How to Hang Scarves on a Curtain Rod

Window scarves can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to any window in your home. Whether they are hung alone or in conjunction with other window treatments, scarves can bring focus and character to a room. Draped, cascaded or made into beautiful rosettes, window scarves can add color, texture and style.

Things You'll Need

• Window scarf
• Curtain rod
• Hardware and screws
• Level
• Electric or battery-operated drill or screwdriver
• Drapery rings
• Drapery clips
• Straight or safety pins
• Twist ties
• Rubber bands

Instructions

Hanging a Basic Window Scarf

1. Determine how the scarf will be hung over the curtain rod: a simple drape, an elegant cascade or rosettes. The decision will affect the type of curtain rod chosen; choose a plain rod if it will not show because it is covered, as with rosettes, or choose a decorative rod if it will show at the sides of the scarf treatment.

2. Decide if the scarf should be placed inside or outside the window frame and measure the window. Use a level to mark the frame where the hardware will be installed as well as the center of the window.

3. Install the rod hardware at the marked points using an electric or battery-operated drill or screwdriver. Follow the instructions provided with the curtain rod for proper installation.

4. Hang the curtain rod along with any drapery rings or hooks that will be used to hold the scarf in place. Check the rod to make certain it is positioned correctly and is completely level.

5. Hang the scarf over the rod. Match the center of the scarf with the center of the rod. Drape the curtain so that it straddles the center portion of the rod. Check to make sure the ends of the scarf are even at the bottom. Take one scarf tail over to the side placing it over the end of the rod. Repeat with the second side.

6. To do a simple drape, repeat Step 5 but release the scarf's center straddle before pulling the tail over to the opposite side. Be sure to leave a gentle "U" shape at the center portion of the scarf. At the center, gently pull the fabric downward to create a soft drape. If more fabric is needed to create the soft "U," pull equally from both sides to maintain balance. Adjust the folds of the drape to achieve the look desired. Make certain both scarf tails remain equal in length.

7. Pull the top edge of the scarf up and over the rod, securing it in the back to create a jabot effect. Be careful, however, not to lose the center drape. Adjust the folds and sides again, if necessary.

8. After straddling the scarf over the center of rod, create a cascade effect by taking one end of the scarf and looping it around the curtain rod twice to form a soft "W" drape. Place the scarf tail over the end of the rod. Repeat the same steps for the other side. Adjust all the drapes so that they are relatively equal in width and length. Finally, adjust the folds of the drape, as in Step 6, and make certain both scarf tails remain equal in length.

9. Use drapery ring or clips, twist ties or pins to hold the scarf in place if needed.

Hanging a Fishtail Scarf

1. Lay the scarf out flat. Make certain the right side is facing down. Find the center and place a straight pin there.

2. Pleat the scarf from bottom to top using a fan-pleating method. The last pleat should feature the right side of the scarf.

3. Press the pleats in place with a hot iron for a structured effect or allow them to drape naturally for a softer look.

4. Hang the pleated scarf over the curtain rod, lining up the straight pin of the scarf to the center of the window frame. Drape the center as desired and adjust it until the center drape is where you want it.

Hanging a Rosette Scarf

1. After the scarf has been placed and draped as desired, measure 12 to 15 inches down from the top of one side of the scarf tail. The larger the measurement, the larger the rosette can be.

2. Fold the measured length in half, and gather it up tightly in one hand.

3. Wrap a rubber band around the gathers, making certain it is secure. The piece should measure 6 to 7 1/2 inches once gathered.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 above on the other side of the window.

5. Pull the upper part of the gathered fabric all the way around to create a circle. Push the center inward, back into the rubber band, allowing the remainder of the circle to puff outward. This is called a rosette. Repeat on the other side.

6. Keep adjusting until the desired effect is obtained. Secure any excess fabric in the rubber band.

Tips & Warnings

• Most scarves are hung on decorative curtain rods, but there is no correct or incorrect way to hang a scarf. It is perfectly acceptable for scarves to "puddle" onto the floor.

• Scarves can be long or short and are adjustable for almost any size window. A simple way to determine the needed scarf length is to double that of the window length.

• Make the scarf longer on one side than the other for an updated, edgy effect.

References

• Alternative Windows

Resources

• Window Coverings R Us
• Window Toppers