“I’ve had a secret desire for some full-length silk curtains for ages!” says Mariam. “I’m a good home sewer, but never used silk on this scale before. Am I heading for disaster?” You’ll find silk (as long as it’s a curtain quality) very straightforward and pleasant to work with Mariam, so go for it! It’s usually a lovely, crisp, tight fabric, which cuts and makes up without issues. Just be wary of using cheap, loosely-woven silks which will never hang properly. Check your sewing machine tension on some offcuts first, to make sure the seams aren’t pulling and puckering. If you usually make up your curtains in a cotton thread you may find this is too heavy – try dressmaking polyester thread in an appropriate colour. You may find that the selvages are quite tight, and prevent you pressing the seams open properly – snip them at intervals, or cut them off before you sew. Silk fibre is a fine, strong filament – it needs sharp tools! Sharpen your scissors before you start work (or at least run them through a device to remove little snags or burrs on the blade – otherwise you will get very exasperated as they keep catching!) And put a brand new needle in your sewing machine. The downside of your magnificent silk curtains is that silk fibre is very susceptible to light and fading. It just goes with the territory, I’m afraid. Protect them with voiles or sheers between them and the window, or a simple roller blind. We are one of the Chinese curtain pole expert, welcome to your come and purchase!
