Best way to line curtains ?

[sandybay]

Any sewing people out there can comment on this please ?

Will be soon making four sets of curtains, 3 full length.

In the past have usually put the linings on by folding and pinning to the back of the curtain and then hand sewing the lining on. Does that make sense ?

I know that you can hem lining and fabric making a sort of bag and then turning inside out. I did this many years ago and didn't find the sides hung as well when the curtains were put up.

Now with arthritis in both hands, handsewing seems a bit daunting.
But I really want them to look good.
Am using some lovely linen [from linens.direct] in a dark oatmeal with a lot of slub. Will be using an interlining to give a really professional full look.

How do you do yours ?

[lily]

I crawl around on the floor! I machine the top with the tape on, but handsew the sides and hems. Haven't used interlining so not sure about that.

[sandybay]

I think thats what I will do Lily. Just machine the tapes. Handsewing that is a nightmare, when i tried the needle cut into my finger. Can't get on with a thimble.
Wanted an easier way out but I think the hands will have to suffer ! Only going to use a light interlining. It's fiddly but when I used it before it made the fabric hang well.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

In the past I have machined the lining to the sides of the curtain, but done the lining and fabric hems seperately. As I don't have heavy curtains anymore, I now prefer to do seperate linings, using lining tape. If I want a change, I then make up a pair of curtains, and just switch the linings. It takes a lot of scrambling around the floor to do full length curtains! The best of luck.

[sandybay]

Thanks Tigs. The scrambling about on the floor will be fun if I can keep the cat from sitting on the fabric. When's the trip to the States ?

[TIGGYWINKLE]

Sandy, I will do a little post in the travel forum soon. Good luck with the curtains. The fabric sounds gorgeous. I did lovely linen curtains years ago.They sat beautifully, and lasted for years. When they got fading at the sides,(even though I do switch plain curtains to minimize this) I put a lovely braid down the sides in my accent colour, which gave them a new lease of life, and they looked really smart.

[Primrose]

I scrabble on the floor.

Me - I am a self taught curtain maker - the sound of separate linings with lining tape appeals. I will have to research that one.

Thank you

[sandybay]

Trouble is Gilly, this place is so small not much scrabbling room.
Good idea Tigs with adding the braid if faded or wearing.
Found some good linens at linen direct and tinsmiths online. Reasonable prices and they send samples quickly.