Shortening the curtains
It will not be difficult for an experienced housewife to shorten the canvas. In this case, there is no need to have a sewing machine; it will only make it easier to carry out your plans.
It is recommended to hang the fabric on the curtain rod, it will take its final shape, after which you can take measurements. The method of processing the bottom of any product directly depends on the fabric used. Using a double hem, you can hide up to 30 cm of fabric without cutting, thereby shortening the curtain.
Important! If the curtains are made of thin materials (organza, silk), then after basting, traces of needle punctures may remain on their surface. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a special adhesive strip “cobweb”, which is carefully ironed, fastening the folded piece and the canvas itself. In this case, you only need to iron through gauze and lay the fabric on a towel.
The bottom of the fabric is also hemmed with edge processing of various edgings. The edging itself is a ribbon of fabric that is folded in half, and its raw edges are folded inward. The bottom of the curtain is inserted into the resulting pocket, fixed there with pins, then basted and stitched on the machine.
An option is to process the top edge of the curtain. For this purpose, special tapes with ready-made fastenings are used. Such curtain tapes are distinguished by the variety of materials from which they are made, their width, and the number of fastenings. In addition, they are equipped with special threads that allow you to create folds in the upper part of the fabric. This opens up a wide range of drapery possibilities.
What will you need for this?
To shorten you will need: the canvas itself, a needle, threads, braid, scissors, iron, measuring tape, tailor's soap.
Process
The first step is to trim the edge. Rushing at this stage is unacceptable, as it can lead to deformation of the canvas. The side edges are processed first, the fabric is folded and ironed, and then stitched.
The next stage involves attaching the braid to the top of the future curtain. Evenness and neatness of the edges is ensured by folding the fabric by 2-3 cm, as well as ironing. The curtain braid is folded in exactly the same way at both ends. The main thing is that the threads responsible for the formation of the drapery are released from the hem. After the prepared tape is applied to the wrong side of the curtain, it is sewn on. Moreover, the number of seams themselves directly depends on the width of the tape. The algorithm here is as follows: with a tape width of 5 cm, two seams are enough, top and bottom; for a 10 cm braid, it makes sense to make three seams, etc.
The bottom edge is processed using the double hem method.
After any stitching for which preliminary overcasting was done, it is necessary to pull out the overcasting threads.
After the curtains are shortened and hemmed, the stage of forming the drapery begins.
Curtain sizes
Roman (roller) curtains can be of various sizes, so they look ideal on both panoramic and regular windows. Compared to traditional blinds, these curtains are equipped with a blackout system and cover the window opening completely, creating a light twilight in the room. Products can be sewn to order or purchased ready-made, but in order to choose the latter, you need to know exactly the dimensions of the windows. The sizes of curtains, as a rule, depend on what system they are equipped with.
The following models are most often found on sale.
- Open. They are usually selected for standard windows, since the maximum width of the canvas is 180 cm and the height is 2 meters. Curtains can be attached to plastic windows in the opening and over the slope.
- Mini-cassette. Their height reaches 220 cm, and their width can be as small as 70 cm. The sides of the fabric are provided with special guides, thanks to which the fabric takes on a beautiful shape and does not sag.
- Big ones. Such curtains are equipped with a shaft with a diameter of 35 to 79 mm; they are produced in widths of 3.5 m and lengths of 4.5 m. In order for the curtains to look stylish, they must fully correspond to the size of the window openings. To reduce them, pruning is used. You can easily shorten a roller blind in width with your own hands.
- Attic. They are equipped with a spring mechanism, with the help of which the guides smoothly open and close the blades. Their height can be 200 cm, and the minimum width is 70 cm.
Before installing roll products, you need to make accurate calculations. This will help further simplify installation and reduce the cost of the product. To do this, the width of the opening is measured, and a small margin of 10 mm is added to each side. It is necessary to add 50 mm to the height of the opening.
How to shorten curtains without cutting
In order to shorten canvases without trimming, you will need the following:
- the canvas itself with processed edges to which the tape is sewn;
- threads to match the fabric;
- needle;
- scissors.
There are several ways to shorten. With the first method, you must first hang the curtains on the cornice. Then, using a hand stitch, stepping back from the edge 5 cm, stitch the sides vertically.
At the very beginning, i.e. from the middle of the height of the entire canvas, the thread must be secured. Next, as you approach the bottom, the stitch is slightly rounded. After this, the center is determined and then stitched in exactly the same way as the sides were stitched, only the beginning should now be 20 cm higher. The curtain will be shortened by folds if you pull the threads one by one, the ends of which are left loose at the bottom. Once the required height is reached, the threads should be fixed. By analogy, the procedure is carried out in the second part.
Another way is to use a sewing machine with the stitches set to the maximum pitch.
Another option, more suitable for thick fabrics. This method is similar to the first, with the only difference that instead of manual stitching, transparent curtain tape is used, sewn from the inside out. Thanks to this tape, you can adjust the length of the curtain, creating spectacular folds.
And finally, there is a way to shorten curtains using special magnets, crabs and other devices.
How to reduce the width of horizontal blinds
If horizontal blinds do not correspond to the width of the opening, they can be reduced by sawing off part of the structure from one or 2 sides at once (for symmetry). It is better to shorten on the side where the control mechanism is located:
- remove the plugs and protective cover from the cornice;
- move the cord system and control mechanism along the pin;
- measure the required size, put a mark;
- carefully fold all the lamellas into one multi-layer strip, clamp them with clamps or an elastic band so that they do not fall apart;
- saw off the excess using a fine-toothed hacksaw;
- finish the edge with a file or sandpaper so that there are no burrs, slightly round the edges;
- Reassemble the structure in reverse order and you can install the blinds on the window.
It is better to finish metal and wooden horizontal blinds on a milling machine, so the edges will be much neater. The cut must be treated with a protective compound and, if necessary, tinted.
Graphic instructions on how to measure the opening in order to cut the blinds correctly
The task of how to shorten blinds with horizontal slats in height is simpler:
- open the bottom bar;
- untie the knots on the restrictive cords, remove the clamps;
- remove excess slats, cut the lace to size and assemble the blinds in reverse order.
To avoid making mistakes during the work process, be sure to watch video tips on how to properly shorten blinds.
Roller blinds are unrolled from the roller and the fabric is removed. The roller is cut identically to the cornice, with a hacksaw. The fabric itself is laid out on the table, carefully drawn to the size of the opening plus hem allowance on the sides, cut with scissors and the edges are hemmed. Next, install the bottom plumb line in place. So that after the end edge is glued to the shaft again, the curtain does not turn out to be short, it is important not to forget about the allowance, which is equal to the circumference of the tube, usually 50 mm.
Diagram of how to properly trim roller blinds
How to shorten curtains without hemming
In order to do this, you need to purchase a special adhesive tape - “cobweb”. The sequence of steps for this shortening method will be as follows:
- the length that needs to be removed is determined and the fabric is folded;
- the fold line is carefully ironed;
- a “cobweb” is laid between the resulting layers of fabric, ironed, and the adhesive tape backing is separated (if any);
- The folded fabric is ironed, the “web” heats up and glues the layers together.
If the length that needs to be shortened is large, you should use several layers of adhesive tape, or distribute it over the entire folded fabric in small increments.
The method of shortening curtains without hemming does not provide a long service life, since after several washes the adhesive tape begins to peel off. In this case, the gluing procedure should be repeated.
Cutting fabrics for roller blinds
In the case where the curtain will be attached to a window opening, we measure the opening itself. If it is close to the frame, close to the glass, then measure the size of the glass. After measurements, we cut the fabric like this:
- along the width of the opening or glass, plus 3 cm for allowance;
- along the length we measure the height of the opening or glass, plus 15 cm for the allowance and “pocket”.
For one window we make two panels of the same size. Choosing ribbons for garters. Their length should be two lengths of curtains, plus 20-25 cm. You can make a lifting mechanism using two nylon cords: the first is three sheets long, the second is three sheet lengths plus the width of the product.
Tools for work
- two slats along the length of the opening or glass;
- sewing machine;
- screwdriver;
- screws;
- Double-sided tape.
For the first step-by-step instructions you will additionally need:
- stapler for furniture;
- tapes.
For the second step-by-step instructions
- ribbons;
- two plastic rings;
- two nylon cords.
How to shorten roller blinds to width
Sometimes purchased roller blinds may be wider than the window opening. The problem is solved as follows. The canvas is brought into an unfolded state, and the plugs are removed from the shaft on which it hangs.
The bottom of the roll is equipped with a weighting agent that must be removed. Next, using a ruler and pencil, markings are made on the curtain itself. Using scissors or a stationery knife, cut off the excess part according to the markings. The top tube is cut, but with the expectation that it should be 7-8 cm longer than the canvas itself.
A hacksaw for metal is quite suitable as a tool. The weighting material is also shortened, but it should only be 1-1.5 cm shorter. At the final stage, the parts are assembled together, and the fabric is tightly wound around the shaft. This way you can easily shorten the roller blinds and then mount them in place.
“If the old interior is boring and no longer pleasing to the eye, do not rush to make repairs. First, try changing the curtains,” this is the advice given by popular design publications. But is it that simple? Decorating window openings is an easy task only at first glance. Even when working with a ready-made “salon” project, difficulties arise, because any typical room can unexpectedly have its own unique characteristics.
Making window decorations yourself poses even more questions for needlewomen. However, guided by the information presented above, it is quite possible to understand the methods of shortening, how to do this without subjecting the fabric to cutting or hemming, how, finally, to hem and trim classic fabric curtains, and what to do if the rolled ones do not fit in width.
How to reduce in height (length) or width?
Before the procedure, you need to prepare the necessary tools, which depend on the type of curtains and the direction of fitting:
- The easiest way is to reduce the length of horizontal blinds when the width matches the window parameters. It is enough to disassemble the structure from below in a certain order, remove the excess slats, and then fix the bottom bar again (read about how to make and install horizontal blinds here).
Step-by-step instructions: creating curtains with garter tape
- Step #1.
We sew the resulting fabrics from the wrong side along the length and only on one side along the width. You should end up with a bag. We turn it inside out and iron all the seams. - Step #2
. We take a weighting material (in our case it’s a strip) and carefully fold one part of the unstitched edge, making a pocket in which the strip will be located. Sew up the remaining part of the curtain (top of the bag). The bottom of the curtain is ready.
- Step #3
. We fasten the upper part using a furniture stapler to the remaining block. - Step #4
. We attach pre-prepared garter tapes, designed to hold the rolled curtain roll, to the top bar; this can be done with a stapler. You should get a ribbon hanging from the outside and inside.
The roller blind is ready, all that remains is to fasten it to the window, screw the lower part with the weighting material to the desired length and secure the bottom of the curtain with ribbons.
Step-by-step instructions: creating curtains with a side cord
- Step #1
. We sew the fabrics from the wrong side along the length. We make a pocket at the top and bottom. - Step #2.
We insert the strip into the bottom pocket and fix it there, and on the top side we sew plastic rings onto ribbons. You should retreat 15 cm from the edges, and sew approximately 5 cm from the top edge. - Step #3
. To make a mechanism for raising such a curtain, you should fix it on the window or in the window opening with hooks.
- Step #4.
Tie the first nylon cord (smaller) to the hook and pass it through the pocket with the rail. Thread it through the ring. - Step #5
. The second cord (which is longer) is fixed in the same way, only it must pass through two rings sequentially. - Step #6.
Nylon cords are collected and fastened. Now, when they are pulled, the curtain will twist due to the counterweight. The cords are fixed on the wall.
Roller blinds are easy to install. If you plan to attach them to a plastic frame, use a good wide double-sided tape, and if such a curtain will hang in the window opening, you can secure it with screws and a screwdriver.
Roller blinds in the interior: video
Roller blinds in the interior: photo
To prevent a window opening on a veranda or in a garden house from looking faceless, you need to choose the right curtains. By installing a roller blind, you will give the room a unique flavor that will evoke the envious glances of your neighbors.
Such products decorate not only the windows from the inside of the room. With their help, external openings of seasonal buildings in country estates - garden gazebos or open verandas - are designed in an original way.
Outdoor roller blinds are also called reflexols, which means “reflecting the sun.” Like, they protect the structure from scorching rays.
Another name for roller blinds is known - fabric roller blinds. Among the design features of this type of outdoor curtains is the smooth winding of the fabric onto a shaft, which is installed in an open or closed box. Each type has its own installation rules.
Outdoor roller blinds are opened and rolled up either manually or with a special electric mechanism, which can be controlled from a distance using a remote control. At the same time, modern roller shutter systems are equipped with a silent drive.
The material for roller blinds is almost any fabric, from translucent to dense. For street use, products are made from polyester pre-impregnated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When choosing a suitable fabric for reflectors, take into account the quality characteristics of the material, as well as compliance with the design style of gazebos and verandas.
Curtains made of polyester with PVC are an ideal option for open garden buildings due to a number of advantages:
- the appearance of such products does not depend on the weather: durable, wear-resistant material is not afraid of dampness, moisture, ultraviolet radiation;
- outdoor curtains are extremely durable;
- the material of external curtains for verandas and gazebos is not electrified and does not burn;
- In addition, polyester fabrics with PVC impregnation are easy to care for and can be stored folded for a long time without the formation of creases.
There are situations when your favorite horizontal blinds move from their original place on one window to another window. This situation is possible if you moved to a new apartment, took the products to a country house or cottage, or bought a product of the wrong height. In these cases, an almost rhetorical question arises before you: how to add slats to horizontal blinds. This is necessary to increase the height of the product and ensure the closure of the entire glass unit without a gap. Such a parameter as the width of the lamellas is not so critical in such situations. Often, new windows are almost the same width as the old double-glazed windows. But problems may arise with the height of the frame.
The procedure for adding a new lamella is quite complicated, and in order to ultimately ensure the correct performance of the product, entrust this work to professionals. If you are reading this article, we understand that you are a curious person and want to understand this complex procedure yourself at the preparatory stage. Well, let's try to describe step by step what a professional does when adding stripes to the overall curtain rod package.
Of course, to add a new lamella you need to have it in stock. And our company can produce stripes, even 1 piece or more. The cost of one strip will be approximately 150 rubles, depending on the chosen color and width. The package of horizontal blinds consists directly of the strips themselves, placed in a special “ladder”. The “ladder” is located on both sides of the product, and if the product is more than one meter wide, an additional strip is added to the center. To add slats, you will have to completely replace all the “ladders” on the cornice. To do this, the specialist removes the locking brackets located at the ends of the “ladder” in the cornice. To release the slats, it is also necessary to remove the bag lifting thread. To do this, there are plastic round plugs in the lower cornice that hold the thread. It is necessary to squeeze the plugs out of their seats in the cornice and untie the knot on the rope. Now the thread can be pulled out from each strip. Next, the specialist prepares a new “ladder” taking into account the height of the window frame. New locking clips are put on the “ladder” and it is fixed in the rotating mechanism. Next, the specialist places a lamella on each step and threads the lifting thread into special holes in the strips, observing the order of alternating the arrangement of steps “left, right, left, right” and so on. The “ladder” and the thread are fixed in the plastic plugs of the lower cornice. Your product is ready!
We hope our article helped you answer the question of how to add slats to horizontal blinds. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments to this article or call us at 214-07-71. Entrust the work to professionals!
conclusions
So, you are convinced that you can easily change the length of the curtains with your own hands, and the main factor here is desire. But it would also be nice to have sewing skills and work enthusiasm. In many cases, an elongated curtain made with your own hands will look much more beautiful and elegant, completing the style of the interior. After our article, you will be able to create elegant and perfect curtains in six ways.
The video will show you how to cut, hem or extend curtains:
What should I do if I need to remove the roller blind?
Having examined in detail the issues of installing fabric roller blinds, it is impossible to ignore the issue of their dismantling . For example, in order to wash or to hang another type of curtains. This process will also not cause you much trouble.
- Roll the roller blind all the way. The fabric should be completely wrapped around the shaft, or fit into the cassette.
- Use a screwdriver to press the plug axis. It will go deeper and the fixation will be removed.
- All that remains is to carefully pull out the shaft with the fabric.
- If you need to remove the brackets, simply unscrew the screws. However, if you want to exchange one roller blind for another, then leave the brackets in place. The pipe with the new curtain will fit perfectly into them.
As you can see, installing roller blinds is not difficult. Ordinary household tools, a pencil with a ruler and half an hour of your time - that’s all that is required for roller blinds to serve faithfully.
0 0 vote
Article Rating
