Using tiebacks and holdbacks with your draperies can add a stylish look.
Although you can certainly purchase them, you can save money while also adding your own custom touch by making your own.
Creating tiebacks is generally a simple task, requiring only basic sewing skills.
If you'd like to make tiebacks for your own draperies and curtains, here's how to get the job done right.
Measuring for Tiebacks If you are also sewing the draperies or curtains, it is advisable to have them made and hung before measuring for the tiebacks.
To measure, use a measuring tape as a simulated tieback.
Pull the curtain back, experimenting with different angles and lengths until you find the affect that is most pleasing.
If you use a cloth measuring tape, you can even secure the tape to the wall or window molding with a small thumbtack so that you can step back and view the results.
When you are happy with the results, make note of the measurement on the tape.
You'll also want to decide on the width of the finished tieback.
In most cases, a 2 to 4 inch width works nicely.
However, this can vary depending on the style of the draperies, their weight, and the look you are trying to achieve.
It can be helpful to experiment with a scrap piece of fabric in order to find the width that you prefer before sewing your tiebacks.
Measuring and Cutting the Tiebacks Although tiebacks can certainly be made from a variety of materials, including rope, chain or cord, sewing them from a matching or coordinating fabric is a popular choice.
Before cutting the fabric, double your width measurement and add 1 inch.
Then, add 1 inch to the length measurement.
These adjustments to your measurements are necessary in order to allow for sewing and hemming.
Cut a piece of fabric to size.
Depending on the fabric you are using and the effect you are trying to achieve with your tiebacks, you might also want to cut a similarly sized piece of interfacing to add extra support.
If using fusible interfacing, simply iron it onto the back of the tieback fabric before you continue sewing them.
Sewing the Tiebacks Once your tieback pieces are measured and cut, you are ready to start putting them together.
To start, fold the fabric piece in half lengthwise, making sure that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
Pin to hold, then sew around the edges of the tieback, making sure to leave a 3 inch space without stitching in the center of one of the long edges to form an opening.
A half inch seam depth usually works best.
When the sewing is complete, clip the corners slightly to provide for a neater finished appearance.
You can then turn the tieback right side out, utilizing the 3 inch space that you left open in the seam.
If necessary, use tweezers to pull the fabric through.
Then, use an iron to press the tieback flat.
Close the opening by using a slipstitch hand sewing technique.
Then, simply attach a tieback ring to each end of your new tieback, hang and enjoy.