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 pelmet 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.
