There are a few rules when choosing the interlining that is best for your curtains and blinds, and as with many things, try and buy the best quality you can afford. An interlining will give body to your face fabric and maximise the drape and hang of the material. It is used in between the face fabric and the lining. It can only be used in hand made curtains, and as such is a more costly alternative but one that is worth every penny. If you have ever walked into a room and thought – wow! what beautiful curtains – the chances are they are interlined!
Follow these rules for choosing your interlining and you won’t go wrong......
Interlinings are either natural fibre or synthetic, and come in various weights. Common types are domette (cotton), twill (cotton/viscose mix) and bump (very thick cotton). They come bleached or unbleached – unbleached being less costly and fine unless you are having white curtains.
Choose an interlining that has as similar fabric composition to your face fabric as possible. It will help when the curtains are cleaned and prevent shrinkage, pulling and stretching.
Choose an interlining weight that reflects as best as possible the weight of your face fabric. For instance, use the lightest weight cotton domette interling with a fine silk, and a heavy “bump” for a heavy weight cut velvet. Dont be tempted to use bump with fine silk as it totally overshadows the body of the silk and ruins its drape.
There are some specialist interlings , Aratex (100% synthetic) and flame retardant interlinings which are usually available on request although they are not always regularly sold on the domestic market.
Always use an interlining if you want to cut out light – lining on their own aren’t as good as when you combine them with interlining.