World's Largest Supplier Of Non-Toxic, Wide Fabrics & Seamless Draperies since 1951!

Frequently Asked Questions & Input from our Customers and Homespun

Fan Pleat     Pinch Pleat     Grommets     Go-Tabs     Sheers     Roman Shades
Installers   Cleaning Tips from our Customers

Return Policy      Privacy Policy

Fan Pleated Draperies:

1. The batons are meant to be hung BEHIND the leading pleat -  the baton part goes behind the drapery.  You can put it in front, but they show less behind. Some like it one way, some the other. 

2. Paint the brackets of the rods the color of your walls for them to disappear better when open.

Hamilton_charlotte_open.jpg (773980 bytes) The baton is in front and the brackets unpainted in this photo.

 

 

Hamiltondrapes8.jpg (42243 bytes)

Here, the brackets are painted the color of the walls, and the batons are behind the drapery.

 

 

Pinch Pleated Draperies: 

1. If you are experiencing 'flare' at the bottom of your drapery that is too much for your taste, pull them back again, tie them at the hemline and about 18" up from the hemline loose enough to not show creasing, but tight enough to keep the folds of the drapery in line. Mist LIGHTLY with clean, clear  water (only if using a prewashed cotton). Leave for a week. Untie. This should reduce flare.

2. Hanging the Pinch Pleated Drapery:

  • Hang panels starting from the master carrier.
  • Pinch hook tight on master carriers to prevent hangups or snags.
  • Don't skip slides. Slide extras to end of rod to remove through gate.

Grommet Tape Drapery:

1. Question:  I received the the cutting tool kit for the Grommets and noticed that the punching plate is made out of metal. Won't this damage the cutting iron with time?

HOMESPUN:  The aluminum punching plate does not damage the knife, if you set down the knife first, so it is not tilted when you punch. The aluminum block does not vibrate when you punch. On a table it is best to use a corner, it provides stability when you punch.

2. Question:  Will a 1-1/2" pole work with the 1-5/8" grommet?

HOMESPUN: If this is for a stationary treatment like a valance, then it will just go on the pole, but not really slide. If you are planning on opening and closing this treatment daily or often, it might be quite difficult as there will be only 1/8" clearance.

3. Question:  What is the exact Inside Dimension of the 1-5/8" and the 3/4" TOP ring..

HOMESPUN:  The exact ID of the 1-5/8 is actually only 1-9/16".  The 3/4" is actually the full 3/4".

4. Question:  What is the maximum thickness of fabric you use can use? My curtain fabric is very thick, will I still be able to put the Grommet Snap finishing Rings on over the thick fabric and the grommet?

HOMESPUN:  We have used it on canvas and it worked well, plus our fabrics are textured and it works well. However I would suggest if you are concerned, to get the Grommet Kit and try one on your fabric to make sure.

5. Question:  Will you see the Tape from the back?

HOMESPUN:  Yes, you do see the tape from the back, but only if it is in the window and people can see it from outside.

6. Question:  Can I customize the distance between the grommets myself? Instead of 4-1/2" apart, change it to 4-7/8" to suit my design?

HOMESPUN:  Only way would be to cut the tape apart. This could be tedious in making them then. Not really recommended.

7. Question:   I just want my curtain to have a sight ripple not a lot of folds, more like a fabric screen. My window opening is 90" wide and my fabric is 108" wide, is that going to be wide enough?

HOMESPUN:  With the rings, you will never get a flat piece, as they will angle on the pole. You don't need to use the spacers on the tape, and can cut them off. With only 18 inches left to spare, it would be really tight. And hard to move.

8. Question:  About cleaning drapes made with the grommets and grommet tape. Are they machine washable or is dry cleaning recommended? No matter what method, do I need to remove the rings beforehand?

HOMESPUN:  They are both washable and dry cleanable, and NO, do not remove the rings before hand. Not necessary.

9. Question: The specs on the website say that the grommets are about 4 1/2 inches apart. That makes sense as there are 2 for every 9 inches and any multiple of 9 inches will have an even number of grommets. (1 yard, 1 1/2 yards ..etc).  The tape that I received has them space at 4 1/2 inches then 5, 4 1/2, 5, 4 1/2 ....  My panel is 54 inches, which would take 12 grommets. Measuring the tape, with no extra on either side, 12 grommets takes 56 inches. Is this tape correct?

HOMESPUN: Yes, the tape is correct. The 5" part is the space. This is a little larger to allow for any adjustments, since most panels will have side hems, and the fabric is usually narrower then anyway. Any adjustments to size can be taken up in the space by folding it in a little and is done on as many spaces as is needed. It's always best to pre-pin the tape on first, and then adjust the spaces on each end, going towards the middle for balance.

10. Response from User: "I made silk, interlined, lined drapes with the grommet tape you offer. They turned out fantastic! I didn't follow your directions... instead I joined the grommet tape to the heading sewing right sides together then stitching below only. I also used a 4 inch strip on iron on interfacing on the top so that when I cut the grommet holes the silk would have more body. It worked out great...now my clients want drapes with grommets too! Thanks for a good product."  M. Hoenig

11. Question: Will it work going thru two layers of semi light weight fabric?

HOMESPUN: As long as you sew it on the BACK of all layers, it will work.

12. Question: Will it work if my width is slightly less than double fullness?

HOMESPUN: Yes, it's just if it's too small, you won't get the lovely folds.

13. Question: Since there is not a back ring, how will that look on the back?

HOMESPUN: If your drapery is up against the wall, it will not show anyway. However, if it's inside a window, showing from the outside, or a doorway, that is see from both sides, etc, it will show. In that case you will need to get the other Grommets that are the same on both sides, and those do not come with a grommet tape system. You will need to order them individually.

Go-Tabs/ Tab Top Slides:

1. Question: Is it best to fit the Go-Tabs to the Tab or to the pole?

ANSWER: Always fit the Go-Tab to the pole size.

 

Sheers:

1. Question:  What is a "Euro-Hem"?

ANSWER:  The EuroHem is a beaded lead weight chain sewn into the bottom selvage of our 118" seamless goods. There is also a gold colored thread that is crimped into the lead. The chain is covered by the matching thread color of the fabric so that you cannot see the actual chain itself.

Roman Shades:

1. Question:  What does the Continuous Cord mean?

ANSWER:  It is an alternative cording system which eliminates the need for a wall cleat and works as a cord lock. They are different mechanism.
Continuous cord has a cleaner look than cord lock. When you use continuous cord system the Minimum width is 28” and Max width is 120”.
Cord locks can be used to certain style shades with Max of 9 cords. We would not know untill we enter the order.

Installers:

For your convenience, below is a list that we are growing. Although we did receive references from them, and have included some information (click on the link of their business name), it is good to do your own checking when you call as well.
We do not guarantee any of their work, so ask for theirs directly. If you find one you like, please them know that we can refer them on our website to other customers in your area!

 INSTALLERS: Please contact us to request a listing in your area on our website.

  1. Mesa AZ: William Archibeque - Imaginations Installations - Phoenix area & surrounding areas as far as Sedona, Payson and Tucson for additional travel charge. 480-620-3335
  2. Updated as we get them . . .

 Cleaning Tips:  (Let us list your comments!)

"Re: cleaning draperies - if they are not lined and they are at all durable, I put mine on air dry in the dryer to tumble the dust out for about 5 minutes. No smoking or heavy cooking in my house, but there are cats and general dust.".  N Fisher, Modesto CA 

If you do make the changes above, send me another photo and let me know how if you agree with the tip, disagree with the tip, or have another comment for it. We are adding to this all the time. This is a new page, and will keep growing with your input! Thanks!

Privacy Policy:

We will NEVER share your email address or other contact information with anyone. We spend a small fortune every month dealing with spam. We are not about to contribute to the problem.

Return Policy:

DRAPERY RODS: There is a 25% restocking charge for any Drapery Rod returns. Please email for a return shipping address, as this will vary. We cannot process credits without the merchandise being returned to the correct address. Return shipping charges as well as original shipping and handling (S&H) charges will not be reimbursed. Refund will be issued by the original method of payment.

GROMMETS: 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee: Order the GROMMET SAMPLE KIT, and you can return or exchange your order within 30 days in original condition. Any returns on Grommet items when Grommet Kit has not been reviewed first, can only be exchanged for different finish selection or a 20% restocking charge will apply. (Special Order items are not returnable.) Return shipping charges as well as original shipping and handling (S&H) charges will not be reimbursed. Refund will be issued by the original method of payment. Minimum shipping on any order is $6.95, Priority Mail.

FABRICS: Cut yardage or Bolts are not returnable, so we recommend getting the Sample Card or sample swatches if there is any doubt before you make your purchase.