I’ve been watching this video about Daenerys’s cool red cape thingy from Season 7 of Game of Thrones (context: I have a Daenerys figure that I’m trying to add missing parts of the costume to), and I’m just blown away by how cool.

new dress I’m making to go to a friend’s wedding which requires every single pin i own

Drapes vs. Curtains: Unveiling the Fabric Facts

Ever catch yourself looking out a window, and wondering, “Are these curtains or drapes?” You’re not the only one! The terms are often used interchangeably, which creates a bit of textile terminology confusion.

But fear not, fellow décor enthusiasts! Let’s unravel the key differences between drapes and curtains and equip you with the knowledge to choose the ideal window dressing for your space.

Although over time the distinction between the two has become blurred, historically there are differences between the two. Conventionally, there are differences that set drapes apart from curtains. Understanding them will make the process of selecting the right style, function, and appearance more convenient.

Decoding Drapes: The Epitome of Elegance and Function

Think of drapes as the more formal and often heavier in the window treatment. Here’s what typically defines them:

• Length: Drapes usually fall to the floor, occasionally even puddling slightly for an accent of luxurious flair. This floor-length style adds to their elegant look and serves to insulate the room.
• Lining: A key feature of many drapes is their lining. This extra layer of fabric provides several benefits:
• Enhanced Light Blocking: Linings can significantly reduce or even completely block out light, making drapes ideal for media rooms or bedrooms.
• Improved Insulation: The additional layer helps retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer, contributing to energy conservation.
• Increased Privacy: Lining ensures complete privacy, preventing anyone from seeing into your home.
• Enhanced Drape and Fullness: The extra weight of the lining allows the fabric to hang beautifully in deep, uniform folds.
• Protection of the Face Fabric: The lining acts as a barrier, protecting the decorative outer fabric from sun damage and wear.
• Fabric: Drapes are often made from heavier, more luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, damask, or thick brocade. These materials contribute to their formal and elegant feel.
• Pleating: Draperies typically feature top pleats, such as pinch pleats, goblet pleats, or tailored pleats. The pleats create fitted folds that introduce a structured drape and general tailored appearance.
• Purpose: Due to their insulating, light-excluding, and privacy-acquiring characteristics, drapes are usually chosen for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms where both style and function are most crucial.

Charting Curtains: Versatility and Lightness

Curtains, on the other hand, tend to be more versatile and often lighter in both weight and formality. Here’s what you should know about them:

• Length: Although curtains are frequently floor-length, they also commonly come in lower lengths, ranging from sill-length or below-sill length. This is versatility that can allow them to be used for various window sizes as well as space layouts.
• Lining: Curtains may or may not be lined. Unlined curtains admit more natural light, creating a brighter and fresher atmosphere. Lined curtains offer some of the benefits of drapes, such as increased privacy and light control, but typically with a less formal ambiance.
• Fabric: Curtains come in a wide array of fabrics, ranging from lightweight cotton and linen to more textured synthetics and blends. The choice of fabric often dictates the level of light filtration and the overall style.
• Hanging Style: Curtains can be hung through rod pockets, grommets, tabs, or by employing rings and clips. This allows greater flexibility in style as well as the ability to open and close easily.
• Purpose: Curtains are also an extremely convenient option for almost any room of the house. Unlined and light curtains are often found in lounges, bathrooms, and kitchens where softened lighting is required. Lined curtains can provide better privacy and control of light for bedrooms or other rooms.

Drapes vs. Curtains: The Key Takeaways

To summarize the core differences:

Conclusion : 

Drapes are usually floor-length, lined, and more formal, with an emphasis on light blocking, insulation, and privacy. Curtains are more versatile in length, material, and hanging method, performing different functions from light filtering to privacy. Understanding these differences allows you to select the perfect window dressing for your area and requirements.

Ulyana Sergeenko 2013

Pleating

The photos below show the process of creating pleats.

The first images show the ‘knife pleat’ which I created by folding my fabric into lines every other mark, then flattening and ironing.

The second and third image show the inverted and box pleat, which are the same pleat just different sides. I created this by folding the middle mark into the centre on both ends and pressing with an iron.

I feel that the look these pleats create are very effective, I particularly like the inverted pleat as it can be used to hide a vibrant fabric on the inside that will be revealed when the model moves around.

Dressmaking update

I have used up my entire allotment of sight today pleating this fabric.

I just meant to gather the fabric at the shoulders, then I decided to fold it, then iron it, then it got away from me.

I’d say I need to finish before Halloween, but I’d wear this fabric any day

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I wanted to used my fabric that I screen printed on to make a pleated skirt that I designed.Giordana showed me how to iron the pleats into the fabric.I found it difficult to make them Even but I happy with the result for first time trying.I think the pleating shows off the print well and I wanted to make a water ripple effect with the pleating and pattern.

Artist Research: Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake is a Japanese Designer.He used a traditional japanese way of making called “monozukuri”.He used this way along with finding contemporary textiles.The photos above are from the 1995 spring runway.His pleats please development came from heat pressing plissé fabric into unique shapes.I am currently looking at pleating fabric that I have printed on and wanted to look into a designer who took this to an extreme.I find these looks really fascinating as they are simple yet the shape is complex for a piece of textile.I like the way he pushed the boundaries with his pleating.

Issey Miyake, the Groundbreaking Japanese Designer, Has Died at 84

Stereo pleats on fabric by machine

P R O C E S S

During the development process of the wet illusion dress. Cut out of silk velvet the dress is pleated in a way to mimic the folds of a cloth when wet against the body.

Fresh water pearls adorn this piece, evoking the sense of a goddess emerging from the water with pearls clinging to her dress 🌊
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#wetdress #pleating #fabricmanipulation #hautecouture #couture #couturedress #silkdress #fashionprocess #couturesewing (at Sydney, Australia)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmbFvYcvqYp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Pony Print Sunburst Monroe Skirt

~ Copper ~

Transfer printing for pleated fabric 

TEXTILE WORKSHOP 3

Moving on from messy bleach and inks, we started to experiment using the sewing machines! It was extremely exciting to start working with the machines as we get to learn new techniques. The technique i used above is called the pin tuck, this is one of many pleating methods. With this basic method you can go on and create pattens. I like the way this method looks and it will be something i will be keeping in mind when designing my collection.