Teach Yourself Stiff Pelmets - a practical soft furnishings sewing guide from Simply Furnishings

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Making your own stiff pelmets in a range of designs is easier than you think

Teach Yourself Stiff Pelmets is a comprehensive two part guide covering both traditional stiff pelmets made from buckram and the more modern approach using MDF.

This guide is ideal for those of you who have some experience making other window dressings, such as curtains and valances, and would like to try something different. Stiff pelmets are a step closer to simple upholstery and will therefore enable you to acquire a range of new skills.

Teach Yourself Stiff Pelmets takes you through each stage of the design and make process, with full descriptions of the materials and sewing techniques you will need, and clear illustrations to guide you.

Our unique guide is great value for money and is provided as an immediate download after purchase, in Adobe PDF format, for you to read, print and re-use again and again.

Click here to view a small excerpt from the guide
(This PDF file will require Adobe Acrobat to view)

Overview

Whether you are embarking on making a 'rigid' style of window dressing for the first time, or would like to perfect your skills using a more professional technique, Teach Yourself Stiff Pelmets has everything you need.

Parts 1 and 2 of this unique step by step guide are structured using the same four step approach to the design, preparation, making-up and installation processes. Both sections include an evaluation stage to help you critique your own work, improve your skills and create an impressive professional finish. You should also find the appendix invaluable as it covers a number of specialist sewing techniques that we use when making stiff pelmets and completing other soft furnishings and upholstery projects.

Contents

PART 1	Making stiff pelmets out of buckram
Step 1 Plan Thoroughly	Introduction Understand the definition of a stiff pelmet Choose the right fabric Consider the design
Step 2 Estimation of fabric and purchase of ancillary materials	Pelmet board Face fabric Lining and interlining Buckram Velcro, trimming and threads Needles and strong paper (for pattern)
Step 3 Making Up	Making a paper pattern Cutting out Attaching the face fabric to the buckram Attaching piping Finishing off
Step 4 Installation of the Stiff Pelmet	Positioning and anchoring
Step 5 Evaluation	This important final step enables you to carry out an invaluable evaluation of your work upon completion. This will help you to spot any simple mistakes you may have made and quickly improve your technique.

PART 2	Making stiff pelmets out of MDF
An MDF pelmet is much more rigid than a buckram pelmet and this affects both how it is made and the overall appearance of the article. The finished pelmet will be considerably heavier than a buckram pelmet and you will need to use some basic upholstery skills in the making up process in addition to your traditional sewing skills. Many of these techniques may be completely new to you, however, you can have confidence that our Teach Yourself Guide will provide you with all the help you need in working through the design and make processes.
Step 1 Plan Thoroughly	Introduction Refer to Part 1 for planning steps
Step 2 Estimation of fabric and purchase of ancillary materials	Pelmet board for stiff pelmets and curtain combinations 6mm MDF for front fascia and sides Face fabric Lining Thin sheet foam Heavy duty Velcro Trimming Strong paper Glue Threads Needles Staples and staple gun Strong masking tape
Step 3 Making Up	Making a paper pattern Cutting out the MDF Attaching the sides to the front board Cutting out the sheet foam Cutting out the face fabric and seaming up Applying the face fabric Piping/trimmings (if necessary) Lining the pelmet Attaching the Velcro
Step 4 Installation of the Stiff Pelmet	Positioning and anchoring
Step 5 Evaluation	This important final step enables you to carry out an invaluable evaluation of your work upon completion. This will help you to spot any simple mistakes you may have made and quickly improve your technique.
Additional notes	Velcro fastening
APPENDIX - Soft furnishings sewing techniques used in the making of stiff pelmets	Piping Techniques Mitring and jointing trimmings

Next steps

If you would like to purchase our step-by-step guide to making stiff pelmets, simply click on the 'Add to shopping basket' button at the top of this page. Your guides can be paid for quickly and securely online and will be available for immediate download after purchase.

Related features:

To learn more about this style of window dressing take a look at 'Getting Started with Stiff Pelmets', a handy introductory feature providing advice on designs, fabrics and materials.