Sheer fabric is a semi-transparent and delicate material used for curtains, wedding dresses, and formal costumes. It comes in a variety of colors and may be embellished with embroidery. Sheer curtains are popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens and are usually paired with other window coverings. When buying sheer fabric, it’s important to purchase enough to cover the width of the window three times.
When it comes to fabric, there are literally hundreds of textile terms that describe its weave, composition, and uses. Sheer fabric is just one of the many types of fabric available. Unlike most fabrics that are opaque even if they vary in thickness, this fabric is semi-sheer and flimsy. Gossamer and rayon are also semi-sheer fabrics and may be referred to by this name. While there are a variety of uses for sheer fabric, the most common is to make curtains.
Also known as sheers or window panels, shades or drapes made of sheer fabric typically hang the length of a window, if not to the floor. Its transparency allows a window to be seen, but sunlight can still pass through. Window shades are often offset with a top layer of window coverings, either full shades, a valance, or decorative window trim. Sheer fabric in a window can add a touch of elegance, or it can create a casual, bright and cheery feel. They’re popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen windows, and are usually grouped together to create waves rather than stretch.
Other uses for sheer fabric include wedding dresses and formal costumes. The nature of the fabric makes it more delicate to cut and sew than many other types. One of the precautions to take when sewing it is to avoid crushing at the seams and to create a neat hem. Depending on the pattern and construction of the garment, sheer fabric generally requires a stronger fabric as a base to support it.
Sheer fabric comes in a wide variety of colors, but white and shades of white such as cream, winter white, eggshell, and ivory are the most popular. In some cases, it may be embellished with embroidered patterns or designs. Although embroidered fabric is elegant, it is extremely delicate and difficult to work with. As a general rule, this fabric is less expensive than richer materials such as satin or suede, but intricate sheers, especially when embroidered, usually cost more than the regular variety.
Most fabric stores sell sheer fabric. If you’re buying it to sew your own window shades, allow enough length to include a top hem wide enough for your curtain rod and a bottom hem about 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.1 cm). When covering a window with sheers, purchase enough fabric to cover the width of your window three times to allow for bunching or pleating.
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