Curtain tie-backs

The perfect way to finish a pair of curtains is by creating elegant tiebacks in the same or contrasting fabric. Left over fabric is perfect for this, but if you find yourself a little short of fabric, the back of the tieback can be made using the curtain lining as it will be hidden from view.

Most full length curtains benefit from having a tieback. Not only does a tieback draw the curtain away from the window to let in maximum light possible, it also adds elegance and shape to the curtain.

Never attempt to make tiebacks before you have finished and hung your curtains in place.

You need to decide the size of the tieback and the position of the tieback by holding a soft tape measure around the curtain to be tied back. Decide how tightly or loosely you want the fabric tied back, and slide the tape measure up and down the curtain length until you decide on the position you like the look of.

You will need the help of a friend here so you yourself can stand back and check the effect.

Make a note of the length of the tieback you need. As a general guide,one standard width curtain of about 137cm wide requires a tieback of about 60cm wide.A double width curtain of about 274cm requires a tie back of about 92cm wide.

When you have decided on the position the tieback should have, fit your tieback hook fixture to the wall.

Tiebacks can be plain or finished with piped edges using the same or contrasting fabric. Use the template shape below by photocopying it to the size required or copying it by hand onto paper, Then transfer the shape onto your fabric using tailors chalk.

Now you are ready to follow this simple step-by-step guide How To Make Curtain Tie-backs.