How to Make Tie Backs

Tiebacks embellish curtains and rooms.

Tiebacks hold window curtains open and embellish the curtain style. Fabric used to make tiebacks usually matches the curtain's material. Alternative materials include, lace, rope or ribbon. Various tiebacks consist of simple, straight lines, braided, shirred or ruffled styles.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper and pencil
• Scissors
• Fabric
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Tieback rings and hooks

Instructions

1. Measure one-half of the curtain rod's length to determine the finished length of your tie backs. Less material is required for straight tieback lines. Note the length on paper. The width of your tiebacks depends on your preference. For example, if you want a 2-inch tieback, you will cut the material 4 inches wide. Add 1/2 inch to the length and width for the seam allowance when you sew your tieback together and note this measurement on paper.

2. Mark and cut a tieback pattern using plain paper. Mark the length and width of the tieback using dashes to represent the seam and a single line to represent the cutting edge.

3. Pin or tape the pattern to the fabric you are using for the tiebacks. Cut one layer of material for each tieback.

4. Fold the fabric pieces you cut in Step 3 with the right sides together. Sew one end of the tieback closed, as well as the longer open edge. Use a 1/4-inch seam from the raw edge of the material. After sewing, turn the tieback with the right sides out. Fold in the edges of the remaining opening and stitch closed.

5. Press the finished piece with a warm iron and attach tieback rings to each end of the tieback

6. Measure and mark the place where you want the hooks for the tieback rings. Measure from the top of the curtain rod down to the point you want the hooks to hold the rings on either side of the window. Secure the hooks to the wall close to the window's frame. Pull the curtains back and place the tiebacks hooking the rings over the tieback hooks.

References

• "Windows With Style: Do It Yourself Window Treatments"; 1997
• Curtain Tiebacks