Fabric Trimmings

Fabric trimmings are used as ornamentation and to enhance to beauty of the décor of a room. Ornamental trimmings can be used to embellish pelmets, curtains, swags and valances. If you use an ornamental trimming on a pelmet, the trimming will highlight the plemet and draw attention to the pelmet even if the rest of the room is very tastefully decorated. Read further to find out about the different types of fabric trimmings used for ornamentation and find out how they can be used to augment the appearance of a particular furnishing.
 

Fabric Bows
Fabric bows are trimmings that can be made from any kind of fabric. The size of the bow must be altered to suit the weight of the fabric. Bows can be used to embellish pelmets, valances, drapes and swags etc. Small bows can be used on tiebacks to enhance their effect. Bows can be used to compliment or contrast the color of the central fabric and color. They can be used to highlight a certain color in a setting that has numerous colors. The size of the bow will depend on the effect you want the bow to have. A large bow will have a dramatic effect on the décor. Before making a bow, cut out a bow in paper and pin it up where you would like to place the bow. The advantage of using paper is that you can alter the size until you get the size you are looking for.

Fabric Rosettes
Fabric rosettes are trimmings that are flower shaped and are usually made from lightweight or medium weight fabric. A rosette pleated along one edge. These can be made with a single layer of cloth or a double layer of cloth. You could use two different colors for double-layered rosettes and is best when made with lightweight fabric. The inner edges are finished with button stitch.

Tasseled Tails
Tasseled tails can be used as an ornamental finish for pelments and swags. Tasseled tails do not cover the return of the pelmet board. For the best effect use medium or heavy fabric. You need to add another fabric to the back of the face fabric for stiffness. If the fabric you are using is very thick then use a thin fabric to the back of the tail to prevent the seams from becoming bulky. These are attached to the pelmet with Velcro and the tassels hang from the pointed ends. One single tail will not have the dramatic effect that two tails have. The second tail should be done color and fabric that contrast the first one. The tasseled tails should be about 1/3 to1/4 the length of the window and about 6" to 10". But these measurements must be altered according to the size of the window.

Trumpets
These ornamental cones made of fabric, can be attached to pelmets, valances and used between swags or at the end of tails, as a final touch to decorating the window. Trumpets can be made from any fabric. Buckram has to be attached to the fabric to make it stiff and help it keep the shape of a trumpet. Trumpets need a lining in either a complimentary color or a contrasting color, as it will show at the bottom edge. The trumpet can be decorated by attaching piping, fringing or braids to the lower edge. The size of the trumpet will depend on the rest of the window treatment. It is best to use a paper cut out to decide the size of the trumpet before making one with the fabric.

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