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M ea s u r i n g fo r Cu r t a i n s
To determine curtain width:
The width measurement required is the width of the rail or pole (from finial to finial on your window.) Ideally the rail or pole position should be a minimum 15cm (6) above the window and 15-30cm (6-12) either side of the window, so curtains can be drawn clear of the window allowing maximum light through. Include also the width of overlaps and returns. See figure 1 below

To determine curtain length:


Measure from the top of the rail or bottom of the pole rings (where pole is to be exposed when curtains are hanging) to the required length. There are three typical length positions.

Measure from the pole or rail to:


1 2 15cm (6) below the window sill (assuming no obstruction such as a radiator) 2.5cm (1) above the radiator 2.5cm (1) above floor level

Rail or Pole
Curtain Track

See figure 2 below


v

B
measure full width of track from A to B

rail or pole position minimum 15cm (6) above window


w

Curtain Pole

A
measure full width of pole from finial to finial A to B

Corded Rail
C A C D B 2

B
measure width of track A to B add width of return B to C x 2 add width of overlap C to D figure 1 figure 2

TIP

Always use a metal rule or measuring tape as plastic tapes can stretch. Alternatively avail of professional measuring service.

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M ea s u r i n g fo r Cu r t a i n s fo r a B ay W i n d ow
KL G AB CD EF MN I

J
2.5cm (1) above floor level

Width
For width of bay: measure A B, C D, E F For dressed curtains i.e. mock curtains on outside of bay: measure K L, M N

s Each bay window is unique and therefore requires specific measuring. We recommend our own Hickeys fitter measures for a bay window. s Check and see if your rail can go on the wall or ceiling, most rails will go both ways. s Hickeys recommend a double duty (heavy weight) metal rail with a pull cord system. This is a customised rail to suit your specific measurements. Please ask your sales assistant for details.

Drop
For drop required: 1. Where there is a radiator or window seat measure G H 2. For floor length curtains measure I J (2.5cm or 1 above floor level)

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A quick guide to estimating fabric widths required for your curtains

Pencil Pleat Curtains

Fitting on a Rail based on 137cm (54) wide fabric


Rail Width
4ft 6ft 8ft 10ft 12ft

Number Lengths Required


3 lengths of cloth 4 lengths of cloth 5 lengths of cloth 6 lengths of cloth 7 lengths of cloth

Number of Widths Each Side


1 /2 2 2 /2 3 3 /2
1 1 1

Fitting on a Pole based on 137cm (54) wide fabric


Pole Width
4ft 6ft 8ft 10ft 12ft

Number Lengths Required


2 lengths of cloth 3 lengths of cloth 4 lengths of cloth 5 lengths of cloth 6 lengths of cloth

Number of Widths Each Side


1 1 /2 2 2 /2 3
1 1

Note: Tab Top curtains require less fabric. For an estimate of the meterage required for Pinch or Pencil Pleat curtains, please refer to the fabric Ready Reckenor overleaf.

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H i c key s S e r v i ce s : M a k i n g H o m e Fu r n i s h i n g E a s i e r fo r Yo u
At Hickeys & Home Focus at Hickeys, staff have an excellent knowledge of fabrics and colour co-ordination. It is always helpful if you have a sample of carpet, wallpaper or cushion covers with you, to help in coordinating your colour scheme. Curtain Making Service
Each of our stores has a team of highly skilled curtain makers with expertise in all styles of curtain and soft furnishing designs. The illustrations included in this guide can be made up to your specific measurements and design requirements within approximately four to five weeks. Our making service includes:

Expert advise from all staff

Professional Window Measuring


Unsure of your exact window measurements? Is there an unusually shaped window? Our professional curtain fitters are fully qualified to measure for all window sizes for blinds nets, curtains and pelmets. The curtain fitter will call to your home at a convenient time, measure the required window(s) and rely the details back to your Hickeys store where the staff will then complete an estimate for curtains, blinds or your chosen treatment.

s Curtains s Pelmets s Swags and Tails s Roman Blinds s Cushions s Throws s Quilted Throws and Bedspreads

Quilted Bedspreads

Custom made cushions and curtains

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Curtain Fitting Service


When your new curtains or blinds are ready, Hickeys can arrange for them to be professionally hung for you in your home, including putting up any rail or pole required and placing tiebacks. We recommend that any difficult window treatments such as swags and tails or hard pelmets are professionally hung by an experienced Hickeys fitter.

Please ask your sales assistant for details of this service

Fabric Flame Proofing


It is highly recommended that upholstery fabrics are treated for fire when used for couches and chairs etc. Hickeys can arrange for your chosen upholstery fabric to be treated for you.

Details of charges are available form our sales staff instore

Stain Proofing
Stain proofing helps protect fabrics from spills. It is especially beneficial for upholstered furniture. We can arrange for your chosen fabrics to be stain proofed.

Please ask a sales assistant for details of charges

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Rea d y Re c ko n e r fo r Cu r t a i n s
Fre n c h P l ea t o r Pe n c i l P l ea t Cu r t a i n s o n a R a i l
PLAIN FABRIC Hem allowance of 30cm (12) Rail Size up to 120cm up to 184cm up to 240cm up to 300cm up to 365cm up to 137cm drop (54) 5.0 mts 6.7 mts 8.4 mts 10.0 mts 11.7 mts
1

(4ft) (6ft) (8ft) (10ft) (12ft)

up to 180cm drop (72) 6.4 mts 8.6 mts 10.7 mts 13.0 mts 15.0 mts

up to 230cm drop (90) 7.8 mts 10.4 mts 13.0 mts 15.6 mts 18.2 mts

Above meterage is based on curtains being 2 /2 times fullness. PATTERNED FABRIC BASED ON A 64CM (25) PATTERN REPEAT Hem allowance of 30cm (12) Rail Size up to 120cm up to 184cm up to 240cm up to 300cm up to 365cm up to 160cm drop (63) 5.8 mts 7.7 mts 9.6 mts 11.6 mts 13.5 mts up to 223cm drop (88) 7.7 mts 10.3 mts 12.8 mts 15.4 mts 18.0 mts up to 287cm drop (113) 9.6 mts 12.8 mts 16.0 mts 19.2 mts 22.4 mts

(4ft) (6ft) (8ft) (10ft) (12ft)

Note: For pole fitting, less fabric is normally required (no additional allowance of fabric necessary for returns and overlaps as required with rail).

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Curtain Styles
Curtain Making Service
Your order for curtains and soft furnishings will be made by our designated curtain makers to the highest standard. Finished curtains are folded and bound in their pleats and wrapped in a protective plastic covering. All curtains are pinned or hooked ready to be hung. There are three curtain making processes. Hand Sewn: Curtain hems, sides and headings are all hand sewn in place. This is a very tailored finish and is often required on voiles and heavy weight fabrics such as velvet and chennille which can not be machine sewn.

Pencil Pleat Finish


Informal style used frequently in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Suitable for all types of fabrics. Made using a 3 tape with three hook settings which allows for flexibility in hanging. Top pocket used with a pole, bottom pocket used with rail to conceal rail. Fabric required is generally 2 or 2 /2 x the width of the rail/pole for sufficient fullness.
1

Pencil Pleat Heading

French or Pinch Pleat Finish


More formal style than the pencil pleat above. Used frequently in sitting rooms, dining rooms and halls or to give a more elegant look to bedroom windows. Pleats are hand stitched in place and curtains are made to fit the exact rail size. 10cm (4) or 15cm (6) Buckram used at Hickeys for custom-made curtains giving a very professional firm finish. 6 Buckram is advisable for full-length curtains. Fabric is recommended at 2 /4 2 /2 times the rail width. Buttons, in a contrast fabric, often enhance the look and finish of this style.
1 1

Custom Made: Curtain sides and heading are machine felled while hems are hand sewn in place. Suitable for all types of curtains except interlined curtains and heavy weight fabrics which should be hand sewn. Machine sewn: Curtain hems, sides and headings are all machine sewn in place. Recommended only on pencil pleat curtains. Not suitable on voiles and heavy weight fabrics. Buckrum is used on all goblet and french pleat curtains and the headings are hand stitched in place. At Hickeys and Home Focus stores we use a customised finish unless fabric requires hand stitching.

French Pleat Heading

French Pleat Heading with Contrast Buttons

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Goblet Pleat Finish


Graceful and stylish finish for more formal room settings suitable for all types of fabrics. 10cm (4) to 15cm (6) buckram is used for a goblet finish. Alternatively goblet pleat tape provides a very professional finish whilst also allowing two positioning options on the pole or rail. Pleats are hand sewn in position, approximately 10cm(4) apart. Fabric is recommended at 2 /4 2 /2 x times rail width for sufficient fullness. Goblet Curtains are often enhanced by adding buttons in a contrasting colour as shown here. The shape is held by stuffing each goblet with wadding or similar material.
Goblet Heading with contrast buttons
1 1

Note: By their nature, a goblet finished curtain has a fuller heading and when 1 stacked back, these curtains take up to 1 /2 times more space than a standard finish. It is therefore advisable to account for this by allowing extra pole or rail length at each side of the window to ensure sufficient space to draw the curtains back off the window. Refer to section on measuring for advice on accurate window/rail measuring.
Goblet heading

Tab or Loop Top Heading


s Increasingly popular and contemporary curtain style for a casual setting. Not suitable if curtains are to be drawn frequently as tab can fray due to friction along the pole. s Often used as a decorative finish on a pole.
Tab top curtains with contrast buttons Tab or loop top heading

s Fabric required is recommended at 1 1 /2 times pole width. s Tab top curtains are often enhanced by using contrasting fabric for tabs with buttons covered in a matching fabric.

Rivet or Eyelet Finish


Modern and contemporary finish using a tape and eyelets. The Eyelets come in Chrome, Brass and Black. Fabric required is 1 recommended recommend 2 2 /2 x width of pole. The pole is slotted through the eyelets.

Eyelet finish

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Valance or Pelmet Styles


Valance or Pelmet Styles
At Hickeys and Homefocus at Hickeys we can make a variety of pelmet styles. Each design is given individual attention by our professional curtain makers. Your Sales Assistant will be more than happy to help you choose a style to complement your curtains and window setting. Pelmets can be prepared using tape or buckram on a valance rail or upholstered on to a wood board for a more formal look. Note: Board fitting is recommended for window widths of 3.6m (10) and over.

Straight pencil pleat pelmet

Straight Pencil Pleat Pelmet


Straight, Pencil Pleat Pelmet for informal but stylish finish. Pencil pleat tape used for gathered effect. Minimum 12 drop recommended (allowing a minimum 3 below the window frame). One extra width of fabric over that used for curtains is recommended to ensure fullness. Pelmets are normally lined. When measuring allow for returns of approx 15cm (6) each side.

Straight pencil pleat pelmet with a fringe trim

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Curved Pencil Pleat


A curved pencil pleat pelmet can add extra interest and character to enhance any window. One extra width of fabric over that used for curtains is recommended. Centre of pelmet is a minimum 30cm (12) with sides a minimum 45cm (18). Fitted with a valance rail or a twosome rail or stapled on to a wooden board attached by wall brackets

Curved pencil pleat pelmet with contrast fringing

French or Pinch Pleat Pelmet


Elegant, formal finish ideal for dining rooms, lounge or bedrooms. Pleats are hand-stitched in place approx. 4 apart and hung from a separate rail. The pelmet is lined to provide more body. One extra width over curtains is required to allow for pelmet fullness and returns. Depth of pelmet can vary but a minimum 15cm (12) is recommended. For windows of 3.6m (10) or over a board is recommended in lieu of a rail.

French pleat pelmet with contrast braid

TIP
10

A trim of braid or fabric in a contrasting colour can help distinguish the pelmet while blending with other colours in the room.

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Formal Swags & Tails


Very formal and elegant finish always accompanied by full-length curtains. Swags are lined with sateen lining while the tails are generally lined in a contrasting fabric colour. Generally there is an uneven number of swags usually three or five. The number of folds per tail is determined by the finished length of the tail. As a general guideline, 1.5m of fabric are required for each swag and each tail plus a similar quantity of lining/contrast fabric. Hickeys make swags and tails to specific measurements and design specifications. Swags and tails are supplied fitted to a wood board. It is recommended that these are professionally measured and fitted in your home.

In Bay Windowscravets are required between each swag

Please enquire about our fitting service.

Informal Swag
Suited to long windows or doors and for widths of 1.8m (6) or less only. General drop of 45cm (18) at the centre point. Side tail is generally 60cm (24) drop. Fabric required for a 1.8m (6) window allow up to 4 metres. Fabric is self lined or lined in a contrast fabric. Tails are tapered. Swag is fitted to a wooden board for firm support and drape effect is produced using swag holders at each top corner.

Note: not suitable for doors opening inwards or for tilt windows.

Simple Swag
Very elegant and increasingly popular draped pelmet. Used with curtains but also looks good on its own to dress a window frame. Fabric required is determined by the width of the pole plus the required drop on each side. This is very much down to personal taste. Generally left unlined to prevent bulkiness and provide softer folds. May be fitted using Velcro and a curtain pole. Alternatively draped over two swag holders, as overleaf. For smaller windows i.e. bathrooms valance creators are often used to provide the same effect ideal with voiles. Tails may be ironed into shape prior to fitting. (See overleaf)

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Measuring Guidelines for a Hard Pelmet


We recommend that Hard Pelmets are professionally measured and hung by our professional curtain fitter. Fabric is upholstered onto a wood board and hung on wall brackets. There is a wide choice of pelmet shapes available or you can design your own. Our sales assistant will be happy to advise you. D A C B

Stiff Pelmet
Measure A B width C D length A C returns Stiff Pelmets are most suitable for full-length curtains. A pelmet is normally 1/6 of the drop of the curtains. Please note that any pelmet cam be trimmed in a contrast fabric or braiding. Our sales assistant will be more than happy to discuss these options with you.

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Hard pelmet options: Please ask your sales asistant for advise
Style A Style G

Style B

Style H

Style C

Style I

Style D

Style J

Style E

Style K

Style F

Style L

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Fabric Care Code Guidelines


All fabrics must be treated carefully when cleaning. Many curtain and upholstery fabrics are dry clean only. Please refer to the swing ticket attached to each roll of fabric in our stores for details of specific care instructions or ask your sales assistant for advise.

Curtain Care
Before cleaning your curtains, remove the curtain hooks and loosen the draw cords. Handwash only where recommended using a powder detergent fully dissolved. Avoid rubbing the fabric but wash by gently squeezing motions. Machine washable fabrics should be washed at the recommended temperature do not wash or spin for longer than advised. Rinse thoroughly. Lined and interlined curtains should always be dry-cleaned unless otherwise specified.

Net Curtain Care


Net Curtains should be gently hand washed in warm water and detergent. Shake out all dust prior to washing. Use a Curtain Whitener available in Hickeys to restore net whiteness. Net curtains should not be machine washed or dry cleaned as the delicate fabric may be damaged.

30
Machine wash at 30

30
Machine wash at 30 with special care

40
Machine wash at 40

40
Machine wash at 40 with special care

60
Machine wash at 60

60
Machine wash at 60 with special care

95
Machine wash at 95

95
Machine Wash at 95 with special care

Do not wash

Cool hand wash only

Cool iron only

Medium iron only

P
Hot iron only Do not iron Dry clean

P
Dry clean with special care

cl
Do not dry clean Do not tumble dry Chlorine bleach only Do not bleach

Tumble dry on mark #1

Tumble dry on mark #2

Note: Curtain and upholstery fabrics may shrink if washed or dry cleaned. The accepted industry standard is shrinkage of up to 5%

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Creating a Simply Swag to Dress a Small Window


Valance Creator

Valance Creators
Are used to dress smaller windows i.e. bathrooms or landings. Best used with a 54 lightweight fabric ie. voile or muslin. They help create a soft elegant finish on small windows and look great with a window blind. C Steps to take: 1. Attach the valance creator above your window. figure A 2. Cut a length of fabric equal to A B x 2 (your required drop) plus A C plus 1 metre for the rosette and hems. We suggest using a lightweight fabric such as a voile no more than 135cm (54) wide for best effect. 3. Fold your fabric into 10cm (4) pleats down the length, drape over the arms of the valance creator ensuring the curtain tails are of equal length as in figure B. Arrange the pleats of fabric above the window into a swag. Figure C 4. Holding the swag in place on the arm of the valance creator, take hold of the curtain tail about 20cm (8) down from the arm, pull this tail into a loop through the spiral from the back to the front just below the ball as in figure C. 5. Holding the loop through the middle with one hand, pull out all the pleats with the other to create a rosette as in figure D. Why not use the valance creator to enhance an existing pair of curtains or even a window blind. Using a contrasting piece of fabric you can create a dramatic two tone layered effect.

Figure A A

Figure B

Figure D

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Net Curtains & Voiles


Net Curtains
A variety of designs are stocked in selected Hickeys and Homefocus at Hickeys stores including plain and patterned nets in cream or white. These are available in a number of standard designs and finished drops. Standard Drops Available

s We can arrange to have any net curtain drops altered to suit a specific window size. Please ask your sales assistant for advice on this. s For nets we recommend at least twice fullness. (Measure your curtain track and double it for the length of net curtain required). This is a matter of 1 taste, it is not unusual for customers to request 2 /2 times fulness or greater. s Fine sheer or voile fabric is also a substitute for net curtains. Voile is available in a number of colours both plain and patterned. Most voiles are 54 or 72 wide.

36 40 45 48 54 60 63 72 81 90

Hanging Net Curtains


Net curtains are traditionally hung using net wire hung within the window recess. Alternatively, tension rods are suspended within the recess offering a firm and straight support for hanging nets. Tension rods are telescopic and can be adjusted to your exact recess size.

Voiles
Voiles or sheers are an increasingly popular alternative to nets. Voile is available by the meter and can be made up with a simple 1 tape or lined with 3 tape or buckrum. A selection of ready made voile panels in different designs and colours is available at Homefocus and a number of Hickeys stores.

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Curtain Linings
There are a number of advantages to lining your curtains:
s Sunlight can cause fabrics to fade, lining helps prevent this. s Linings add weight and bulk to curtains enabling them to hang better and making them look fuller and softer. s The addition of curtain linings helps block out light, increase insulation and helps minimise outside noise. s Linings provide a uniform look from the outside of the house.

Types Of Curtain Lining


s Solprufe: which comes in white or cream and helps to prevent curtains from fading s Blackout: This blocks out light completely and is used most frequently in children's rooms or where someone is working a night shift. It also increases insulation. s Thermal: Increases insulation cool in summer, warm in winter. s Poly Cotton: this is available in ivory and white. s Interlining: This lining is used between fabric and any of the above linings it creates a very luxurious effect.

Lining adds bulk to curtains making them look fuller & softer

Readymade linings are available in pre-made sizes. These can


be attached to unlined curtains by inserting the existing curtain hooks through the tape on the readymade lining. Readymade linings can easily be removed for separate cleaning.

Readymade Lining Sizes


Cotton width 46 46 66 66 66 90 90 90 x x x x x x x x drop 48 54 54 72 90 54 52 90 Blackout width 66 x drop 54

66 66 90 90

x x x x

72 90 54 90

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Curtain and Upholstery Fabric Information


Curtain and Upholstery Fabric Information
All our fabrics have a swing ticket at the end of each roll. Each ticket contains useful information to support your fabric choice including: s pattern repeat s composition s name and colour s width s care instructions s price per metre s suitability (upholstery or curtain only)

Fabric for upholstery purposes may require flameproofing

Upholstery Fabrics
Hickeys and Home Focus stock a number of upholstery fabric ranges. Upholstery fabrics can be identified by checking the labels at the end of each fabric roll. If the label specifies (UPH) beside the name, as shown overleaf, the fabric is suitable for upholstery use. Fabrics with the label abbreviation (CTN) are not suitable for upholstery purposes.

TIP

When purchasing fabric for upholstery use it is strongly recommended that the fabric is flame proofed before use. Hickeys can provide this service. Our sales staff will be happy to supply you with details.

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Fabric Information
see the swing ticket on each roll of fabric

Suitable for upholstery use (therfore also suitable for curtains) Fabric name Fabric composition Fabric width 140cm or 54 Price per metre Care code instructions (see care code guidelines in this guidebook) Fabric colour

Pattern repeat

Suitable for curtain use only (not suitable for upholstery)

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Trims and Edging


Enhance the finished look of curtains, pelmets, cushions and throws with a simple edging of braid fringing or a banding of fabric in a contrast colour. Our professional curtain makers can include any such design specification when making curtains. See our curtain accessories and trimmings section for some ideas, alternatively your sales assistant will be happy to advise you.

Options/choices available at Hickeys include


s a band of fabric in a contrasting colour s a trim of braid in a similar or contrasting colour s tassels

The finished look of your curtain or pelmet can be enhanced by adding a frill or edging especially in a contrast colour, fabric or braid. See our Curtain Accessories department for a wide choice of braids and fringing.

Braid Edging Use a Similar or Contrast Colour

Plain Straight Border (use a contrast fabric or colour)

Tassel or Braid Edging (see our wide selection of braid styles and colours)

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Accessorise Your Soft Furnishings


At hickeys and Home Focus we stock a huge range of curtain accessories from curtain hooks to tiebacks. Our staff can help you choose the right accessories to optimise the finished look of your curtains and soft furnishings
Add a little more luxury to curtains, cushions, throws and other soft furnishings with braid trim or fringing. This is a great way to introduce another colour or to co-ordinate colours within a room. There is a wide choice of contemporary fringing and braiding in store.

Trims and Edging

Tassels
Tassels are a colourful way of decorating cushions, throws or pelmets.

Curtain Accesories
Curtain Hooks and rings, tapes, coverbuttons.

Cover buttons

Tie back hooks

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Curtain Tie-backs and Hold-backs


Curtain Tie Backs
Tie backs are used to draw back curtains allowing more light in to the room and can be made to match your curtains in a similar or contrasting fabric or purchased separately from an extensive range of rope tie backs in store.

Rope tie-back in a contrasting colour

There is a wide range of roped tiebacks available at Hickeys and Home Focus stores. Allow .75metres of fabric per pair. Standard custom made tie-backs are stiffened and piped. Tie-backs can be made to your design and fabric specification either plain, piped or trimed in a contrast fabric or edging.
Custom made plaited tie-backs

Hold Back
Holdbacks are also used to hold curtains back and can very often match your curtain pole

TIP

Hook position for long curtains we recommend you place hook level with widow sill and for shorter curtains 12 30cm (10 12) above window sill.
Custom made cresent tie-backs

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Curtain Tapes and Accessories


Pencil Pleat Heading Regis Tape
Regis tape is recommended for a perfect pencil pleat heading. Suitable for all types of fabric curtains and valances except very lightweight fabrics and nets. The three non-slip draw cords ensure pleats stay in place. Woven pockets prevent pocket sag. Three rows of hook pockets provide a choice of three positions the top pocket for use with curtain poles and the bottom pocket to cover curtain tracks.

Deep Regis Tape


Deep Regis tape is a styling tape for perfect deep pencil pleats, especially for longer curtains. Two non-slip draw cords ensure pleats stay in place. Three woven pockets prevent pocket sag. Recommended for use with all types of curtain except for lightweight fabrics and nets.

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Box Pleat Tape


Creates crisp, tailored box pleats Recommended for use on valances with all types of fabric

Tridis Tape
A styling tape for elegant fanned pinch pleats. Recommended for use with all types of curtain and valance fabrics. Two non-slip draw cords ensure pleats stay in place. Woven pockets prevent pocket sag. 4 deep heading of full pleats individually stitched to the specific rail or pole size special metal grip pin hooks are used. 4 or 6 Buckram can also achoeve the same elegant finish.

Net Pleat tape


For crisp pencil pleats on nets and voiles. Two non-slip draw cords ensure that pleats stay in place. Woven pockets prevent pocket sag. Allows suspension from track or stretch wire.

Note: curtain hooks are not necessary when using net wire. Simply thread the wire or rod through the vertical loops at the back of the tape.

Goblet Pleat Tape


Curtain Styling for a formal and elegant goblet pleat finish. Two non-slip draw cords prevent pocket sag. Sewing lines make machining easy. Recommended for all types of curtain and valance 1 fabric. 2 /2 times fabric fullness is recommended. 6 Deep heading. 6 Buckram used with pin on hooks can also achieve the same elegant Goblet finish.

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Austrian Blind Tape


Creates stylish Austrian blinds Special woven loops mean no need to sew on rings. Translucent tape does not show through nets or fabric. Fabric allowance recommended is the drop plus 45cm and 2 times the window width. Recommended for use with medium to lightweight fabric including net, voiles or lace

Roman Blind Tape


Creates crisp horizontal folds on Roman Blinds Special woven cord guides mean no need to sew on rings. Recommended for use with all types of fabric except very lightweight fabric, net, voile or lace

Festoon Blind Tape


Creates stylish festoon blinds Only one row of sewing required. Twin pleating provided for perfect pleats. Fabric 1 allowance of 1 /2 to 2 times required drop and 2 times the width. Recommended for use with all types of fabric including net or lace fabric.

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Readymade Curtains
Today readymade curtains provide a convenient, stylish and inexpensive way to dress windows. At Hickeys and Home Focus at Hickeys we have created a range of readymade curtains of excellent quality and value. In many cases we source the fabric, design the finish and have them made to our own high standards. Most of our readymade curtains are fully lined in a choice of key widths and drops, with 3pencil pleat tape. Some Readymade Curtain Ranges can be customised to your specific width and drop for a small surcharge. This special readymade order will be available within four weeks. Please ask your sales assistant for details.

Readymade pencil pleat curtains

Standard Ready made curtain sizes


66 width x 54 drop to suit up to a 6ft pole 66 width x 90 drop 66 width x 72 drop 90 width x 54 drop to suit up to 8ft pole 90 width x 72 drop 90 width x 90 drop The above sizes are common to most ranges however wider widths and longer drops may also be available.

Other ready made curtain products


s Matching pelmets and tiebacks s Voile Panels
Readymade tab top curtains Pelmets are available with many readymade curtain designs

s Tab Top or Loop Top Curtains s Readymade curtain linings

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Hanging Your New Curtains


Having invested time and money in your new curtains you want them to look their best for a long time. It is important therefore that you follow the simple instructions below when draping your curtains for the first time. Youll continue to see the benefits for a long time afterwards.

Ensure you have sufficient curtain hooks and an equal number of curtain rings or gliders. Begin hanging the curtains from the window edge towards the centre. Once both curtains have been hung, check that they overlap in the centre and cover the walls at the ends. If necessary adjust the pleats accordingly. Where cords have been pulled, knot these securely and hide the cord in the lining or use a cord tidy. (Available from our accessories department) Pull the curtains open fully so they are stacked at the window edge. Begin to pleat the curtains with your fingers so that the leading edge is turned towards the window and no lining faces into the room. The bigger the window the larger the pleats should be.

When the curtains are completely pleated, tie a few strips of fabric or lining securely around them at intervals from top to bottom. Make sure that the pleats fall uniformly. Leave the curtains to settle for 2-3 weeks if possible. When released they will fall beautifully into perfect pleats.

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Bedding and Throw-overs


At a number of our larger Home Focus stores you will find good choices of bed linen, pillows, duvets, sheeting and bed spreads. All stores can provide a quilting service from your chosen fabric (see below) or have duvet covers, pillow cases and throws made to order from a fabric of your choice. Please check suitability of fabric for customised bed linen. Your sales assistant will be happy to advise.

Homefocus at Hickeys bed linen department

Customised Quilted Throws

A selection of some of the designs available

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Customised Quilting
Some quilting design options

Complete the look of your bedroom by designing your own bedding quilt, throwover, valance and/or cushions

Quilting
At Hickeys and Homefocus at Hickeys we can arrange for a fabric of your choice to be quilted so you can have a co-ordinated look in your bedroom. Theres a choice of designs available

Lines

Fabric Requirements
3 Single 46 Double 5 King 6 Queen
Diamond

82 x 118 100 x 118 106 x 118 118 x 118

6.5 metres 6.5metres 10 metres 10 metres

Please allow an extra 2.5 metres of fabric for valance quilts. For Borders and jumbo rolls allow a further 1.80metres. Our standard Specification for throwover quilts includes 5oz wadding and polycotton lining. Quilts are finished with a turned up hem, round corners at the bottom and enough length for a pillow tuck. Coloured lining and/or other weights of wadding can be used if specified. s s s s s
Outlined

Shell

Quilt styles available include: Fitted Quilt Throwover Quilt Fully Fitted Quilt Valanced Quilt

See overleaf for measuring guidelines.

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Measuring for Quilts, Throws and Valances


Platform valance styles
A D

1. Fully gathered valance

For a quilt or throwover measure the full length from A B (including allowance for covering the pillows). Measure the full width from C D (required drop of each side).

2. Boxed valance

3. Straight valance

TIP

When measuring for custom made quilts or throws it is advisable to dress the bed as normal before measuring to ensure accurate measurements of lenght and width.

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Measuring for Blinds


You will need to take into consideration the direction in which your window opens to avoid interference with the blind. C A B

Inside of Window Recess


To select your correct size. Measure width of recess at both top A B and bottom E F area of window. (Inner width may vary slightly or if bottom section of recess is tiled use lesser measurement). Measure length of recess C D. O

E D

1 minimum M

Blinds Outside Of Window Recess


Measure width allowing 1 minimum wall surface each side of the window receess M N. This prevents light filtering through. Measure length from the required position above the window O P.

Note: Does Window open into or out of room. Windows opening into room will limit options available. When measuring blinds for glass doors allow clearance for door handle when deciding on required width. Please ask our Assistants for advice.

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Choosing a Blind
Customised Blinds
At Hickeys and Homefocus at Hickeys, you can choose form a wide range of designs and colours with a large selection of fabric options. Blinds can be made to fit either inside or outside the window recess or door. Your sales assistant will be more than happy to advise you. At Hickeys a choice of blind styles are available including.

Roller Blinds
Ideal for most window and door types. Choose from a wide selection of styles available. A blind in your chosen fabric can be made to your specification. A variety of finishing treatments are available (scallops, turret, straight, shaped). Please refer to our instore blind catalogue.

Vertical
3 and 5 veins available. Suitable for glass doors especially patios. Choose from a variety of colours. See our blind catalogue. Available in Fabric and Wood.

Roller Blind with straight edge finish

Venetian
25mm, 35mm and 50mm slat size available. Choose from a variety of colours. See our blind catalogue/book for details. Venetian Blind on a Velux Window.

Roman
Flat blind, pleated up form base to provide a contemporary look. Supplied with a pull cord which can be strung to the left or right hand side of the blind. Hickeys make roman blinds up to one width of fabric. Recommended 1 width of 54 wide maximum.

Velux
Specialised blind. Please check the reference code on your window and our Sales Advisor can provide the relevant details.

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Some Inspiring Ideas for Unusual Windows

Unusual Shaped Windows


Arched/Apex our trained staff will be willing to discuss treatments for these windows.

Converted Attic: Blind options for Velux windows Options for the treatment of bay wondows.

There are lots of options to consider in the treatment of unusual windows. At Hickeys and Homefocus at Hickeys our furnishings staff can help you determine the best option.

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Rails and Poles


All our stores offer an extensive choice of rails and poles. Rails and poles are on display in the curtain department. All popular rails and poles are held in stock in each store. Other more specialised styles on display can be ordered and are generally available within one week.

Bay Windows
Made to measure rails for bay windows are charged per foot required and are specially manufactured to your specific window requirements. These usually take no more than 10 days to produce. We recommend that bay windows are professionally measured and fitted.

Sugar blasted finial

Hickeys and Home Focus stores have a wide selection of rails, poles and curtain tracks in stock. PLus a huge selection available to order.
Shepherd crook finial

Measuring your window for a rail


When measuring your window for a rail, add at least 15-30cm (6-12) extra on each side of the window to allow the curtains to be drawn back off the window. The rail should be fitted a minimum 15cm (6) above the window recess.

Wood poles are available from stock in narrow, regular or extra wide width

Pig tail finial

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