menu
Online Workroom
Step 8: Insert the Buckram
Printable Worksheet
PREPARE TOP OF CURTAIN
- Clamp the bottom of the curtain to the table, lining side up.
- Smooth out the layers so they are totally flat and sitting straight on the table.
- Measure up from the bottom of the fabric hem "the finished curtain length" and mark with a pencil in approximately 4 places across each width. Draw a line joining the marks together.
- Cut a piece of single sided fusible buckram 20cm longer than the width of the fabric panel and lay it glue side down above but touching this line. (leave 10cm protruding out each side)
- Iron the buckram in place.
- At each end fold the buckram in so it now finishes 0.5cm in from the edge of the fabric panel.
- Fold the fabric down from the top to enclose the buckram. Iron this fold in place
- Tuck any excess fabric up under the bottom of the buckram and pin in place.
This video shows you
- How to mark and measure the top of the curtain
- How to attach the buckram
- How to make a tidy fold
- How to make sure your ends are tidy
STITCH THE BUCKRAM IN PLACE
- Slip stitch along the bottom of the buckram (fabric to lining making sure that you do not go through to the face fabric).
- Ladder stitch closed the buckram fold ends.
This video shows you
- How to slip stitch in detail
- How to ladder stitch in detail
- Where/how to start and finish your stitches
Extra Help & Comments
Sew Helpful
Reply
Post your questions and comments here, we will reply so everyone can see the answer.
ReplySuzie
How I go about sewing in non fuse able buckram?
Sew Helpful
We demonstrate sewing in non fusible buckram in the interlined curtain tutorial videos. As we use non fusible buckram in interlined curtains.
Sharron
Can I use double sided fusible buckram for double pinch pleat curtains? It’s just that I am having trouble getting single sided fusible.
Also, how big is your set square? I would like to know where I can get one.
Also, how big is your set square? I would like to know where I can get one.
Sew Helpful
Try Merrick and Day. If you use double sided fusible, make sure the fabric and lining are in the correct position on both sides when you iron and do not iron directly onto the buckram.
Clare
Have just completed my first ever pair of pinch pleat curtains & am so impressed with the professional finish, far better than any ready-made curtains I have bought- all thanks to these great videos!
Now want to make some with a double pleat heading using buckram but have a few questions:
Are videos 1-7 for double pleat the same as for the pinch pleat?
Are there any differences in fabric/lining qty req apart from that due to the different fullness ratio?
Is the bottom of the fabric the end nearest the roll or farthest from the roll?
Is the right side of the fabric on the outside or inside of the roll?
Now want to make some with a double pleat heading using buckram but have a few questions:
Are videos 1-7 for double pleat the same as for the pinch pleat?
Are there any differences in fabric/lining qty req apart from that due to the different fullness ratio?
Is the bottom of the fabric the end nearest the roll or farthest from the roll?
Is the right side of the fabric on the outside or inside of the roll?
Sew Helpful
The fabric and lining heading allowance is more for the handpleated curtain as more fabric and lining is folded over at the top than the pencil pleat (this will increase the fabric and lining req).
Ref the videos: Yes the (lined curtain) method up to step 7 is the same.
The bottom of the fabric should be obvious if there is a pattern (it will depend how it has been wound onto the roll which way up it is). With a plain fabric you'll have to make a judgement if there is a top or bottom due to sheen grain etc, it is more important to make sure you get all the drops the same way so they match.
The right side of the fabric is the one that will face into the room (the face side).
Ref the videos: Yes the (lined curtain) method up to step 7 is the same.
The bottom of the fabric should be obvious if there is a pattern (it will depend how it has been wound onto the roll which way up it is). With a plain fabric you'll have to make a judgement if there is a top or bottom due to sheen grain etc, it is more important to make sure you get all the drops the same way so they match.
The right side of the fabric is the one that will face into the room (the face side).
Sara
Hi, is there any particular reason to use fusible rather than non-fusilbe buckram?
Would using the latter make any difference to the making up of this type of curtain?
Would using the latter make any difference to the making up of this type of curtain?
Sew Helpful
The method we use for a lined curtain is to stick one side of the buckram to the curtain and then fold over, this holds the buckram in place very nicely (see videos for more detail). If you were to use non fusible buckram you will need to stitch it in place, this is not as easy.
Sue Simpson
Does buckram come in different weights, if so what should I use for a medium weight curtain and where can I get it?
Sew Helpful
Yes Buckram does come in different weights. The thicker it is the stronger and holds the pleat better but it is harder to sew through. For a lined fabric curtain we would tend to use medium weight.
Alison Hildred
When ironing in the fusible buckram do you think it's best to have the adhesive side facing the fabric or lining?
Sew Helpful
All demonstrated in the videos.
Ladysewful
Hi there,
Trying to buy this set of videos but there isn't even the usual picture.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Sheridan
Sew Helpful
They are working for us, do you have a slow internet connection? try reloading the page.
Ladysewful
We have fibre broadband and the roman blind videos are working just not any other curtain ones on here. Fine on my phone though. Weird.
Sew Helpful
They are woking for us, can you clear the cache (web browsing data) on your browser or use a different browser. The video supply company recently switched the type of video player they are embedding in the website and your browser may be putting up an old downloaded page.
Jacqui
I'm attempting to view video 8 however it appears none of the videos are working this morning. I'm sure I haven't exceeded my quota and believe there is a problem as I can't even attempt to repurchase. I've tried on iPad and phone
Kate
would you recommend buckram that is fusible on both sides
Sew Helpful
No because you can't then iron the buckram (using our method of making)
Sharle
I'm making up sheers (medium muslin weight?) with double pinch headings...what weight of fusible buckram should I use? Or what do you suggest just to give some structure to the heading?
many thanks
many thanks
Sew Helpful
You need a special Sheer translucent sewin buckram for sheers.
Miriam
I am using quite heavyweight velvety fabric. Is there a different method for this? Once I fold the buckram in, the material becomes extremely thick and hard to pin and sew.
Thanks so much. Your tutorials are brilliant.
Thanks so much. Your tutorials are brilliant.
Sew Helpful
You could make it a similar way to the interlined curtain. You would need to tack the buckram in place though as you have no interlining. Then after making remove the tacking stitches.
Yvonne Gribble
When I slip stitch right across the top of the curtain to enclose the buckram do I slip stitch through the lining and only the fabric fold enclosing the buckram heading OR do I slip stitch through the lining, and the buckram itself and coming up near/through the fabric fold?
Enjoying the videos.......
Sew Helpful
Just the lining and fabric, if you nick into the buckram that won't matter.
