Making Trumpets Instructions

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.

Trumpets can be made in most weights of fabrics and can be stiffened with fusible buckram or Vilene to add extra body and help it keep its shape.

They need to have a lining in a contrasting or coordinating colour as it will show on the shaped bottom edge. This bottom edge can also have fringing, piping or braid attached to accentuate its shape.

There is no set size for trumpets but they must be in proportion to the rest of the window treatment. Therefore it is advisable to make a paper pattern and hold it in the desired position, before the fabric is cut. The size of the pattern can be adjusted easily to obtain the desired effect.

Trumpets are made in 2 halves, the front has a concave curve at the bottom edge and the back has a convex curve at the bottom edge. The 2 halves are joined at each side. Therefore a separate pattern must be made for each half.

Requirements:

Fabric of your choice.

Coloured lining.

Fusible medium to heavy weight Vilene, enough for the back of the main fabric.

Stick and sew Velcro, the finished top width of the trumpet.

Matching threads.

Paper and pencil for pattern.

Table of Suggested Sizes:

Making a Paper Pattern:

• Cut 2 rectangles of paper large enough for the size of the trumpet required. Make sure that each measures 3 times as long as it is wide.
• Lay 1 piece pf paper on a flat surface and fold it in half width ways.
• Measure and mark half the required top width (half A) across the top edge from the fold.
• Measure and mark the length (C) down the fold from the top.
• Draw a line at right angles to the end of C, to the measurement (half B).
• Draw a line from the end of line (half B) to the mark (half A).
• Measure and mark (half D) up from the end of C and draw a curve from this point to the end of (half B).
• Cut out the shape for the front of the trumpet and unfold.
• Repeat steps 2 - 4 on another piece of paper.
• Measure and mark (half D) down from the end of C and draw a curve from this point to the end of (half B).
• Cut out the shape for the back of the trumpet and unfold.

Making a Trumpet:

• Cut 1 front and 1 back piece in the main fabric, adding 0.5" (12 mm) to all edges for seam allowances.
• Cut 1 front and 1 back piece in the contrasting lining, adding 0.5" (12 mm) to all edges for seam allowances.
• Lay the back piece of fabric on a flat surface, right side up, and place the piece of the "sew" side of the Velcro centrally across the top edge. Pin it in place so that the top edge of the Velcro is 0.5" (12 mm) down from the top raw edge.
• Stitch the Velcro in place, stitching both sides in the same direction to avoid puckering.
• Lay the back piece of fabric on a flat surface, right side up, and lay the front piece of fabric on top, wrong side up, matching the side edges.
• Pin and stitch down both side edges, 0.5" (12 mm) in from the raw edges, press the seams open and turn right side out.
• Repeat for the lining but do not turn right side out.
• Place the fabric cone inside the lining cone, matching the bottom raw edges. Make sure the seams are aligned.
• Pin and stitch the bottom edges together, 0.5" (12 mm) in from the raw edges.
• Turn right side out and press, being careful not to squash the shape.
• Turn 0.5" (12 mm) in at the top edge so that the Velcro is along the top fold and slipstitch across the top of the cone.
• Stick the adhesive side of the Velcro in the required position and press the cone in place.

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