Expert Tips: How do we sew linen curtains with lace

Welcome to another masterclass session from Varvara Home. As avid lovers of exquisite handcraft, we're thrilled to pull back the curtain, revealing the intricate methods behind our bespoke creations. Today, we dive deep into the creation of our signature linen "Volga" curtain embellished with delicate lace.

Determining the Perfect Curtain Size:

Linen is a remarkable fabric: timeless, breathable, and effortlessly chic. But it has a quirk - it shrinks post-wash. Knowing this, our approach involves a touch of foresight. We always craft our curtains slightly larger than required, ensuring that, once laundered, they settle to the perfect length. Multiple checks and measures are involved, with a final verification ensuring our customers never get a size surprise.

How to find out the shrinkage of linen fabric?

To calculate the shrinkage of linen fabric, it's essential to wash and measure a sample of the material. Here's a simple method:

1. Start with a Sample Size: Cut a piece of fabric, preferably 1x1 meter, for accuracy.
2. Wash the Fabric: Launder this sample piece as you would normally do, following any specific instructions for linen. This simulates the conditions the fabric will go through during its lifespan.
3. Measure Again: After washing, lay the fabric flat and measure its dimensions again.

For example, if the fabric measures 95x99 cm post-washing:

• The shrinkage in the first direction is (100-95)/100 x 100% = 5%.
• The shrinkage in the second direction is (100-99)/100 x 100% = 1%.

So, the fabric has shrunk by 5% in one direction and 1% in the other.

Our seamstress always determines the shrinkage of every fabric type we work with. This step ensures that the final product, when washed, will fit as intended and retain its desired appearance and dimensions. This meticulous approach underscores our dedication to crafting products of the highest quality at Varvara Home.