This is used around upholstered surfaces to hide tacks and staples. The alternative is to use a braid, but there’s usually a strip of fabric or two left that can make piping. If neccessary, fabric strips are joined at 90 degrees. That avoids unneccessary bulk in the join. Then a special foot is used, visible in the lower image, to stitch the piping cords into the casing.

I can extend my work space for making blinds and curtains to a length of up to 3.6m (12′) by connecting a series of table tops. Here it is in action:

Now that autumn is upon is it may be time to reconsider your window arrangements. For drafty or single glazed ones, check that the curtain rail/pole can cope with heavy curtains that are interline. If you’re not sure I can recommend brushed flannelette as lining. It also works well for Roman blinds.

19 July 2024 – Can you sleep, take two (see below). If you’re after a good night’s sleep without being woken by an early sunup, go for blinds to fit inside your window recess. The pull cord mechanism that is commonly used means there might be a chink of light at one side to accommodate it. Still, if you line your blinds with blackout lining, a good night’s sleep is quite likely :-).

3 June 2024 – It would appear to be sort of summer. Do you still need your lined and interlined curtains, or should they perchance need a dry clean? In the meantime, and in your living room, you might consider changing to summer curtains. Something a bit more transparent such as linen or a light cotton affair. They can be framed smartly with a contrasting border.

Here you can see how to shorten a curtain panel from the top. This particular panel had a lovely add on panel ‘extension’ at the bottom which my client wanted to keep, so I shortened it from the top. Some hand stitching was involved to replicate the original work exactly. You can see the white buckram stiffening in the top image. Using this gives a lot of flexibility for where the curtain hooks are attached. They can be positioned to either hide or show the curtain rail or the rings they will be attached to.

14 May 2024 – Are you a film director? In case you’re not, the cheap sort of Director chair that is widely available can nevertheless be handy, but it seems to only come in plain canvas. The chairs themselves are really useful because they can be stored easily without overcrowding your dining room while being useful for Christmas and other larger dinner occasions. Have you thought of changing the fabric to something more in keeping with your other upholstered furniture?

10 April 2024 – If you prefer your bedroom to be in total darkness, the longer days will be an issue. I suggest long curtains with blackout lining that extends to all the edges of the fabric and generous returns at the sides. A curtain rail that allows overlapping curtain panels, with the opening facing away from where you sleep, is also important. Alternatively, use light blocking blinds, fixed very closely to your window frames.

12 April 2024 – Piping consists of a cotton cord encased in a strip of fabric cut on the bias. We can use it on loose covers, cushions and curtains. The finish is super smart and adds a sharp edge. There are three ways of adding it: use the main fabric, use the lining fabric, or use a contrasting bias strip that matches the main fabric. Your choice!

09 April 2024 – If you have old curtains that have seen better days – find a way of re-using them. Often antique curtains are worn at the leading edge and have holes at the bottom edge. It’s almost always possible to make them into smaller curtains. Another option is to add new edging or to add a panel or stripe at the bottom to replace the worn material.