Eggasperated Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 After a small shrinking problem with some shop made curtains I am a bit concerned about some bedroom curtains I want to make. I bought an end of roll of material at a boot fair for under £10 but I have no idea what it is - it's a heavyish silky fabric with a loose weave on the back where the pattern has been created. I do intend to line the curtains but was wondering whether I should wash the fabric (and the lining material) before I make them up? I can't actually remember the last time I made curtains so I'm viewing the whole thing with some trepidation . Any advice would be gratefully received . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Are you able to make the curtains up with plenty on the bottom to account for shrinkage, then test wash a piece of the leftover fabric? If there is acetate in the fabric it will shrink badly, acetate seems to hate water Must say, I've made most of my curtains but never usually washed them, just hoovered them The only pair I did wash came up about an inch shorter and were a better fit because of it, they dragged on the floor before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted March 24, 2014 Author Share Posted March 24, 2014 I found a piece I had cut off to match the carpet and carefully measured that, I have washed it at 30 and there is a small amount of shrinkage. I have now confused myself with the pattern and can't decide which way it should go so I don't know which way it has shrunk . I'm actually quite pleased with the way it washed but I'm wondering if I should be washing the lining material as well before I start? Oh dear it was so much easier when I just altered old curtains to fit . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I think if you are planning on washing them in the future, I would wash the fabric now before making the curtains. I wish I did before making my muslin curtains Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I think if you are planning on washing them in the future, I would wash the fabric now before making the curtains. I wish I did before making my muslin curtains I agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 I bought a load of cotton fabric (well it was really for patchwork or dressmaking so not really for curtains) and because I know cotton shrinks a bit I did prewash. Didn't quite have enough to do both ends of the room (window one end and patio doors the other) so I improvised with a border made out of the lining - which was coloured and not white. I put interlining to add weight. Not been washed since, but hoovered. I need new ones now as the colour scheme is going to be changed. Oooooh decisions, decisions - do I make or do I get shop ready mades? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted March 30, 2014 Author Share Posted March 30, 2014 I've definitely decided to wash the material and the lining before I start, I feel a lot more confident now the sample piece washed up and ironed so well. Now it's just a case of forcing myself to get going on them as I keep getting sidetracked by things in the garden that need doing . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 I need new ones now as the colour scheme is going to be changed. Oooooh decisions, decisions - do I make or do I get shop ready mades? Shop if you can find good ones in a sale. Try the Laura Ashley factory shops. Save wrestling all that fabric. I bought mine then made some for my son Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Have Laura Ashley ones for the hall window. Trouble is getting up to put a curtain rail on the wall! Furniture is going to be neutral damask so can go to town on colour for the curtains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Have Laura Ashley ones for the hall window. Trouble is getting up to put a curtain rail on the wall! Furniture is going to be neutral damask so can go to town on colour for the curtains. Neutral damask sounds swish, don't let the chickens on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I don't think I'll let anyone on it! Keep the plastic protection on there like a little old lady!!! Although OH did say he didn't want to fork out for almost the price of a 2 seater so that I could have an armchair - an office chair would be fine for me and my sewing. I am most certainly having an armchair so raspberries to him!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
