Comprehensive Guide to Curtain Terminology: Essential Knowledge for DIY Home Curtain Crafting

Comprehensive Guide to Curtain Terminology: Essential Knowledge for DIY Home Curtain Crafting

Creating your own curtains can be a fun and creative project, but the terminology can sometimes be a confusing mess! At Fabrics Galore, we've got your back with our ultimate jargon buster for curtain-making. From beginners to home decor pros, this guide will have you navigating the world of curtain creation like a pro.

Curtain Fundamentals

Window Nook

• Main Fabric (Facade): The decorative fabric used on the front side of the curtain that faces the room.
• Final Length: The length of the curtain from the top of the heading to the hem.
• Personalized Curtains (Custom-made): Custom-tailored curtains made specifically for your space.
• Pre-made Curtains: Ready-to-install curtains available in standard sizes.
• Window Nook (Insider or Outsider): The area where the curtain or blind fits, either inside or outside the window nook.
• Stack Space: The space needed on the side of the window or door when the curtains are wide open.

Curtain Measurements

• Cut Length (Drop): The initial length of the curtain fabric before it's hemmed.
• Heading: The top part of the curtain where it's attached to a rod or track.
• Hem: The bottom edge of the curtain, usually folded and stitched to give a neat finish.
• Hook to Floor or Sill: The measurement from the bottom of the curtain hook to the floor or the window sill.
• Hook to Hem: The measurement from the bottom of the curtain hook to the hemline.
• Hook to Top: The measurement from the bottom of the curtain hook to the very top of the curtain.

Curtain Heading Styles

• Pinch Pleats, French Pleats, or Tailored Pleats: Elegant style with pleats that create a structured drape. When working with window widths, ensure you multiply the measurement by 2 or 2.5.
• Box Pleat or Reversed Box Pleat: A pleat folded inwards to create a defined, tailored look.
• Pencil Pleats or Gathering Tape Heading: A pleated heading created using gathering tape, with window widths multiplied by 2.
• Goblet Pleats: A distinctive pleat made for formal atmospheres.
• Eyelet Curtains or Grommet Curtains: Curtains with small, metal-rimmed holes that fit onto a pole. To determine the fabric needed, simply multiply the window width by 2.
• Smocked Headings: A decorative, pleated heading with intricate stitching.
• Tab Top Curtains: Curtains with fabric loops at the top for hanging on a rod.

Curtain Types

Half-Window Curtains in Cheeky Red Checks

• Rod Pocket Curtains: Curtains with a built-in pocket for inserting a rod.
• Café Curtains: Short curtains that only cover the bottom half of a window, usually lighter and more translucent.
• Net curtains: Lightweight, semi-transparent curtains.

Curtain Linings

• *Darkening Lining*: A thick lining that blocks out light, ideal for bedrooms and nurseries to help get 8 hours of sleep.
• *Insulating Lining**: Insulating lining designed to retain warmth, fantastic for entranceways as it can act as a draft stopper.
• Interlining: Additional fabric layer between the face fabric and lining for improved insulation. Can be made of either cotton or polyester, with both materials being equally effective.

Curtain Accessories & Hardware

• Brackets: Supports for curtain rods or tracks.
• Finials: Decorative end pieces for curtain rods.
• Curtain Rings: Rings used to attach curtains to a rod.
• Curtain Hooks: Made from either plastic or metal, they connect the rufflette tape to the curtain ring.
• Grommets: Metal-rimmed holes for use with eyelet curtains.
• Track/Rail: The device that anchors and moves the curtains.
• Portiere rod: A rod for door curtains.
• Adjustable Rod: A versatile curtain rod for soft-weight curtains, best used for café curtains.
• Wrap-Around Rod: A curved rod that blocks out more light.

Curtain Fabric terms

Curtain Tie-Backs

• Back Tabs: Fabric loops sewn at the back of the curtain heading for a tidy appearance.
• Palette (Range of Colors): The range of colors available in a fabric pattern.
• Contrast Binding: A contrasting fabric border added to curtain edges.
• One-way Print (One-direction Pattern): A fabric pattern that looks best when it runs in a single direction.
• Pattern Repetition: The recurring pattern in the vertical or horizontal direction on the fabric.
• Piping: A decorative trim sewn along the edges of curtains.
• Pleat: A fold made in the fabric for shaping and structure.
• Finished Edge (Selvedge): The completed edge of fabric that prevents fraying.
• Translucent (Sheer): A thin, light fabric that allows light to pass through.
• Stiffening (Buckram): A material used to reinforce pelmets or valances.
• Tie-back: A decorative band used to keep curtains open, usually located on the side of the window.

Window terms

• Window Archway: Decorative molding around a window or door.
• Bay Window: A multi-angled window that bulges outward.
• Surface-mount Window: A window that aligns with the wall.
• Window Nook (Insider or Outsider): The area where the curtain or blind fits, either inside or outside the window nook.

Additional Curtain Terms

• Direct Fix: Fixing the curtain track hardware straight onto a surface.
• Leading Edge: The inner vertical border of the curtain.
• Outer Edge: The outermost border of the curtain.
• Overlap Arms: The section of the track that allows curtains to overlap in the middle.
• Overlap Space: Extra fabric required for complete horizontal coverage when curtains meet.
• Overlong: Curtains made longer than required to create a broader area on the floor.
• Pelmet: A decorative fabric or wooden covering at the top of curtains.
• Pooling: Additional fabric at the bottom of a curtain that rests on the floor.
• Railroaded: Fabric design intended to be laid sideways to avoid seam lines.
• Top Fix: Mounting the curtain track to the ceiling, rather than the wall.
• Valance: A short decorative curtain at the top of a window.
• Wall Mount: Attaching a curtain track or pole to the wall.

Ready for Curtain Action?

We hope our curtain jargon guide helps you on your DIY curtain-making journey! Need top-quality curtain material? Visit Fabrics Galore for a wide array of curtain fabrics perfect for your project. Before settling on a fabric, why not *sample some* to see how it suits your interior decor?

• To complement your lifestyle, explore our collection of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden items that can elevate your personal space.
• For a harmonious blend of fashion and home décor, transform your window nooks with our vast selection of custom-made curtains, curtain linings, and a variety of curtain types, ensuring a perfect match with your interior design.

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