Curtains can be
caught back with an array of tassels, ropes and braids or brackets.
Tie-backs and brackets create a degree of fullness and give the
curtain additional shape, and allow additional light into a room.
Tip: for a personalised touch
try decorating your tie-backs with cross-stitch, braid, even glass
beads or shells.
Tip: don't
forget the use of contrast - a heavy looking curtain can look great
with a simple rope tie-back and a flimsy, fragile fabric can look
good with something weighty holding it back, for a dramatic effect.
Traditional
rope-and-tassel
When a traditional rope-and-tassel tie-back is used, it is important
that it be heavy and thick enough for the weight of the curtain.
Plaited
cord
When a traditional rope-and-tassel tie-back is used, it is important
that it be heavy and thick enough for the weight of the curtain.
One of the simplest tie-backs to make uses cord or fabric. It works
best when used with a curtain made in a fabric with a different
texture. Choose three strips twice the length of the finished
tie-back. Use polyester wadding to give the plait shape.
Here's
how
Step 1 Roll the pieces of
wadding to the required diameter and herringbone stitch along the
raw edge to hold. Press in 1.5cm on one side of each of the fabric
strips along the length. Place each of the rolls on to the strips.
Fold the strips over the rolls and pin the folded edge over the raw
edge along the length. Slip stitch.
Step 2 Pin the three pieces to
the work-table with the ends close together and plait. Cut two 4cm
squares of the main fabric. Press under 12mm on all sides. Hold the
ends together and stitch the squares over the raw edges. Stitch
brass rings to the back of each end.
Tip: Finish with a rosette, a
bow or silk flowers,. use three different fabrics or mix floral
checks and stripes.
Tip: The simple tie-back at the
top of the page is made using just one padded fabric strip.
Simple
band
A tie-back in the same fabric as the curtain means that there is no
distraction from the lines of the curtain itself.
