Make Fabric Draping For Events

Make elegant fabric draping from inexpensive, sheer fabrics.

Nothing says elegance like draped fabric in home decor. But draping fabric also serves functional purposes such as highlighting an area at an event, helping to absorb noise or camouflaging unattractive spots. How you drape your fabric depends on the event. If it's a wedding, arrange the fabric to create a lovely decorative accent for the bride and groom to stand near. Tulle and other lightweight materials make luxurious, inexpensive fabric draping for any event.

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the craft ring, and locate the position on the ceiling where the ring is intended to hang. Using a ladder, twist four evenly spaced swag hooks into the ceiling to hold the ring, using the diameter measurement as a guide. Face the fully tightened hooks toward the center.

2. Determine the amount of tulle or other lightweight fabric needed for draping by multiplying the floor-to-ceiling measurement by two, then adding 4 inches for hem pocket allowance. Add more fabric if you desire a more generous swag and drape. Multiply your total measurement by the number of panels appropriate for the area, depending on the fabric width.

3. Lay the fabric on a clean, flat surface. Cut the panels to the length determined, including the hem allowance.

4. Turn the edge of each panel end toward the back of the fabric by 2 inches, securing the fabric in place using straight pins. Machine stitch 1 3/4 inches from the folded edge and across the fabric width, creating a pocket. Remove the pins.

5. Set the craft ring on a flat surface directly under the ceiling hooks.

6. Lay the fabric panels face down on the surface. Open the ring, and slide it through the hem pocket at the end of each fabric panel. Work the panels on the ring until they are evenly distributed around the hoop. Close the ring.

7. Lift the hoop with the draping panels to the ceiling, and place the ring in the hooks, using a ladder. Ensure the ring is securely in place in the hooks.

8. Determine the desired distance from the center for the opposite ends of the draping panels. Evenly distribute the draping panels in the specific area. Attach a swag hook or C-hook into the ceiling at each of the points you have determined.

9. Raise each of the dangling panels to the ceiling, and use the C-hook or swag hook to create the swag and fabric drape, until your desired look is achieved.

Tags: draping panels, craft ring, fabric draping, fabric width, flat surface, into ceiling, other lightweight