- The width and height of each assembled scallop is determined, after which the resulting value is multiplied by the appropriate coefficients.
- TBA required amount sections, the value will depend on the width of the window opening.
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Sewing awnings for curtains
To sew French curtains with your own hands, you need to prepare:
- translucent veil of the selected shade;
- curtain braid, which has special eyelets for cornice hooks;
- needles, threads of the selected color;
- scissors;
- sewing machine;
- special tape for french curtains;
- tailor's meter, chalk or a bar of soap.
The cut of the prepared fabric should be laid out on a horizontal flat surface, after which the face and bottom of the fabric should be marked. Next, the left edge is cut off, marking is performed taking into account:
- side seam allowance;
- section width (the number of sections required for a given curtain is determined);
- allowance for stitching individual panels.
The next piece of fabric is taken, the whole operation is repeated. Separate pieces of the panels must be connected with a seam, then carefully smoothed out with an iron. The side seams are sewn up and smoothed out. Next, you need to start sewing on a special braid for the French curtains. This part of the work is demanding, there will be many vertical sections.
Next, you should decide what will be up. There are 2 options: shirred or plain flat. For the 2nd option, a special braid is used, it is attached from above. Darts are used to remove excess folds, their depth is calculated as follows.
The excess fabric (usually 1.6 cm) must be divided by the number of sections. The result will be equal to 20. This number should be divided by 2. All tucks are spent, the excess of 1 cm is cut off. The braid is attached from below, retreating 3 cm from the edge, since the seam will go here. If necessary, space is immediately left for fringe or other type of decoration. When the curtain is ready, make it fasten to the eaves. First, the curtain braid is pulled together by the threads, after which the hooks for the cornice are sewn. The fabric must be straightened into equal folds, then attached to the eaves with hooks.
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What parameters make up the cost of a French curtain?
It should be remembered that the fabric should allow air and light to pass through, and also not darken the space.
Many are afraid to sew such curtains due to the fact that their cost is much more than it actually is. If you buy curtains in already ready-made the price can be significant. If you buy fabric and organize tailoring with your own hands, the cost will be much less. So what determines the price of a French curtain?
- The price is influenced by the type of curtain. French curtains can be of various models, therefore, the amount of fabric, decorating elements required is different.
- The complexity of the work. This applies to curly decoration, decoration, the use of a special system for lifting the canvas.
- To sew a French curtain, you can use different kinds fabrics, but it is recommended to take soft and light ones that drape well. It is better to buy natural fabrics, but artificial fabrics are also good for work. The most expensive option is hand-embroidered canvases. Usually it is silk and satin, but it is not recommended for beginners to purchase these fabrics, since these canvases are capricious and complex.
- Consumables. A common mistake is not accounting for fittings and Supplies. And in total, threads, needles, curtain tape, braid, decor elements can make up a significant cost.
- The amount of material to work with depends on the number and size of the folds.
To decorate a window with such an "awning" it is not necessary to go to a specialized store or atelier. Its tailoring is quite simple, therefore, with due attention and observance of simple rules, it is easy to do it yourself. In order for the finished product to be light, fit in beautiful waves, not slide down under its own weight and not taper to the bottom, you need to read the tips below.
Fabric choice
In the description of the do-it-yourself French curtains master class below, one of the varieties of organza, crystal, is used. For such a model of the product, it is best to use similar types of fabrics:
1. The material should be light, rather thin than dense, should be folded into soft folds without much effort. These requirements are met by the characteristics of such materials: the above-mentioned organza, muslin and satin, guipure and silk, and others.
Due to their characteristics, these materials can lie in neat and soft folds. Translucent fabrics will reliably protect the interior of the room from prying eyes, but at the same time they will continue to let in a sufficient amount of daylight.
2. Absolutely not suitable for the manufacture of such a product plan are heavy and dense materials: velvet and toile, taffeta and moire, damask and chintz, canvas and brocade and others.
It is extremely difficult to fold folds beautifully on such matters. In addition, their weight is quite impressive, and if you use them in this form (many folds are collected), then it will increase at least three times. The cornice simply cannot withstand such a load.
types of curtains 
cutting diagram 
cut the fabric to the required length 
sew on the braid
preliminary calculations
The description below of sewing French curtains with your own hands (master class) began with calculating the size of the canvas for purchase. A window 1.4 m high and 2 m wide was taken as an example. The finished product should have a height of 20 cm (height from the cornice to the window sill) and a width of 50 cm more (25 cm on each side of the slopes). Calculation the right sizes canvases are conducted as follows:
1. We multiply the desired final width by 1.5 (maximum 1.6, otherwise the product will sag along the bottom edge). In our case: 2 m 50 cm x 1.5 \u003d 3 m 75 cm (we will round up to 4 meters, since folds and folds will be made along the vertical line).
2. We multiply the desired final length by 2 (this is done if a special braid is sewn in the process for a similar cut of the product, otherwise you will have to take more due to the fabric sliding down under its own weight). In our case: 1 m 60 cm x 2 = 3 m 20 cm.
3. A special braid will be stitched on the canvas every half a meter, for the described option you will need to buy 9 segments, the length of which is equal to the length of the product (total - 27 m). Additionally, a segment will be sewn along the top of the canvas. If it is sewn with the expectation of tightening the cord (folds are formed from tightening), then you will need to purchase 4 m. If the folds along the upper edge are made independently during work, then a cut 2.6 m long is taken.
do-it-yourself french curtains steps 1-3 
steps 4-6 
steps 6-9 
French curtains are curtains whose even folds form even sections in the shape of a semicircle (scallops). Awnings (as such curtains are called) rise up, and do not move apart to the sides. At the same time, deep folds lie exactly both with the curtain up and down.
The length of the "awning" can be different - the curtain either closes only the window opening or descends to the very floor. French curtains will look good with lambrequins.
These curtains are perfect for classic interiors will add an extra touch of luxury to them. "Marquises" will decorate front rooms, banquet rooms. However, now you can buy French curtains yourself different design. Among wide choice it is easy to find those curtains that will look good both in the kitchen and in the hallways.
Most often you can find French curtains made of light fabrics. In this case, light, delicate colors are mainly used. The fabric should be elastic - only in this case even folds will be maintained. Classic "marquises" are sewn from dense heavy silk.
Story
The history of these curtains dates back to the times of the Baroque era. This style is quite guessed in the catchy luxury of the "Marquis".
These curtains are called "French" not without reason - their name is associated with the origin: the appearance of French curtains is associated with the reign of Louis XIV and the aesthetic ideals of refined and sophisticated hedonism that were established at that time.
How to sew french curtains
Self-tailoring of French curtains is a rather long and laborious process, but quite doable.
STEP 1 First of all, it is very important to choose the right fabric. She must:a) drape well;
b) be elastic.
The ideal choice would be silk, light tulle fabrics, satin.
STEP 2 Keep in mind that the width of the French blind is slightly larger than the length of the cornice, this will help ensure a spectacular assembly. When calculating the fabric in width, you can take a factor of 1.5. STEP 3 Since the "awnings" must be assembled in even folds, a longer length must be specified when cutting. Here we use a factor of 2. Do not forget to also lay two centimeters on top and five on the bottom for processing. STEP 4 Now you can start cutting. First of all, do not forget to trim the bottom edge. We lay additional length on the hem. STEP 5 We process the fabric on the sides. STEP 6 For deep vertical folds, we make tucks on top. The depth of the tuck depends on the length of the curtain - the longer, the deeper the tuck. The distance laid between the grooves for the average size of the curtain is about 50 cm. STEP 7 A narrow ribbon is used for drapery. Its length is calculated according to the following formula: the height of the edge of the canvas, multiplied by the number of semicircular scallops, plus the height of the edge of the curtain. STEP 8 When calculating the number of scallops and their size, the size of the window is taken into account. For small windows, narrow scallops are best, while for large and tall windows, wide sections will look better. STEP 9 Now you can proceed directly to sewing. WITH wrong side along the vertical lines we pin the braid for French curtains (you can use pins for this). STEP 10 On the sides, the tape should be located as close to the edges as possible. We hem its lower ends by 2.5 cm. Only after that we sew the braid to our curtain on a typewriter. After that, you need to hem the bottom edge of the braid twice, setting aside 2.5 cm each time. STEP 11 We adjust the cut from above to the fastening tape, then with its help our curtain is draped and hung on the ledge for French curtains. The cut is covered with tape and sewn on sewing machine. STEP 12 Weights are sewn from the bottom in all directions of the tape. This ensures the vertical position of the curtains. STEP 13 Now tightly pull the cords so that the folds are symmetrically distributed along the length. Fasten with ribbons.So, a small master class on sewing French curtains has come to an end.
If you do not want to spend time and effort on self-tailoring, you can buy ready-made curtains. They can be purchased in both regular and online stores.
Reviews
We recently bought French curtains quite spontaneously, I really liked their luxurious look. Now I doubt the correctness of the choice. The curtains are of course very beautiful, but they do not fit into every interior, they look very foreign to me.
French curtains are a very bright interior detail. They don't look good in modern design premises, but for interiors in classical style fit perfectly.
Photos of French curtains
French curtains are flowing lush folds and draperies. They are divided into sections. Pleats run along the entire length and width of the curtains. A room decorated with such curtains immediately acquires a luxurious, majestic look.
French curtains will help to place accents in the room, make it much cozier and more comfortable, protect from sunlight.
Window openings, decorated with such curtains, look chic and luxurious.
Each thing has a history of creation, a country in which they began to produce goods. French curtains also have their own history of creation. It is believed that for the first time such curtains began to be produced in France during the reign of Louis XIV. XVII century - the era of classicism and baroque. Therefore, these curtains were common. French curtains hung on the windows in the houses of all the wealthy French kings, nobles, nobility, etc. But to this day they have not lost their popularity.
French curtains are fabrics decorated with many folds that are located along the entire length of the product and remain on it, both in the raised and lowered position.
Individual items you need to know
The main types of French curtains:
- Lifting. The most common option. They can be easily raised and lowered using modern systems and mechanisms. This allows you to easily open and close the opening without spoiling the curtains. When raised, these curtains form beautiful and elegant lush folds. (Their length and width are strictly according to the size of the window opening!)
- Fixed. Constantly close the window. They cannot be raised, lowered, moved left or right. These are curtains, the folds on which are fixed.
At the bottom of the curtains, cords pass through the loops, which, when pulled together, form scallops.
Cloths rising up, form waves and lush voluminous folds.
Types of French curtains by size:
- Long. A fairly popular option for decorating the window and the room as a whole. Beautiful, lush draperies add a little chic and luxury to the room.
Classic and quite popular design option.
Important! This great option for large rooms. Such curtains will emphasize the free space and become an exquisite component of the room.
- Short. Basically, curtains of this length are chosen because of the sofa standing near the window or when the window sill goes directly into the countertop, etc. In these cases, short and comfortable French curtains are hung.
Beautifully draped fabrics give a special softness and sophistication to the space.
On a note! This is a great option for rooms with a small area. Visually, such curtains will expand already small space. Also, short French curtains are often hung in the kitchen. This emphasizes the comfort and elegance in the room.
Fabrics from which these curtains are sewn.
- Linen. This is an environmentally friendly material. Linen curtains are completely hypoallergenic. They look beautiful and elegant. Pleasant to the touch. After washing, they do not settle and do not lose their original appearance. Only curtains from this material hard to iron.
- Velvet. This material is especially pleasant to the touch. Its color depth looks particularly luxurious. And because of the dense pile, such curtains have beautiful game chiaroscuro.
The material is chosen based on design features rooms.
- Veil. The material from which the curtains give the room tenderness and romance. The veil looks great both on its own and in combination with more thick curtains. French veil curtains look light, airy and at ease. Therefore, such curtains will look great in the interior of the bedroom.
- Silk. French silk curtains shimmer beautifully in the light. They have an excellent play of colors when the rays of the sun fall on them from different angles. This material is shiny, thin, but at the same time durable.
Awnings are sewn from well-draped materials in order to fully reveal their aesthetic possibilities.
- Organza. Organza curtains of this type will complement any interior. They look easy, feminine, gentle, elegant, but at the same time simple and interesting. Easy to care for, like linen curtains.
- Atlas. Satin awnings (as French curtains are called in another way) are very durable, with an incredibly smooth surface (sometimes this can turn against you. Because on smooth surface congestion often occurs).
Due to the reflection of light, all the folds of the French curtains shimmer and shine beautifully.
French curtains in the living room
The living room is a reception room, so it is important to give Special attention to the choice of all parts of the interior in this room. French curtains add a touch of tenderness and sophistication to the living room. And with such curtains you can decorate both a simple room and a luxurious interior.
Curtains bring a touch of romance and sophistication to this room.
To date, French curtains are decorated with both artsy and simple interiors living rooms.
French curtains in the nursery
Awnings will be excellent, original and beautiful design children's room. These curtains are best suited for a girl's room. Especially if the entire interior of the room is in the style of classicism and baroque. But such curtains may not be the most the best option because they collect a lot of dust.
Awnings will become an original characteristic decoration and will set the tone for the whole room.
Awnings in the bedroom
Such curtains will add chic, tenderness, romance and splendor to the bedroom. With their simple and delicate design, the curtains will complement any style in the bedroom. You will be pleased to be in such a room. After all, French curtains set up your body for rest and sleep.
With their lyrical and delicate design, they create a special atmosphere and emphasize good taste.
French curtains in the kitchen
The kitchen is cozy place where you can talk with family and friends over a cup of hot tea. In this room, it is best to hang short awnings. French curtains in the kitchen will add pomposity and at the same time lightness.
Here, both short curtains to the windowsill and long options will look appropriate.
Awnings, with their lush and luxurious folds, will perfectly complement any kitchen interior and give it charm, wealth and pomposity.
How to sew these curtains with your own hands
Necessary materials:
- sewing machine;
- pins;
- scissors;
- soap or chalk;
- textile;
- threads to match the color of the fabric.
Awnings with their exclusivity will add a picturesque image to the interior of a certain style.
But before you buy fabric, you need to measure the window. The resulting width must be multiplied by one and a half, and the length by two. This result indicates how much fabric is required. But you still need to make allowances for the seams (2-3 cm).
French curtains are the epitome of classics.
Operating procedure:
That's all! Do-it-yourself luxurious French curtains at home are ready!
The easiest option for sewing French curtains with your own hands
Step by step instructions.
- You need to measure the window. The resulting width must be multiplied by one and a half, and the length by two. This result indicates how much fabric is required. But you still need to make allowances for the seams (2-3 cm).
- Purchased fabric must be soaked in warm water, wring out, let dry and iron. All these procedures must be performed so that the fabric does not sit down in the future.
- Then you need to make a double fold (1-1.5 cm) and stitch all the edges.
The elegant design of French curtains goes well with the simple and concise interior of Provence.
- Mark the drawstrings so that there are equal gaps between them. Then, on the front side, you need to sew a special braid for French curtains (but if there is none, you can use a regular fabric 3 cm wide).
- It is necessary to insert a decorative rope / cord, ribbon or braid into the side seams. Next, the drawstrings are formed. We fix the cords from above (you can sew), and the free ends remain below. With a cord, you can adjust the height of the curtains.
- To keep the curtains vertical, you can sew in special weights.
Awnings will especially emphasize the freedom of style, create real comfort and add soft diffused lighting to the whole room.
And that's it! This is the easiest way to make DIY French Curtains!
French curtain care
Of course, sewing such curtains with your own hands is only half the battle. The main thing is to take good care of them. Then French curtains will serve you for a long time. Awnings are really beautiful curtains. They add luxury, wealth, tenderness, romance to the room. They have many advantages. But there are also downsides. The main and only disadvantage of such curtains is that a lot of dust often accumulates in numerous folds.
Curtains "French" have a fairly rich color scheme.
The presence of purple decor on the windows in the room stimulates inspiration and creative thinking.
- Small stains on curtains can be removed with a damp cloth.
- You can clean the folds of the curtains from dust with a vacuum cleaner. Just be very careful!
- French curtains made of tulle, organza can be washed in the machine in the “delicate wash” mode.
- Velvet curtains need to be dry-cleaned.
- These curtains cannot be ironed. It is better to hang them a little damp and they will take on the desired shape.
A well-chosen design will make the window in each room original and interesting.
VIDEO: We sew French curtains with our own hands.
50 options for French curtains in the interior:
When buying fabric, you should rely on the width finished product. The width of the curtain depends on the shape and size of the window, the type of cornice. In addition, allowances for the assembly factor of the product are taken into account, which mainly depends on the preferences of the hostess.
On French curtains sewing quite a lot of fabric is required, since to create airy lush folds you need more material than the amount of fabric needed to sew a regular curtain: one and a half times as wide, twice as long.
What fabric should I choose for French curtains?
The selected material for the curtains should be elastic, drape well, lay down in soft and smooth folds. Basically, traditional fabrics are used for sewing French curtains - these are thin and light fabrics with a smooth texture: silk, moire and satin, wool, cambric, organza, transparent light tulles. Fabrics can be any colors and shades. Sometimes used modern materials with a denser texture, which form hard and lush folds. Usually the edges of such curtains are decorated with frills, ruffles, tassels, fringe. If desired, French curtains can be supplemented with a lambrequin and heavier curtains. To complete the stylistic and color solutions The interior is influenced by a well-chosen fabric texture, color and pattern of the material.
DIY French curtains with photo instructions
It is not difficult to sew French curtains with your own hands with a photo instruction for your home: for this you need to be proficient in sewing technology and all the intricacies of operations on a sewing machine, to know technological features used fabrics and apply imagination, which will prompt interesting ideas for interior design. A beginner should not take on sewing such complex curtains, it is better to practice creating more simple products. We offer you an option how to sew do-it-yourself french curtains photo.
Determination of tissue consumption
Width. Usually the width of the curtain should be equal to the length of the cornice, but for a spectacular assembly, the width of the fabric can be slightly increased. Without applying the coefficient, the width of the curtain is calculated as follows: the width of the cornice plus four centimeters for the processing of side seams.
Long. To ensure good drapery of the curtains into lush folds, it is necessary that its height be one and a half to two and a half times longer than the height of an ordinary finished curtain. Length calculation: the desired height of the curtain, multiplied by two, plus two centimeters for the processing of the top edge, plus five centimeters for the processing of the bottom edge (hem).
cutting
- the cloth must be laid out on the desktop, straighten the material and carefully trim the bottom edges;
- when cutting, it is necessary to take into account the additional length for hem and allowances;
- before starting work, the fabric should be processed on the sides and then ironed.
- For the formation of beautiful draped folds after tightening at the top of the braid, as well as for strictly vertical arrangement curtains along the upper edge make tucks along all vertical lines. Depending on the height of the curtain, the size of the undercuts can change: with the lengthening of the curtain, the undercut becomes longer and deeper.
How to sew French curtains with your own hands photo
The step is the distance between the vertical lines along which the mounting narrow tape with ringlets for the cords is sewn.
Braid or decorative fabric can be sewn between the drapery guides.
Drapery tape
Drapery in height is done using a narrow drapery tape (braid with rings for threading the cords of the lifting mechanism). The length of the tape is bought from the calculation: the height of the cut of the fabric, multiplied by the number of scallops, plus the height of the cut of the curtain.
Calculation of the number of scallops
For large windows wide sections on curtains are better suited, and for tall and narrow ones - small soft waves (from twenty-five to forty-five centimeters). The number of scallops for large windows can be calculated from the following table:
- Lay the curtain face down on a horizontal, flat surface.
- Pin the braid along the vertical lines with pins so that the lower edge of the curtain coincides with the end of the braid;
- From the side edge, the draping braid must be placed close to the side edges. After that, you need to bend the lower ends of the braid by 2.5 centimeters, after pulling the cords out of the hem. Attach the ribbon to the curtain. Next, iron the bottom edge of the curtain twice 2.5 centimeters each and stitch the bottom edge.
- After sewing on the braid, the upper cut must be adjusted to the width of a special fastening tape (with its help, the curtain is later draped and hung on the eaves).
- Then close this section with a ribbon and sew it on a sewing machine.
- To the lower edge of the curtain, along all the guide lines of the stitched tape, special weights are sewn to maintain the vertical position of the curtains.
- The cords must be pulled tight so that the lush folds are evenly distributed over the entire width of the curtain. Secure the folds with ribbons in this position.
Time to sew handmade french curtains it will take quite a lot. However, this piece of furniture will delight you and your loved ones with its amazing beauty for a long time. Decorating your home with handmade products, you can emphasize your individuality and good taste.
