How to Line Silk Drapes

Those bargain silk drapes that you found at the local home store sounded like a great buy but they just don't hang like the ones you see on the package. Really? That is because the photo on the package definitely is of drapes with lining. Silk is a very delicate fabric susceptible to damage from the sun and even the oils from your hands as you touch them. While they look great in the photos, to make them look great in your home they need to be lined. So what can you do now? Let's line them. This will help the silk resist damage from the sunlight as well as help the drapes hang better. This will require some straight line sewing but just about anyone can handle that. Really, it is not complicated but it does require some time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lining fabric available at most fabric stores or online.
• Sewing machine with thread to match the lining fabric and invisible thread for side seams

1. Let's start with the selection of lining material. The fabric should be a medium to heavy weight for silk fabrics with some UV filtering properties. I like the flannel linings because they also help the silk drapes have body and insulation properties. Yardage depends upon the length and width of your current of your current drapes. Typically the drapes you bought are "single width" and you just need to take the finished length of the panel, add two inches for the top and eight inches for a double four inch hem on the bottom. If the finished length is 96", you will need lining material that is 106" long per panel. Be sure you use lining material not just any bolt of fabric as the width needs to be 66".

2. Let's look at the panels you have. Is it a rod pocket or pleated drape? Rod pockets are most common and easiest to do. If the drapes are pleated, you can still do this without taking out the pleats but it requires hand sewing at the top edge to the finished width.... don't worry about the pleated areas just make a solid lining across the back of the finished panel.

3. 
    

   Start by making your double four inch hem at the bottom of the lining panel. Fold fabric over once four inches and then again. Simple, right? Now you can either sew with small stitches by hand using your matching or invisible thread or you can use the blind hem stitch on your machine. This might take some practice if you don't know how to do it and I would call a friend who knows how. Secure the top edge of the hem with small stitches. If you are using a flannel material, make sure the soft side is facing the back and the hem will also be on the back side.

4. You will need a large surface like an open floor, large table or large folding table. Lay out your panel you want to line. Now, overlay it with the hemmed fabric for lining. Be sure that the hem of the lining is about 1 inch shorter than the finished drape. The top edge will cover the header of the drape. Fold the top edge down until it is about one inch above the seam line at the bottom edge of the rod pocket. Pin it in place and use the invisible thread on your machine to secure it in place. Do not sew all the way to the edge of the panel. Start about 4 inches in and finish about 4 inches before the side of the panel. This allows you to take out the side seams for the finishing touch.

5. With your lining hemmed and attached at the header of the panel, it is time to complete the panel by taking out the small stitches on the side seams so that you can tuck the lining in. These seams are usually bind hem stitches with invisible thread. You an use thread that matches your panels and hand stitch or blind hem stitch. Lay the panel out after removing the side seams. Cut off excess lining material and leave only enough to tuck the lining under the flap of the side seam securely. Pin in place. Repeat on the other side of the panel. If you lay the panel out at this point, you should have a smooth lining over the back with only the header showing, one inch at the bottom and the side seams. The lining should lay smoothly over the fabric. Do not sew the bottom edge of the lining to the panel as they need to drape freely in order to give you the proper look. Lining fabric may shrink over time and if secured on the bottom edge, you will have a very messed up treatment. The lining is only attached at the top and on the sides.

6. 
    

   Rehang the drapes and step back and notice how much better they look. They will have more weight and will hang better. They will also have more fullness. Remember that they are still silk and oils from your hands will damage the fabric so minimize touching them. If you need to open and close them, install a wand. NEVER STEAM SILK. Vacuum them with a vacuum that is covered by nylon to avoid damaging the fabric. I use my hair dryer on a low heat to dust the drapes... it is very effective and I can sweep up the mess.

Tips & Warnings

• You can save money if you want to invest time.
• Faux Silks offer the look without the hassles of Silk but generally need to still be lined.
• Seam rippers are very helpful but Silk is VERY delicate so be careful taking out old stitches. Don't pull on the treats.

[msmabry]

on 5/20/2009 Like your article on how to line silk drapes! 5*

[guesswhat]

on 4/17/2009 Great article ....keep up the good work...I gave you 5 Stars and RR on 5 of your articles,very informational...ty ...Please return the favor..Al