As a prominent supplier of top-tier curtain fabrics and accessories, Evans Textiles is committed to furnishing artisans and designers with the finest materials essential for crafting exceptional window treatments. In this guide, we turn our attention to buckram fabric, shedding light on its myriad benefits for curtain makers and designers alike.

Understanding Buckram

Buckram fabric, a rigid woven material traditionally crafted from cotton, linen, or a blend of both, often incorporates reinforcing elements like glue. Its inherent strength lends itself to various applications, from book covers to hat-making, enabling the creation of durable structures with ease.

Primarily valued for its ability to provide structure and stability, buckram is a favoured choice in curtain design. In this comprehensive guide, we explore its composition, applications, and selection considerations to empower artisans in harnessing its potential for their projects.

Composition and Production

Buckram can be fashioned from a variety of fibres such as cotton, linen, or blends, with the choice dictated by factors like desired stiffness, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Typically coated in glue for enhanced rigidity, selected fibres undergo cleaning, carding, and spinning into yarns. These yarns may undergo additional treatments to bolster their properties and prepare them for weaving.

Applications in Curtain Making

The versatility of buckram extends to curtain fabrication, where its strength serves a multitude of purposes:

1.    Curtain Eyelets: Buckram lends stability to curtain eyelets, ensuring smooth functionality over time. Positioned along the top of eyelet curtains, it fortifies the fabric, facilitating seamless movement along the rail without sagging or resistance.

2.    Curtain Pleats: In crafting curtain pleats, buckram reinforces the fabric, essential for maintaining crisp folds. With pleating gaining popularity in contemporary curtain design, buckram emerges as a favoured choice for homeowners seeking to elevate their decor.

3.    Pelmets: Pelmets, decorative fixtures concealing curtain fixtures atop windows, often incorporate buckram bases or wooden frames for structural integrity. Aside from aesthetic appeal, pelmets contribute to room insulation by blocking airflow, necessitating sturdy construction.

Utilisation Techniques

Buckram offers two primary application methods:

• Fusible: Ideal for convenience, fusible buckram features adhesive backing, simplifying the attachment process. By ironing directly onto the curtain fabric's wrong side, the adhesive bonds seamlessly. Steam-free ironing ensures optimal adhesion without compromising the glue.

• Sew-in: Though requiring more effort, sew-in buckram is equally effective. Pinned evenly onto the fabric, it serves as an interlining, necessitating sufficient fabric allowance for folding back during sewing.

Selecting the Right Size

Choosing the appropriate buckram size hinges on the project's specifications. Available in various lengths, widths, and weights, consider the following:

• Length: Determine the required length based on window measurements, factoring in additional fabric for pleated curtains.

• Width: Select from available widths (e.g., 10cm, 12.5cm, 15cm, 20cm) based on the intended curtain heading application.

• By understanding buckram's composition, applications, and selection nuances, artisans can harness its versatility to enhance their curtain creations effectively.