Here are some tips for decorating with
fabric from the Sewing Fashion
Council and other sources:
• If you are new to home sewing, buy a
basic how-to book. It will guide you in measuring and determining yard age, and
it will explain standard instruction sheets included in pattern envelopes.
• Choose a first project that's easy
to sew and noticeable, such as window treatments or a bedspread or comforter.
Build around it with additional accessories, using leftover or coordinating
fabric.
• When shopping for fabrics, bring
samples of your wall colors, wallpaper and carpet.
• Take home fabric swatches to live
with for several days. Samples should be large enough to judge how the fabrics
will go with furnishings.
Test how a fabric looks under
different types of light. If the fabric will be used in curtains or drapes,
hold the sample up to the window on a sunny day. Seen in direct sunlight, the
effect of its color and pattern may change. If the curtains are to be lined,
don't forget to test it with lining fabric. Curtains on a sunny window may
require lining for insulation and to keep the main fabric from fading-
• If using washable fabric, make sure
that trims also are washable. While most decorative fabric can be
machine-washed, many trims must be dry cleaned.
• When purchasing fabric, buy all the
yardage from one bolt since dye lots Can vary from bolt, to bolt. Check
measurements carefully to make sure you have enough fabric to complete the
project.
• When adding to existing fabric
decor, patterns and colors that blend with what's there, but doesn’t match
exactly, can be used for slipcovers, pillow covers and other accessories.
• Many decorating projects can be done
without them, but purchased 'patterns offer ideas, demonstrate techniques, and
bolster the confidence of a novice seamstress. Most pattern catalogs include
sections on home projects.
