How to sew Japanese curtains with your own hands
Japanese curtains are also called panel or screen curtains. Such an unusual definition was awarded to the curtains due to the design features. They really look like a screen, and immediately become the "nail" of any interior.
A bit of history
Already by the name it can be determined that the birthplace of these outlandish canvases is the Land of the Rising Sun. Their history dates back to the 13th century, although in those distant times they looked, of course, differently.
Today, thanks to modern technology, Japanese curtains have become more sophisticated. Although, according to most designers, they are more of a decor than a functional part of the interior.
Design features
Externally, the curtains resemble screen canvases, which are attached using a special holding mechanism. The set includes a weighting agent.
The principle of operation is similar to the functioning of vertical blinds, only the slats are much wider (one panel can be up to 1 meter wide). Curtains are controlled with a cord or chain.
Real Japanese panels are made exclusively from natural materials. Linen, cotton, rice paper, silk or bamboo are actively used. The use of fabrics with the addition of synthetic fibers is allowed.
The main range of Japanese curtains is pastel colors. However, single-color panels with bright large patterns are allowed. The main thing is that this design is in harmony with the interior decoration of the room.
To install the curtains, you will need a special curtain rod made of metal strips with holders. Such curtain rods can be attached to the ceiling or floor, or to the wall.
"Pluses" of the design:
- Large selection of colors.
- Ease of maintenance.
- No complicated fixtures are required for installation and operation.
- Range of sizes (panels are available in different heights and widths).
- The panels are considered durable interior items, which means they can be used in different rooms, for example, in the kitchen, in the children's room or in the living room.
- Ideal for the sunny side: bright rays become soft and diffused.
- The ability to sew with your own hands.
This design has few "minuses". The main thing is the need to install special cornices.
Choosing a fabric
As already noted, truly Japanese panels are made from natural materials. Moreover, it may not be fabric at all. For panels, high-quality rice paper, cloth woven from straw, sisal, jute, or bamboo plates are actively used. At the very beginning of their appearance, such panels did not look particularly decorative and carried an exclusively functional load.
If you are looking for a budget option, then colored plastic panels are available today. Modern styles allow using both heavy textured fabrics and weightless materials for panels. Due to the simplicity of the design, you can change the canvases every season, bringing an element of novelty to the interior.
For the winter period, a dense material is usually chosen: it does not stretch and provides an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.And summer panels are best made from the lightest fabrics.
How to sew Japanese curtains with your own hands
First, a few general guidelines. How much tissue is required? If you plan to use a special cornice for Japanese curtains, then the width of the panel should be 60 cm. If you decide to use another method of fastening, then the width can be arbitrary, convenient for you.
To determine the length of the canvas, the distance from the eaves to the floor is measured and 10 cm is added to the allowances. If your model of window opening design assumes the presence of several panels located "end-to-end", divide the window width by 60 - you will get the required number of panels. Well, if you prefer the overlapping arrangement, make the necessary increments.
When deciding on a palette, give preference to calm shades: green, brown, blue. Pastel colors look great: pale pink, beige or sand. Although such a color scheme is considered neutral, believe me, an atmosphere of comfort and peace, as well as a spectacular "zest" in the interior, you will be provided. Although, of course, if the decoration lacks bright accents, make panels in bright colors - red, orange, lemon.
Also, the choice of material depends on what you expect from Japanese curtains. If you need maximum functionality, the ability to hide from bright sunlight, then choose opaque materials in cold shades.
If the panels are for you an exclusively decorative component of the interior, give preference to the canvases that will appeal to you, regardless of the degree of transparency and texture.
Plain or patterned panels - it's up to you. Just remember that the images on the curtains should not be too voluminous.
So, step by step instructions.
- Calculate how much fabric you need, based on the fact that one canvas will be 60 cm wide.If the panels are overlapped, most often they make an increase of 60 cm.And the length of the panel is equal to the distance from the cornice to the floor and another 10 cm for allowances ...
- Cut the fabric into strips (do not forget about the allowances - they are usually 3-4 cm, depending on the quality of the fabric). Stitch the sides first. If the fabric is very light, insert side strips (plastic or fiberglass) to keep the fabric in shape. In addition, be sure to glue the seams with non-woven liner, otherwise you will not get a perfectly straight edge. Then iron the seams.
- A drawstring is formed at the bottom of the panel, where the weighting agent is then placed. Velcro is attached on top.
Important: Before you sew on the Velcro, be sure to iron it.
- Iron the resulting canvas well so that there are no folds and sagging.
- Hang the curtains and insert the weights.
Japanese panels today are a fairly common way of decorating window openings. And even if you could not find a suitable option in the store, following the simple instructions, you can make them yourself.
Video: how to sew a Japanese curtain with your own hands?
