thermal curtain lining vs heavyish cotton curtains

13 replies

pokeytheorangepony · 04/02/2015 19:13

I have a pair of heavyish off white cotton curtains over french double doors in attempt to keep drafts down. I'd like to change them to a nicer material/pattern. My question is- is it better to make a new pair using thermal lining, or just 'attach' the new material to the existing cotton curtains? Is thermal lining some sort of wonder material? hope this makes sense!!

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charlestonchaplin · 04/02/2015 19:29

You need interlining as well as thermal lining, 'bump' is best for keeping heat in, though it can be difficult to work with. The interlining goes in between the decorative ('face') fabric and the thermal lining. Blackout lining is even better than thermal lining at keeping heat in as it has extra layers of acrylic but obviously if you need to use the room in the daytime it will be no good, especially for rooms which receive a lot of winter sun. I don't know how much more effective acrylic-covered thermal lining is compared to heavy cotton though.

Original poster

pokeytheorangepony · 04/02/2015 19:45

thanks- as you can tell- I'm new to curtain making! sounds like purely from an 'easiest to do' perspective, just attaching fabric to existing curtains would be easiest- they are tab top_ so pretty straightforward

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Lelivre · 04/02/2015 19:48

I have interlined curtains with the thickest fleecy stuff inside. They are very chunky. It's like hanging double layer of blankets up and they have bent my curtain pole!

Anyway on the credit crunch board I think they were interlining existing curtains by sewing fleece throws from ikea.

Original poster

pokeytheorangepony · 04/02/2015 22:28

Could I use the cotton curtains as interlining? Just a thought

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Agrestic · 04/02/2015 22:40

You need bump! I've just made some curtains for my living room using a heavyweight cotton fabric and bump interlining. I'm so glad I went to the effort of doing it. They keep they drafts out fantastically, look fab and they feel so lovely.

I ached for days after sewing them up though and needed help getting them on the pole, that bump is heavy stuff! My curtains were huge, 230cm x 400.

Agrestic · 04/02/2015 22:54

Btw I wouldn't use fleece throws as interlining. Fleece melts when burnt so if there's a fire and that's your exit you could end up covered in scorching melted fleece, not nice. And on a design note the fleece will stretch and sag over time which will ruin the look of your beautiful curtains. Bump all the way. :)

Original poster

pokeytheorangepony · 04/02/2015 23:25

You have convinced me, bump it is!

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charlestonchaplin · 05/02/2015 01:23

Bump will help but your curtains are tab tops, so they have lots of gaps which let draughts in. Eyelets have this problem as well.

Agrestic · 05/02/2015 11:46

I'm pleased we've convinced you. I promise it's worth the effort! You'll be cursing us all when your crawling on the floor hand tacking it on to your fabric but once it's all sewn up and on the curtain you can bask in thier warm, beautiful glory