How to make swag and jabot curtains? Stay tuned until the end of this post to find answers to this question.
Swags and jabot curtains can be designed in different ways.
The most common design is knife pleats that are turned outward.
Typically, jabots measure nine up to fifteen inches wide. They taper upwards into the inner edge.
Its length should be one-third of your window treatment.
The lower point of the jabots must be lower than the center point of the swag.
In creating jabots, you can explore various styles of gathers and pleats.
You can maximize your creativity because no rules are set for these.
All you have to consider is the dimensions of your window.
What Are Swag And Jabot Curtains?
A swag window treatment can impart both simplicity and elegance.
This is consisting of a fabric that is draped over a pole on top of the window frame.
Swags are mainly used for decorative purposes. They can soften the geometry of your window.
Simple swags can either be left not trimmed or carry some fringe.
If the fabric is also cascading down the window sides, these tails are called jabots. The combination of the two can result in either an informal or formal look.
Jabots are not for providing privacy because you cannot draw them. Instead, they simply serve as a complementary decoration of your shades or curtain panels.
But they can be used as a stand-alone window treatment too.
They are sewn in various styles, including wedges, rectangles, and simple squares.
You can also line them with an accent or the same fabric used for the jabots themselves.
Depending on how you want your window treatment to look, you can mount the jabots on a pole or board.
What Are The Materials Needed?
Before we proceed to the procedure, let us know the materials that you need first. Make sure to prepare these first before you start.
- Lining
- Muslin, if you want to make a pattern (optional)
- Decorator fabric
- Contrast fabric
- Mounting board
- Hardware and tools for installation
- Heavy-duty stapler
3 Steps To Make Swag And Jabot Curtains
After you have gathered the materials needed, you can now make your swag and jabot curtains.
So, how to make swag and jabot curtains?
Below are the steps.
Step #1. Deciding for the size of the jabot
Before you start, you need to decide on the width of the finished jabot first.
Each of which should be overlapping the swag’s ends at about four up to ten inches plus the mounting board’s depth.
Also, decide on the pleats. You need to figure out its desired width as well as the number of pleating required.
Not only that, but you also need to decide on the drop of the jabot.
Step #2. Making the pattern for the jabot
Get a marker and line the fabric for the desired length of your finished jabot.
Then, measure from the top across the mounting board.
Draw another line parallel to the first one—Mark another from the top, creating a right angle.
Next, measure the interior length of the finished jabot.
Draw a diagonal line between the precious lines and make the position at the top edge for the pleats.
Try cutting out the pattern to create a sample. Then, you can adjust the measurement of the pattern as needed.
Step #3. Making the jabot
Using the pattern you made in the previous step, cut the left and right jabots.
Add one-half allowance to all edges for the seams.
You can cut two jabots together by layering the two fabrics with their right sides together.
Repeat the same process to cut the Lining.
Then, mark the pleats at the top of the lining edges.
Position the Lining and the main fabric with their right sides together and start sewing all the edges, excluding the top you marked for the pleats.
Now, turn out the right sides and press the edges.
You may also create tiny cording along the edges to give your jabot an even better finish.
Using this, you will also be able to press the seams better.
Fold and pin the pleats in place while ensuring that the top edge of the curtain is straight.
Also, make sure that the pleats’ sides and the top edge form a right angle.
After that, get the tail.
Pin it along the pencil line located on top of the board or the jabot itself.
It must be lining up with the mounting board’s corner.
Make adjustments if necessary.
Perhaps, you want a formal look; simply press the pleats.
But you may just leave them loose if you prefer a more casual look.
Repeat the same process to create the opposing jabot and attach them onto the mounting board.
It’s A Wrap!
Finally, you completed your project!
The process on how to make swag and jabot curtains is not that hard, right?
For as long as you followed the process correctly, you can accomplish the window treatment you are after.