Sewing blackout lining into curtains can be a challenging task, even for experienced sewers. The process requires precision and attention to detail to ensure that the curtains block out light effectively.
However, many people encounter problems when sewing blackout lining into curtains, such as difficulty in cutting and aligning the fabric, uneven stitching, and puckering of the fabric.
Table of Contents
When it comes to sewing blackout lining, there are several common problems that you may encounter.
Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
Difficulty Cutting Blackout Lining
One of the biggest challenges when working with blackout lining is cutting it.
The rubbery layer can make it difficult to get a clean cut, and using pins can leave unsightly holes. Here are some tips to make cutting blackout lining easier:
- Use sharp sewing scissors or a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler.
- Use weights instead of pins to prevent pinholes.
Difficulty Sewing Blackout Lining
One of the common difficulties that arise is stitching through the rubbery layer.
This can cause the needle to get stuck, or the thread to break, leading to a frustrating experience.
However, there are several ways to help you sew blackout lining smoothly and efficiently, without compromising the quality of your work.
One useful tip is to use a teflon needle, which is designed to help the needle glide through the fabric with ease, without getting caught in the rubbery layer.
Another helpful suggestion is to use a longer stitch length when sewing the blackout lining.
This is because a shorter stitch length can cause the needle to punch too many holes in the rubbery layer, making it more difficult to sew and creating potential weak points in the fabric. By using a longer stitch length, you can avoid this problem and create a cleaner, more even stitch.
Difficulty Hemming Blackout Lining
Hemming blackout lining can also be challenging, as the rubbery layer can make it difficult to fold and sew.
Here are some tips to help you hem blackout lining:
- Use a lightweight fabric to create a hem tape that can be folded and sewn to the lining.
- Use a sewing machine with a walking foot to help feed the fabric evenly through the machine.
Tips and Tricks
Use the Right Tools and Equipment
When sewing blackout lining, it is important to have the right tools and equipment.
Use sharp sewing scissors or a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to cut the fabric. This will ensure clean and precise cuts. A walking foot can also be helpful when sewing thicker fabrics like blackout lining, as it helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine.
Choose the Right Needle and Thread
Without the right needle and thread, the fabric may become damaged, or the finished product may not be as durable as intended.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand which needle and thread to use.
Firstly, choosing the right needle is essential. A universal needle or a denim needle is a good choice for sewing blackout lining.
These needles are designed to be strong enough to handle the thickness of the fabric, making them ideal for use with blackout lining. The universal needle has a sharp point and is versatile, making it suitable for use with a range of fabrics.
On the other hand, the denim needle has a sharper point, which is necessary for penetrating thicker fabrics such as denim and blackout lining.
Secondly, selecting the right thread is also crucial.
A high-quality polyester thread is the best choice for sewing blackout lining. Polyester thread is strong and durable, which means it can withstand the weight of the fabric and the tension of the sewing machine.
Using a high-quality thread will ensure that the stitches are secure and that the finished product is long-lasting.
Use Pins and Weights to Keep the Fabric in Place
Pins can leave visible holes in blackout lining, so it is best to use weights instead. Place weights at the corners and along the edges of the fabric to keep it in place while sewing. You can also use clips to hold the fabric together instead of pins.
Another trick to prevent visible holes is to place a sheet of thin paper or tracing paper over the edge where you’re sewing the seam.
This will help to prevent the fabric from getting caught in the feed dogs of the machine and will also prevent visible holes.
Thickness and Coating Makes It Hard to Handle
One common problem when sewing blackout lining is that the fabric is often thicker and heavier than regular curtain fabric.
This can make it difficult to handle and sew, especially when working with large panels.
Another issue is that the fabric is often coated with a rubbery material that can make it challenging to cut and pin without leaving visible holes or marks.
Despite these challenges, there are several tips and techniques that can help make the process of sewing blackout lining into curtains easier and more successful.
By taking the time to properly prepare the fabric, stabilize the edges, and use the right tools and techniques, it is possible to create beautiful, high-quality blackout curtains that effectively block out light and provide privacy and insulation.
Conclusion
Overall, sewing blackout lining can be challenging, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be done successfully.
It is important to use a teflon needle and a long stitch length to prevent puckering and skipped stitches.
Additionally, managing the weight of the fabric with care can prevent the fabric from slipping and shifting during sewing.
Using pins is not recommended as they can leave permanent holes in the fabric. Instead, use clips or wonder tape to hold the layers together. When cutting the fabric, use a rotary cutter and a straight edge to ensure clean, straight lines.
When sewing the lining to the curtain fabric, take care to match the seams and hems accurately.
A blackout lining can hide any stitch lines and help reduce visibility of joins and hems in the face fabric.
Additionally, a blackout lining can prevent light from coming through the fabric, making it ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create beautiful, functional curtains with blackout lining that will provide privacy, insulation, and light control in any room of your home.