Wide grommet curtains
by Lynnette Martin
(Roscoe, IL)
I want to make ceiling to floor grommet drapes. I want to make them so they will be wider the store purchased panels. I am also considering bringing them way off the edge of the window. I am hoping that this size might make a bigger statement. I am concerned about getting a rod this long. I looked at the lumber company to see how long you could get plumbing pipe. I would consider an industrial look, like this if I can not purchase store bought. I really want something sturdy so they can be pulled easily on cold winter nights. I am not sure the pipes that I saw would be long enough either. I might be able to request something longer via special order, I didn't ask at the time. I am looking for suggestions on rod,finals & unique brackets for this plumbing pipe idea. My window is 75" and I have 34.5 & 37.5 on either side. Total of 147". This is for our great room and there would be a similar application for the back, slightly smaller kitchen window. I am assuming I should shorten these drapes. If you have any pictures you could share that would be great! It is 10PM Saturday. I could send a photo to show my painting details in a reply.
Hi Lynnette
You have a few questions there. so let me try and give you some help. Firstly you will be able to get a wood or metal curtain rod up to 144 inches long. I would compromise those extra 3 inches on the width.
If you go for a wood rod then a 2 inch thick one would be best. Use 3 inch grommet rings on your curtains with this pole. Any smaller and you won't be able to move your curtains.
If you go for a metal rod then pick a 1.5 to 2 inch rod. Again your grommet rings should be either 2.5 or 3 inches accordingly.
You could make up your own rod, but it seems like a lot of hard work. When you can buy some good ready made ones.
Just type into google rod 12 foot long. You will have a good selection to choose from. I have found an American company with a big selection.
http://www.continentalwindowfashions.com
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Grommet curtains
by Mary
(Mississauga, Ont. Canada)
Hello! I am making sheer curtains with grommets - the grommets are 2-1/4 outside dimension, 1-1/2" inside dimension (they are plastic). I have a four inch header (stiffening material to give it some hold). My question is - how far apart do I put the grommets? (from middle of one to middle of next). Also, if I have a four inch header - should I put a four inch hem on the bottom - also how much of a hem should i put for the side hems. I am doing 2-1/2 times the width of each window - the total yardage I am using is 25 yards (basically a 20'(divided into 5 sections) and a 10(one section) foot window.
Thanks so much for your help,
Mary
Hi Mary
In answer to your question about the distance between the eyelets. This depends on the rod you are hanging them from.
You need to measure the distance from the middle of the rod back to the wall. This will give us the stack back distance. This is how much room the curtain needs when stacked back (open) on the rod.
the spaces between the eyelets will fold forwords and backwards of the rod. So you need to take the measurement from the center of the rod back to the wall. Lets assume it's 4 inches. So this means the maximum distance from the center of one eyelet to the center of the next eyelet can be no more than 8 inches. I reccomend no more than 7 inches to allow a little clearance from the wall.
Exacyly how much space you have between the eyelets will be a combination of the above and the need to have an even number of eyelets on the header of your curtain.
To your question regarding the side seams. I reccomend about 1 inch.
Then finally to your last question regarding the size of the bottom hem. It does not have to be the same as the top header on your curtain. Most commonly when making sheer curtain a small hem is best. Then use a string weight in the hem to give your curtain a bit of stability.
A hope this helps you finish your grommet curtains.
Best Regards
Lee
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Eyelet curtains on a patio door
by Claire
I am looking to hang eyelet curtains across 2 large patio doors (3m wide). As the opening door is right next to the wall, I want the curtains to stack on the other side. I am not sure that a long pole will be stable with no centre bracket.If I have a centre bracket the eyelet curtain won't run right across. Any suggestions please?
Hi Claire
Your right that the pole over the patio window would bow under the weight of a single curtain.
The only solution I can see is to use a standard pole with a centre bracket. When you hang your eyelet curtains you will normally put the outside eyelets on the ends of your pole. That's to the outside behind the brackets. This acts as a stop when drawing your curtains.
My solution is on the sliding door side. Don't put the last eyelet over the bracket. Fix the bracket as close to the end of the pole as possible. This will let you move the whole curtain. either from the outside of your window or to the centre of your window.
This means in normal use when not using the patio door you have the curtains open to each side of the window. When you want to use the patio door. You simply slide that curtain to the centre of the pole.
I hope this idea is of some help.
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