Making Tie-Backs For Camper Curtains: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make tie backs for camper curtains

Camper van curtains are a great way to add privacy and a homely touch to your vehicle. But what's the best way to keep them open when you want to let the light in? Curtain tie backs are an easy, affordable, and customisable solution. Whether you're a sewing novice or a whizz with a needle and thread, making your own curtain tie backs is a simple project that will add a pop of colour and personality to your curtains.

Characteristics Values
Materials Fabric, velcro, fusible fleece interfacing, rotary cutter, mat, thread, pins, scissors, drapery hooks, plastic hooks, plastic rings, spring clothes pins, screw, aluminium stock, well nut, rubber bushing, knitting needle, sewing machine
Time 15 minutes
Cost $4

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Sewing tie backs to the far edge of the curtain

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric

Start by measuring and cutting the fabric for your tie backs. You will need enough fabric to create ties that are long enough to comfortably wrap around your curtains. For each tie, cut two pieces of fabric that are approximately 4" wide and 21" long. You can adjust these measurements based on the size of your curtains and the desired length of the tie backs.

Step 2: Prepare the Fabric

Once you have your fabric pieces cut, it's time to prepare them for sewing. Iron the fabric to remove any creases or wrinkles. If needed, you can also wash and dry the fabric before ironing. This step will ensure that your tie backs look neat and professional.

Step 3: Sew the Velcro

Next, you'll add the velcro to one of the fabric pieces. Place a piece of velcro approximately 0.5 inches from the end of the fabric. Pin it in place, then sew around the edges to secure it. Repeat this step for the opposite side of the velcro on the other end of the fabric, also about 0.5 inches from the edge.

Step 4: Attach the Second Fabric Piece

Now, take the second fabric piece and lay it on top of the first piece, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin or clip them together to hold them in place. Sew along the edges of three sides, leaving one of the small ends open. Remember to backstitch at the start and finish for added strength.

Step 5: Trim and Turn Right-Side Out

After sewing, carefully trim off any excess fabric close to the stitching line. Be careful not to cut into the seam. Then, turn the tie inside out through the open end. Use a pencil or a similar object to push out the corners gently, ensuring they are fully turned out.

Step 6: Fold and Iron the Raw Ends

Fold the raw edges on the open end inward by approximately 0.25 inches, and pin them in place. If needed, iron the fabric to create a neat and crisp fold. This step will give your tie a finished look and prevent the edges from fraying.

Step 7: Sew Around the Tie

Using your sewing machine, sew around all four edges of the tie, including the open end. Follow the edge of the fabric as your guide, and ensure that your stitches are straight and even. This final step will close the opening and give your tie a polished appearance.

Step 8: Repeat for Additional Ties

If you need multiple tie backs for your camper curtains, simply repeat the above steps for each additional tie. This method is easy to replicate, and you can create as many tie backs as needed.

By following these steps, you'll have secure and attractive tie backs sewn directly to the far edge of your camper curtains. This is a practical and efficient way to manage your curtains, allowing in more light and providing a neat appearance.

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Using hooks to hang tie backs

Hooks are a great option for hanging tie backs for camper curtains. Here are some tips and ideas for using hooks:

Types of Hooks

  • Drapery hooks: These are the kind used in pleated drapes. You can stick the pointed end of the hook into the ensolite and sew small plastic rings onto the tiebacks to hang them on the hooks. This method is cheap, easy, and the holes will close up if you ever want to remove the hooks.
  • Cup hooks: Install two 3/4 inch cup hooks to hold your curtain tiebacks. These hooks usually screw into the wall easily and can be purchased at any hardware store for around $0.50.
  • Command hooks: These are adhesive hooks that can be stuck onto the wall without drilling. However, they may not stick well, so be sure to test them out first.

Attaching the Tie Backs

  • Sewn-on tie backs: You can sew the tie backs directly to the far edge of the curtains. Push the curtains as far back from the window as the curtain rod will allow, then wrap the tie back around the curtain. This method works well if the tie back has velcro on it, as it will wrap tightly.
  • Rings or loops: You can sew small plastic rings or fabric loops onto the canvas at the side of each window. Then, simply loop the tieback through the ring or loop, pull the curtain back, and tie.
  • Hooks and loops: If your tiebacks have hooks and loops, you will need to attach them to the wall or window frame. Find the desired length from the top of the window and mark it with a pencil. Then, drill and attach a hook to install the tiebacks.

Tips and Tricks

  • Experiment with different drape styles for your curtains. Most curtain tiebacks are placed between halfway and 2/3 of the way down a curtain, about 3 inches from the edge of the window.
  • For heavy curtains or tiebacks with two loops, you may need to use a larger hook.
  • If you don't want to attach hooks to the wall, you can use a screw from the window frame. Run the screw through the edge of the curtain, then through the tie back, and screw it back into the frame.

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Choosing the right fabric for tie backs

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your camper curtain tie-backs, there are several factors to consider, including the formality of the setting, the season, and your personal style preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you select the most suitable fabric for your needs:

Silk

Silk is the classic choice for tie-backs due to its luxurious feel and elegant drape. It is the most popular fabric for ties and is ideal for creating a formal and sophisticated look. Silk ties come in a range of weights, so opt for a heavyweight silk with a smooth finish for the most formal occasions. For a summer wedding or outdoor event, a lightweight silk tie with some texture can add a stylish touch. Silk can also be combined with other materials, such as linen, wool, or cotton, to create a unique blend.

Wool

Wool is a versatile and durable option for curtain tie-backs. It offers a unique texture and is available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Wool tie-backs are perfect for adding a casual touch to your camper curtains or when you want to incorporate more texture into your interior design. Keep in mind that wool may not be the best choice for warmer climates as it tends to be heavier than other fabrics.

Cotton

Cotton is an excellent choice for summer or warm-weather camping trips. Cotton tie-backs are typically lightweight and breathable, ensuring you stay comfortable during the hot months. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, making them versatile for different casual outfits. Cotton may not have the same luxurious appearance as silk or wool, but it adds a touch of cool comfort to your camper curtains.

Linen

Linen is the quintessential fabric for summer camping excursions or beach trips. Linen tie-backs have a distinctive texture and are generally lightweight and breathable, making them well-suited for warm weather. Linen is available in an array of colours and patterns, allowing you to find the perfect match for your camper curtains. While linen may wrinkle more easily than other fabrics, this only adds to its casual and relaxed charm.

Other Options

In addition to the above-mentioned fabrics, you can also explore other materials such as polyester, which is a budget-friendly option, or natural fibres like cashmere. Polyester ties are easy to care for and come in a range of colours and patterns, making them suitable for casual occasions. Cashmere, on the other hand, is a luxurious and soft natural fibre that can add a touch of elegance to your tie-backs, although it may be more expensive.

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Adding velcro to tie backs

Adding velcro to your camper curtain tie backs is a great way to ensure they stay in place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials:

  • Camper curtains with tie backs
  • Sew-on velcro (coordinating colour or black/white)
  • Scrap fabric (quilting cotton or similar)
  • Rotary cutter and mat (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Knitting needle or something pointy
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Pins

Step 1: Cut Fabric

Cut your fabric into four equal pieces. The size will depend on the width and bulkiness of your curtains. For standard curtains, cut the fabric into pieces that are approximately 2.75" by 19". If you have wide or bulky curtains, cut larger pieces, around 3.5" by 25".

Step 2: Sew Fabric Pieces Together

Take two of the fabric pieces and place them right sides together, lining up the edges. Pin them in place. Sew around the edges of three sides, leaving one short end open. Repeat this process with the other two fabric pieces.

Step 3: Trim, Turn, and Press

Trim the corners of the sewn fabric pieces to reduce bulk. Turn each piece right side out and use a knitting needle to poke out the corners for a nice point. Smooth the edges and press the fabric pieces flat with an iron.

Step 4: Fold and Press the Open End

Fold and press the raw edges of the open end inward, creating a seam allowance. Ensure the edges are even, then pin and press with an iron.

Step 5: Topstitch

Starting with the folded end, topstitch close to the outside edge to close the opening. Pivot at the corners and continue topstitching around the remaining three sides of each tieback.

Step 6: Cut and Attach Velcro

Cut small strips of both the hook and loop sides of the velcro, slightly narrower than the width of one end of each tieback. Pin the hook pieces to one end of each tieback and sew them in place by stitching around the edges of the velcro in a rectangle.

Step 7: Attach Loop Velcro

Lay the tiebacks so that the hook pieces are facing up. Flip the left end of the tieback over to the right and attach the loop velcro to the left end, on the reverse side. Sew the loop velcro in place, ensuring that it will meet with the hook velcro when fastened.

Step 8: Try Out Your Tie Backs

Loop the tiebacks around your curtains, positioning the velcro closure towards the back so it's not visible. Adjust the placement to your liking, ensuring the curtains are not too tight and angled downward towards the window.

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Using tie backs to let in more light

Using Tie-Backs to Let in More Light

Tie-backs are a great way to let in more light to your camper. They are simple to make and can add a pop of colour and personality to plain curtains. They are also useful if you want to add some cute functionality to your decor.

To make curtain tie-backs, you will need some basic sewing supplies and equipment. These include a sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors, and a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler (optional). In terms of materials, you will need fabric, fusible fleece interfacing, and velcro.

To start, cut out your fabric. You will need two pieces of fabric per tie, each measuring 4" x 21". If you have large curtains or multiple panels, you may need to cut your fabric longer. Cut an additional piece of fusible fleece, slightly smaller than the fabric.

Next, iron the fleece to the backside of one piece of fabric. Place a pressing cloth over the fleece and apply medium heat for 10-15 seconds until bonded. On the fabric side, pin and sew a piece of velcro about half an inch from each end.

Now, lay the fabric with the fleece on top of the other piece, with right sides touching. Pin or clip them together. Sew around the edge of three sides, leaving one small end open. Trim off any excess fabric, being careful not to cut the seam.

Turn the tie-back right-side out through the open end. Use a pencil or similar object to push out the corners. Fold and iron the raw ends of the open end, then sew all the way around the tie, including the open end.

Repeat these steps to make as many tie-backs as needed. You can now use these tie-backs to hold back your curtains, letting in more light and adding a decorative touch to your camper curtains.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a scrap of fabric, velcro, a rotary cutter and mat, and a knitting needle or something pointy to poke out corners.

You will need a scrap of fabric at least 20 inches long. If you have wide curtains or ones made from bulky material, you may need a piece of fabric that is longer than 20 inches.

You can use any type of fabric, but quilting cotton is recommended.

You can sew the tie backs to the far edge of the curtains, or use hooks, clips, or pins to attach them.

Yes! You can use a fun print or colourful fabric to add some personality to your curtains.

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