Cuppa-Tea Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I've never made curtains before and am dreading doing those tiny hems on the sewing machine. If I am using spray starch to stiffen them, do I need to hem them too? That is, turn all the edges under and sew them down, not just the hem. Or will the starch keep them from unraveling? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roni Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 The starch would probably keep them from unraveling if you used the liquid starch. Another idea would be to turn your hem and use Stitch Witchery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 Turn the hem and use glue honey! Believe me, a very light application will do wonders for your mini curtains! So simple and you can iron them as well! Hugs, Wolfie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wenlaine Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I always opt for the glue when there is hemming to do and I always use a toothpick to run the glue along the fabric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NannaMc Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 Hi Christine, I just picked up a book at the library today, Dolls House Do-It_Yourself Curtains by Sue Heaser. It was mentioned on the forum a little while ago. It is excellent, and should be available from your library either off the shelf or interlibrary loan. She recommends using a white glue diluted with water to a cream consistency as a fray control. She uses a small syringe and draws a fine line of glue for the seams. Press the edges and hem, and then glue the sides first, and then the hem. Hope this helps. Shirley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 My secret weapon is iron on hem tape. No sewing involved, works like a charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I use either glue or starch and both work very well to stop fraying. Melissa has recommended Fray-Stop and her fabric work is just awesome. Deb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uppitycats Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 Yep, the curtain book mentioned is terrific. Very easy-to-follow directions, and patterns for all sorts of curtains and window treatments. She recommends the watered-down glue, and I've found that works well, as does the spray starch. I was dreading trying to sew them, too. When I was talking with someone at the Shows last weekend, she did sew hers, but she had a special small sewing machine that was gentler on the fabric than a standard machine. It only cost $2,000+ dollars! I guess if you're making curtains professionally, that might be reasonable, but.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuppa-Tea Posted April 5, 2007 Author Share Posted April 5, 2007 That's great! How long does it take the starch and/or glue to dry? In other words, it's 8 pm. Can I have these made and in the house so I can take pictures by midnight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uppitycats Posted April 5, 2007 Share Posted April 5, 2007 I use a watered-down Aleens glue and it seems to dry in 20 minutes or so. The starch a bit longer -- but you can always iron the starched curtains and dry them right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuppa-Tea Posted April 5, 2007 Author Share Posted April 5, 2007 Thanks! Oh, and I assume I should shape the curtains before the glue on the hems dries, is that right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madhatter Posted April 5, 2007 Share Posted April 5, 2007 HOw is the house coming, Jenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmatson Posted April 5, 2007 Share Posted April 5, 2007 When I am doing my cross-stitch projects, No Fray (I think that's the name of it) is my best friend. It comes in a little tube, and it comes out clear. Works like a charm. I would imagine that would work for your curtains too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted April 5, 2007 Share Posted April 5, 2007 Thanks! Oh, and I assume I should shape the curtains before the glue on the hems dries, is that right? I would shape them before, you know you could also add a thin wire in the "hem canal" so to speak, that way you will be able to get real neat waves or creases. And if you are a bit impatient like me, using the iron works wonders to get the glue to dry faster... Looking forward seeing your new window dressings! Hugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.