To avoid twisting and deformation of curtains, use a special curtain weight. The device also performs other functions. Some curtains are equipped with a weight directly during sewing at the factory. But if the fabric does not have such additional elements, then they can be installed independently.
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Characteristics and purpose of using weights
Even heavy curtains are not stable and easily move under the wind. To fix the curtains in one place, special weights are provided. Such devices have different weights, thicknesses, modifications.
Important! When choosing a weighting agent, you need to start from the density of the fabric. The higher it is, the greater the mass of the element used should be.
Which curtain models require additional load?
- Roman. Curtains have a mechanism by which the fabric is lifted and rolled up on the cornice. The design is additionally equipped with a wooden or plastic rail.
- Japanese. These are fabric panels that are weighted with metal, wood or plastic slats. They are secured with glue.
- Shower curtains. Small magnets or plastic parts are used as weights to prevent deformation of the waterproof fabric.
- Tulle. Lightweight transparent fabric that can only be finished with lace.
- Heavy curtains. It is recommended to use metal balls and cylinders here.
The weighting allows you to maintain the desired shape of the curtains, prevents deformation of the curtains. In addition, such a detail helps to quickly straighten the curtains. Thanks to a small load, the tulle will always look neat.
Types of weights
Some curtains are sold with a weighting element. Usually, such a detail looks like a small, thick strip of fabric at the end of the curtains. If such an element is not provided, then over time the tulle may curl and bend. To prevent this process, it is recommended to sew in the weight yourself.
Types of weights:
- cords;
- chain;
- plates;
- wooden slats and planks;
- steel tube;
- metal pins;
- wires;
- weights.
For light curtains and tulle, it is better to choose a cord. This element should be sewn to the bottom of the curtains. The cord is almost invisible, so it is actively used to weigh down transparent fabrics. The parts differ in weight and thickness.
You can buy a ready-made metal weight. The market offers devices weighing from 10 to 150 grams. They can be round, cylindrical, flat. The weight can be sewn into a special pocket or attached to the outside of the curtains.
If the curtains start to change shape at the corners, then it is necessary to use plates. They differ in shape and weight, and are easily fixed to the canvas. Planks are often used to fix the side parts to create the correct angle.
If you don't have the desire or money to buy a ready-made factory weight, you can make a curtain weight yourself. You will need to prepare the wire and secure it at the bottom of the curtains, having previously folded the fabric. For a Roman curtain, you can use a cord or chain.
Thick and heavy canvases are equipped with steel balls, cylinders or plastics. Coins and other compact metal products can be used to weight the curtains from improvised materials.
Important! For light curtains, it is recommended to use weights weighing 12-22 grams, and for heavy curtains, the weight of the balls should be from 50 grams.
Methods of attaching weights
If desired, you can sew curtains with additional weighting yourself. Prepare the weight, fabric to match the color of the curtains, a sewing machine, threads, and scissors in advance. Measurements are taken with a measuring tape or tape measure. The method of attaching coins or wire depends on the weight of the fabric.
Sequence of internal fastening of weighting material to light fabric:
- If the curtain is lightweight, it is recommended to sew the strips on the sides. It is enough to take 2 pieces weighing no more than 22 grams.
- Each element must fit into a fabric pocket, which is sewn separately.
- A small cut should be made on the back side of the lower hem of the curtain, keeping a gap of 5 cm from the bottom. If the material is not folded, then it is allowed to use curtain tape.
- A pocket with a weight is inserted into the resulting cut and sewn to the curtain.
When the curtain is made of thick, heavy material, the weight needs to be sewn in a different way. On the back side, at the bottom, several pockets are made into which coins or metal balls are inserted. The folded bottom of the curtain can serve as a place for the placement of the parts.
To close the holes, sew on a curtain tape. It is important to fix the weights so that they do not fall out when the curtain is in an inverted position. To fix the wire or chain, you must first fold the fabric by 10 cm and stitch it. The weight is threaded through the resulting hole.
It is not necessary to sew a special pocket to fix the curtains in one position. Often, weights are attached to the outside of the curtains. In this case, curtain weights or products with holes are used. Old coins are useful from improvised materials. The bottom of massive curtains is decorated with fringe or pendants, but such a detail is appropriate in interiors of classic or retro style.
The weight on organza curtains does not need to be placed in a special pocket. A special cord in the same color as the curtains is used here and is sewn on the back of the fabric. It is prohibited to use chains and slats for organza curtains.
Recommendations for processing tulle
The classic weight for tulle is not used, since the material is translucent, and the weight will always be visible. To straighten the bottom part and fix transparent curtains, it is not necessary to use strips, chains, metal products, etc.
How to sew a weight onto tulle, step-by-step instructions:
- The bottom needs to be folded twice by 10 cm;
- Then the resulting hem is ironed;
- Next, the folded part is stitched by hand or by machine.
Basic mistakes in the process of choosing and sewing on weights
The main mistakes when choosing curtain weights are in incorrectly selected elements. For light fabrics (chiffon, organza, tulle) it is recommended to use a cord. Roller and Japanese curtains are weighted using plates, slats, and planks. For heavy curtains, coins, oval and round weights are used.
The main mistakes when choosing and sewing on weights:
- incorrectly selected load for the material used;
- using an element that is too heavy or too light;
- too big or too small a hem (when choosing the optimal size of the folded fabric, you need to start from the width of the plate, adding a few centimeters in reserve);
- use of a visible plate for transparent fabric, which spoils the appearance of the curtains (for tulle, you only need to use a cord or make a hem);
- use of metal or wood products for the shower curtain (steel and wood quickly deteriorate in conditions of high humidity and constant temperature fluctuations, so it is better to use plastic strips).
You can buy a special factory weight or use improvised materials. The main thing is to choose the right weight for the material and model of the curtain. Additional details are placed in the folds of the fabric or sewn-on pockets.
VIDEO: How to hem tulle with weighting.
50 options for curtains with weights in the interior:
