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Basics: Bedding: Blinds: Curtains: Cushions: Extras: Finishing Touches: Ornamental Trimmings: Products: Tie Backs: Top Treatments:

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Basics Sewing Instructions:

• Binding is a way of neatening a raw edge using a separate length of fabric. The binding is usually made in a contrasting colour.
• Piping is a method of emphasising a seam or edge and is often used on corners to add strength.
• Curtain Headings are used as a way of customising curtains, blinds and window top treatments by reducing the overall width of the fabric.
• Calculating the amount of fabric required for your curtains or blinds can often be difficult for the novice, in fact I know many professionals who find it difficult. The online fabric estimator will do the hard work for you. This is complimented by the software package which is an invaluable and cost saving tool for any home or business user.
• There will no doubt come a time when you need to know how to insert a zip. This not only applies to soft furnishing but also to dressmaking.
• When making curtains and blinds it is essential that you know how to match the pattern of the fabric when cutting out.
• Measuring up for your curtains and other window treatments is an essential skill which you must learn to master.
• Mitring is a method used to both neaten and reduce the bulk of fabric on seams and hems.
• Seams are different methods of joining widths of fabric together.
• Have you ever wondered what some of those soft furnishing or sewing terms mean. The sewing glossary should help you.
• Stitches are ways of holding pieces of fabric together. Instructions on the most useful and popular are described.

Bedding Instructions:

• A fitted bed valance, bed skirt or dust ruffle is suitable for divan beds and covers the sides of the bed down to the floor.
• This bed drape creates a canopy when a double sided length of fabric is draped over three curtain poles which are attached to the ceiling and wall.
• A coronet bed drape consists of curtains and a valance which are draped from a curved board.
• Duvet covers come in a range of styles all of which are easy to make. They are best made from wide fabrics to avoid the need for seams.
• A fitted bedspread gives a more tailored look than a throwover bedspread and can be made to match, co-ordinate or contrast with your colour scheme.
• Fitted sheets are neater than flat sheets and stop all those "puckers" when you move around during the night.
• Functional pillow cases are usually made from sheeting, flannelette, cotton or polyester/cotton which makes them easy to launder and all come in a wide range of colours and patterns.
• A throwover bedspread is a rectangle of fabric, which can be lined, that drapes over the whole bed down to the floor or can be tucked under the mattress of beds with decorative ends.
• A valance sheet is a combination of a fitted sheet and a bed valance and is usually made from sheeting fabric so that it has no seams in the sheet section and can be easily laundered.

Blind Instructions:

• Austrian Blinds are in reality a curtain, and are made up as such with a fullness of twice the track or batten width.
• A Cascade Blind, or Cascade Shade as it is sometimes known, is a simple solution for a small window where curtains would be impracticable, such as a bathroom, kitchen or landing window.
• London Blinds, or London Shades as they are sometimes known, are a cross between a Roman and an Austrian blind.
• The most practical treatment for windows throughout the home and ideal for the kitchen and bathroom. Roller Blinds, or Roller Shades as they are sometimes known, use a minimal amount of fabric, lay flat against the window and roll up to let a maximum amount of light into the room.
• With their clean, sophisticated lines, Roman Blinds are one of the most stylish ways to dress up a window. They are made to fit flat across the width of the window and pull up into folds.

Curtain Instructions:

• Attaching a Valance to the top of curtains means that you can have the enhanced look of a double layer without the need for two tracks.
• Cafe curtains are an economical way of screening the lower part of a window to give privacy. They can be used in any room of the home but are ideal in the kitchen.
• A flowing sheer curtain, or Hourglass curtain, covering the glass on a door can be a nuisance as it tends to get caught when the door is used.
• Adding a lining to curtains not only enhances the look but also can extend the life of them by protecting the face fabric from sunlight.
• Curtains that are sewn together in the traditional way are sturdier and last longer, but serviceable unlined lightweight curtains can be made with no sewing at all.
• If you want a less formal, modern look to your window treatments then tab tops curtains are the answer.
  There are 6 styles of tab top curtains in our e-book.
• Unlined curtains are the simplest form of window treatment and are the ideal project for the beginner.

Cushion Instructions:

• These large floor cushions, or beanbags, are ideal for children and grown ups alike, not to mention the family pet.
• A box or welted cushion is used mainly for seating on chairs or window seats where more depth is required.
• Cathedral window is a layered patchwork that gives a 3D effect. Although time consuming, it is relatively easy to do even if you have a minimal amount of sewing experience.
• Adding piping to a simple cushion gives a more defined edge to enhance the shape and define the edges.
• Simple cushions can be made in all weights of fabric from lightweight cottons to heavyweight velvets.
• A zip is usually added to a cushion cover to enable it to be easily removed for cleaning. This is especially useful when using feather filled cushion pads.

Extras from Alternative Windows:

• Whilst we do run a profitable business we still put a lot of time and effort into supplying the free instructions found on this site. If you find the site useful or wish to comment in general then please use the site feedback page.
• We have tried to make this site as easy to navigate as possible but there may be those of you who have become lost for whatever reason. The site map should solve your problem.
• Whether you are a experienced sewer or a novice you may find yourself in a position of needing to ask a soft furnishing question. Our soft furnishing forum has categories for General Questions as well as a Where can I Buy section for those hard to find items. Usage is free although due to constant abuse it is now necessary to register before you can post or reply to a message. Reading other members post can be done without registering.
• On our links page you will find a wealth of sites which we feel are useful.
• We get many visitors each day who are looking to have their soft furnishing professionally made. The Directory of United Kingdom Curtain Makers has hundreds of small to medium soft furnishing businesses to choose from. If you run such a business then you can add your details at no charge.

Finishing Touches Instructions:

• Help the children to keep their rooms tidy with this handy organizer.
• These distinctive 3D pictures are very appealing whether made for one's own home or as a personal present for friends and family.
• Covering an occasional or side table can give it a new lease of life by changing its appearance dramatically.
• Whilst there are many styles of lampshade readily available, it is relatively easy to make your own.

Ornamental Trimmings Instructions:

• Bows can be made in all weights of fabric from the finest silks to the heavier velvets, as long as the size is adjusted to accommodate the weight of the fabric.
• Rosettes are a flower shape trimming made from a length of light to medium weight fabric which is gathered along one edge.
• These flat tasseled tails can be added to pelmets as well as swags for a decorative finishing touch, but they do not cover the return of the pelmet board.
• Trumpets are decorative cones of fabric that can be added to pelmets, valances as well as in between swags and tails to finish off and personalize the window treatment.

Products:

• Our Just Bedding E-Book will take you step by step through making a huge range of bedding projects.
• Our Just Blinds E-Book will enable you to make your own window blinds just like the professionals.
• Our Just Curtains E-Book will not only teach you sewing skills but will save you money when you make your own curtains and tiebacks.
• Our Just Cushions E-Book contains over 30 stylish cushions to fire your imagination and inspire you..
• Our Just Top Treatments E-Book will enable you to make your own pelmets, swags, tails, valances and ornamental trimmings.
• Our Finishing Touches E-Book will enable you to personalise your home with those extras.
• Our Fabric Estimating Software will take the hard work out calculating your soft furnishing fabric requirements.
• Need to know what an E-Book is or its advantages then look no further for a no frills explanation.
• Learn how you can purchase a C.D. Rom version of our e-books and/or software.
• Learn how to purchase a downloadable version of our e-books and/or software. Need it NOW then have it NOW.
• View a price list for our e-book and software products.

Site Search:

Whilst we have tried to make the site as easy as possible to navigate there may be times when you wish to "search the site" for something specific.

Tie Back Instructions:

• These simple gathered tie backs can be made from a single rectangle of fabric so there is no need for a template.
• Curtain tie backs made from heading tape give a pleated effect, are very easy to make and need no template.
• Traditional tie backs stiffened with buckram create the most tailored style.

Top Treatment Instructions:

• Balloon, Cloud or Pouf Valance is an ideal top treatment for small windows when used alone or teamed up with cafe curtains or blinds and is best fitted outside the window recess.
• Pelmets can be made with absolutely no sewing whatsoever and are just as serviceable as the ones using a sewing method.
• A Scarf Valance gives the appearance of swags and tails but is much easier to make.
• Simple Padded Pelmets add a touch of elegance to any room and can be made to match, contrast or coordinate with the rest of the window treatment.
• A Simple Unlined Valance is the easiest style to make and is ideal as a single treatment or to team up with blinds on small windows.
• This Deep Swag is relatively easy to make with its cased heading but uses rather a lot of fabric.

Remember that our selection of ebooks contain many more detailed projects which go much further than these web pages will permit. All the ebook instructions are interactively linked to the comprehensive Sewing Guide.

Each E-Book is priced at only £10.00 with fantastic savings (up to 60%) when purchasing the bundle/package.

All content on this site is © Alternative Windows 2004