gathering tape

A decorator tape in which cords are pulled up to create a gathered effect (using narrow, two-cord gathering tape) or pencil pleats (using a wider gathering tape).

gaufrage

From the French word for embossing or stamping, a pattern is applied to a fabric by means of heated rollers. It is mostly done on velvet for upholstery.

georgette

Available in many fibers and a fine fabric with a crepelike texture. It is available in a wide range of colors and drapes well. It can be used for lightweight curtains for beds and windows and for Austrian blinds.

gimp

Woven braid used to ornament curtains, bed, and chairs. It can be very complex in design.

gingham

A checked cotton fabric which is a perennial favorite cheap and charming furnishing fabric. Gingham comes in a wide range of primary colors and check sizes. The best gingham is made of pure cotton. It is often used in kitchens and childrenís rooms and for table linen.

glass curtains

Sheer undercurtains hanging behind the main curtains.

glazing bars

The bars of wood or metal which hold panes of glass in place.

goblet pleats

Pinch pleats with the top edge pushed out and padded to form a goblet shape.

Graber

Blind and shade fabricator. A division of Springs. Products include Crystal Pleat, Evenpleat, Crescendo, and others. (7549 Graber Rd., Middleton, WI 53562)

grommet

A metal ring punched through fabric to create a secure hole through which poles, rods, or wire can be inserted.

grosgrain

A silk cloth with a pronounced ribbed surface.

grotesque

Ornamental motif based on Roman ornament found in grotto (underground chamber) of Golden House of Nero, featuring coiling foliage with people and animals in arabesques.

half-tester

A rectangular canopy above a bed, extending only part-way down the bed from the headboard. The curtain draped at either side created a shallow three-dimensional effect.

heading

The top of a curtain, drapery, valance, or balloon shade, finished with tape, ties, rings, or other treatments, which hangs from a rod or pole. Headings range from simple, unpleated tabs to handmade pleats backed by hooks. They are often made using decorator tape to form pinch pleats or gathered headings.

heading tape

Ready-made gathering tape that is attached to the top of a curtain to create a particular heading.

Heritage Miniblinds

Contract aluminum miniblind made by Bali.

herringbone

A twill weave, usually wool or tweed, achieved by alternating the diagonal pattern within the cloth. It is suitable for upholstery.

holdback

An ornamental wood or metal shape attached to the wall on either side of a window near a curtain or drapery, which is looped over the holdback when open.

Holland

Medium-weight cloth made from linen or cotton. The non- fraying edges make it ideal for roller shades.

hook-and-loop tape (velcro)

Self-gripping tape that comes in sew-on and self-adhesive forms. It is mainly used to attach a cornice or valance to the front edge of the valance shelf; the ìhookî side is stuck to the shelf, the ìloopî side is sewn to the valance or cornice.

Honeycomb shade

Cellular insulating shade manufactured by most major manufacturers. From the side the shade looks like stacked honeycombs.

hourglass curtain

A sash curtain tied at the center to create a ìwaistedî effect.

Hunter Douglas

Blind and shade fabricator, with unique and innovative products. Products include Duette honeycomb shades, Luminette, Silhouette, Country Wood Blinds, Everwood, Woodmates, Decor miniblinds, Celebrity miniblinds, Lightline miniblinds, and others. (#2 Parkway, Rt. 17 S., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-0740)

Ikat

Chinese silk or cotton fabric tie-dyed to create softly outlined geometric patterns.

Indienne

A type of printed cotton first imported towards the end of the 16th century.

insulated linings

May rely on the weight and composition of the fibers they contain or may incorporate metal particles on the reverse to reflect heat back into the room. Examples: Milium (which is metal-backed) for insulation without weight, roclon (a heavy rubberized fabric now available in white) for blackout and insulation.

interlining

A soft layer of cloth placed between the face fabric and lining to provide insulation and also improve the way the curtain or drapery hangs.

interlocking

A method of linking layers of face fabric, interlining, and lining using long, loose stitches known as lockstitch.

inverted pleat

A pleat formed like a box pleat in reverse, so that the edges of the pleat meet in the middle on the right side of the fabric.

Italian stringing

A way of drawing curtains in which the curtains are joined in the center and the actual heading remains fixed while the curtains draw backwards and forwards by means of diagonally strung cords placed about one-third of the way down the curtains; also called reefed curtains.

Jacquard

The name of the loom which originally had a series of punched cards to control the weaving of the threads; computerized versions are used today. The resulting patterns are usually multi- colored and elaborate.

jardiniËre curtains

Usually sheer, with the bottom of the curtain rising in the center to give a curved finish and reveal some of the window.

Joanna

Roller shade fabricator. A division of Newell. (4110 Premier Drive, Highpoint, NC 27265)

Kasmir

Fabric vendor with broad assortment; moderately priced. (2229 Monitor Street, Dallas, TX 75207)

Kirsch

Popular supplier of decorative drapery hardware. A division of Newell. (4110 Premier Drive, Highpoint, NC 27265)

knife pleats

Sharply pressed, narrow, closely spaced pleats all running in the same direction.

Kravet Fabrics

Fabric vendor. Broad selection in medium price range. (225 Central Avenue South, Bethpage, NY 11714)

Click here to choose
your specialist catagory