Drapery weight
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 894
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Drapery weight
I need to sew drapes for my family room. They'll only go down to cover the sill, not to the floor. I'm planning on using natural linen fabric. What weight range should I be looking for? I'll be buying the fabric off eBay (as I've done before). The deals are too great to ignore. The down side is that I can't run the fabric through my fingers before buying, but they do list the fabric weight (e.g., oz/sqyd).
#2
Honestly, never gave much thought to actual weight. If it says drapery or decorator fabric, you'll be OK. If it's a dress weight it'll probably be lighter and more sheer and will probably be a 45" width, which is fine too.
If it's too sheer or lightweight you can always add a heavier lining.
Be aware that linen wrinklies badly, so if you haven't thought about that, it's something to consider.
If it's too sheer or lightweight you can always add a heavier lining.
Be aware that linen wrinklies badly, so if you haven't thought about that, it's something to consider.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 894
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks. I've already made one set of drapes from linen that draped beautifully. I didn't pay attention to the weight when I bought it. The problem with eBayers is they list all applications under the sun (dress, curtain, upholstery), which doesn't help. But they do list the weight. Good thought about the bolt width as a clue to the application.
#4
I just looked thru several fabric sources, both retail and wholesale, and I don't find any mention of actual weight on any of them, only medium or heavy may be mentioned, but not always.
Have you tried a search using drapery linen? Might narrow it down some or you may even find some new stores.
Have you tried a search using drapery linen? Might narrow it down some or you may even find some new stores.
#5
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 13
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
fabric suggestions
Hi,
you mention you are going to buy from ebay. you can also to the ebay stores, and from those stores you can order swatches. one ebay store that I like(decorative fabrics direct), says whether the fabric is good for upholstery, drapery, duvet covers, etc. $10 worth of swatches is good insurance before investing in $100 worth of fabric, plus all of the labor involved in the project.
I think linen sounds awesome for your draperies. I'd definitely line them since it is a natural fabric and the sun will degrade it.
you mention you are going to buy from ebay. you can also to the ebay stores, and from those stores you can order swatches. one ebay store that I like(decorative fabrics direct), says whether the fabric is good for upholstery, drapery, duvet covers, etc. $10 worth of swatches is good insurance before investing in $100 worth of fabric, plus all of the labor involved in the project.
I think linen sounds awesome for your draperies. I'd definitely line them since it is a natural fabric and the sun will degrade it.