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How to Hang Scarves Like a Pro
by Kathleen M. Peters, www.KatieDidDesign.com
There are many different window treatment effects that can be achieved with
scarves. They look so simple and elegant... but it's not always easy
to get that "simple" look! Do you want to know how to get that designer
look with your scarves? Here are step-by-step instructions.
1. Look through catalogs and magazines to decide which look you want to use
to treat your window. Keep in mind that different types of fabrics
are better for different looks. Heavier fabrics look better pleated,
and lighter fabrics look better gathered... especially sheers. You
can drape them over rods, through sconces, or with just about anything
else you can dream up, including towel rings and tree branches!
2. Make sure you get the right length. To figure this out, take a flexible
tape measure, and drape it like you'll want to drape the scarf. Hold
or tape the end of the tape measure at one sconce (or the end of the rod,
if that's what you're using), and let it hang in an upside-down arch like
you'll be hanging the scarf, and up again to the other sconce or rod end.
Then measure down each side as far as you want the tails to hang. Add
these measurements together to get your desired scarf length.
3. Clean your floors well... yes, this really is the next step! Read the next and you'll know why.
4. Lay out your scarf on the floor. (See why the floors have to be clean?)
5. Pleat or gather it along the longest measurement. If you're gathering,
then start in the middle and try to gather evenly with your hands.
If you're pleating, then fan-fold the pleats starting at one end. Each
pleat should usually be about 4-6" wide.
6. Clip or pin the pleats or gathers in place with binder clips, safety pins,
or large straight pins. Binder clips from an office supply place really
work the best. Place one at each end, another wherever you think the
scarf will drape over or through your rod (or whatever you're using).
7. Lift it up onto your rod, or run it through your sconces with the clips
or pins still attached. Let it drape as far down as you want.... it
is easier to "pull" the top edge of the scarf up, then it is to let the bottom
out longer.
8. Now take out the clips or pins one-by-one, adjusting the pleats or gathers
as you go: Take one clip/pin out, take hold of the TOP 80% of
the fabric pleats or gathers, and pull them away from the center of the scarf
to "pull up" the fabric a little. Do the same with the top 60%, and
continue, bit-by-bit, adjusting the "fullness" of the scarf. If your
scarf has two "swags" across the top of the rod, then do this until you achieve
the look you want. If your scarf has only one "swag", then do it only
until it is HALF as full/high as you want it to go. Re-anchor the pleats
or gathers with the clips or pins again.
9. Do the same thing on the other end of the scarf. If you have only
one "swag" and followed the instructions in the last step, then you will
be pulling out/up the fabric the rest of the way, so that each side has been
adjusted equally. If you have two "swags" then both should now match.
Re-anchor the pleats or gathers with the clips or pins again.
10. Now step back and make sure that the fullness of the scarf along the
top is achieving the look you want. If so, then take out ONLY the clips/pins
that are attached to the "tail" ends of the scarf. Do this carefully,
especially if your scarf is pleated. You'll have to adjust them to
make them hang right.
11. Step back again and check to make sure things are still hanging as you want them to.
12. NOW you can try taking the rest of the clips and pins out. Be careful
as you take them out to make sure that gravity keeps the fabric as you arranged
it. If it will not stay, then you'll have to keep some of those clips
and pins in, or staple the fabric to the sconce. Don't worry if this
is the case... designers do it all the time. How else do you think
they achieve some of those impossible-looking designs? Just place them
strategically, to hold the fabric as well as possible without being visible
from the ground.
13. Finally, if the pleats in your scarf's "tails" don't want to hang neatly,
you might have to "train" them. Manually re-fold them, and clip, tie,
or pin in place. Let them hang like that for a few days, and by then
they should have made up their minds to be orderly!
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2004 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.KatieDidDesign.com
http://www.DecorDecoratingAndDesign.com
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