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Standard pole pocket silk drapes: Can drapery hooks damage them?

13 years ago

I am working on a drapery project, and recently bought some RH silk drapes. They came with hooks, and I bought loop rings to go with them. I have never done this before, but I'm assuming that the back of the pole pocket is what RH describes as the 'header.' Am I actually supposed to stab the silk back of the pole pocket with these hooks? It feels like they will be damaged, and get torn over time. Thanks for any help.

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Comments (4)

andee_gw
13 years ago
That whole part, front and back, is the header. And yes, the hooks would be inserted at the back of the header. There should be a lining inside the header that stiffens and stabilizes it. The hook would be inserted through both the silk fabric and the lining. Some draperies that accept either hooks or pole will have some basting thread guides at the back to show where the hooks should be inserted. When you insert the hook, use as much of its length as possible, so that more fabric is used in the hook to hold up the weight of the drapery.

A Google search might help you visualize this. You can also try the Sewing Forum.
annie63
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you andee. I've noticed through research that PB silk drapes have built in loops for hooks on the back. RH's drapes don't, and it's a bit disappointing. However, the RH drapes are much better quality, and the color is perfect. At this point I'm thinking about defaulting to clip rings.

If anyone out there has used RH pole pocket drapes with either ring type--I'd love to hear about your experiences.
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violettastarr_yahoo_com
13 years ago
On the RH panels, you want to stick the pin in at the seam at the bottom of the header (on the inside). Try to wiggle the point in between two stitches.
User
13 years ago
I'm a seamstress and have made more WTs than I can remember.
The header is the part above the rod pocket/casing.
The rod pocket/casing is the part the rod would slide through.
If you can link me to the panels and rings you purchased I can help you more if needed.

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