Have a Web Account?

Open Web Account

Register

What is Buckram? A Guide by Edmund Bell

What is buckram fabric?

As a leading supplier of premium curtain fabrics and accessories, Edmund Bell is dedicated to providing the tools and materials necessary for creating exquisite window treatments. In today’s blog post, we shine a spotlight on buckram fabric and explore how it can significantly benefit curtain makers and designers alike.

What is Buckram?

Buckram fabric is a stiff, woven fabric traditionally made from cotton, linen or a blend of both, and often incorporates strengthening elements such as glue. From book covers to hats, the strength of buckram fabric means that hard-wearing structures can be created with ease.

Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for adding structure and stability to various textile projects, including curtains. Due to these great structural qualities, buckram is used in making or enhancing curtain designs. In this guide, we’ll discuss what it is used for and how it’s made. We’ll also delve into how you can use it yourself, as well as how to pick the right size for your curtain design needs.

How Is Buckram Made?

It can be made from various materials such as cotton, linen, or a blend of fibers. The choice of material depends on factors such as desired stiffness, durability, and cost. It is then often coated in glue to enhance its rigidity. The selected fibers are then cleaned, carded, and spun into yarns. These yarns may undergo additional processing to enhance their properties and prepare them for weaving.

What Is It Used For?

Buckram has a range of uses, from fashion design to book binding. The key uses however, remain within curtain fabrics. There are many elements within the curtain creating process that require strengthening fabrics. Follow the list below to see the range of applications for in curtains:

Curtain Eyelets

Curtain eyelets require a stable backing in order to function perfectly over time. Buckram fabric is used along the top of eyelet curtains. This stabilises curtain fabric so the eyelets can sturdily slide across the rail, without any flimsiness or drag.

What is Buckram Fabric Used For?

Curtain Pleats

It is often used to help strengthen fabric while crafting curtain pleats. As pleating requires a strong backing, buckram fabric is a great option. Pleating is a popular curtain trend at the moment, so many homeowners are investing in buckram fabric to elevate their pleating experiments.

Pelmets

Pelmets are used to hide the curtain fixtures seen at the top of a window. They’re often used in a decorative context. They do have functional purposes, as they can also help to insulate a room by blocking air flow from windows. Pelmets are often made out of buckram bases or even wood, as they need to be sturdy enough to create a strong framework.

How to Use

Buckram is a versatile fabric, a stiff cotton that can be applied to fabrics in a number of ways. Here, we’ll go into how you can use it to uplift your curtains. The way you use it will depend on the type you choose for your project. It is available in two options – sew-in, or fusible.

Fusible is the perfect choice if you’re looking for convenience, as the glued side makes the process easier. This allows you to iron straight onto your curtain fabric. The sew-in buckram, on the other hand, must be stitched into the fabric.

Fusible

Once you’ve measured out how much you need, you’re ready to get started. If you’re using fusible buckram, look for the side with adhesive. This will usually be a bit shinier and even tacky to the touch. Place the adhesive side onto the ‘wrong’ side of your curtain fabric – the inside. You can even purchase double-sided fusible.

You then want to press onto the buckram and fabric with a damp press cloth. Iron over this press cloth, pressing gently so the adhesive sticks to your curtain fabric. Make sure you don’t use steam, as any moisture will destroy the facing glue.

Check the adhesive has worked by lifting a small part; if it lifts, easily, iron more until the process is complete.

Sew in

Sew in buckram involves a little more coordination, but is equally as effective. Once you’ve measured out the length and width, you’re ready to sew. Make sure the buckram is pinned evenly onto your curtain fabric. As the buckram is used as an interlining, you need to account for enough room to fold the curtain fabric back over as you are sewing.

How to Pick the Right Size of Buckram Fabric

Selecting the right size of buckram fabric depends on the project you’re using the buckram for. It comes in a variety of sizes, lengths and widths, and is available in a range of weights, from heavy to light.

First, measure your window to determine which length of buckram fabric you need. Most rolls are available in 50m or 100m long rolls, so they’re generally quite easy to choose between. Make sure you consider the extra fabric length if you’re making pleated headed curtains.

Then, you need to decide the length of your buckram fabric. These are available in 10cm, 12.5cm, 15cm and 20cm lengths. The length of your roll will need to take into account the amount of curtain heading you plan on fusing or sewing the buckram into.

Edmund Bell offer a wide variety of buckram fabrics, ready for use. Once you’ve measured out your curtain length and the width of fabric you’ll need, shop the buckram range and get started!


Login