These patterns were revised in 1993. If you don’t have the latest pattern you may return your used pattern for a new one at ½ the price. If your pattern is unused there is no charge, except shipping costs.
DESIGN
I am making a treatment that will use only 2 swags and only want to use a minimum overlap, not the overlaps recommended in the directions. I have heard this referred to as a kissing swag. My treatment will have an overall width of 76”. Can you recommend a minimum overlap so I can figure out what size swag I should make?
I’m not familiar with the term “Kissing Swags”. If you want them to just meet at the center, simply divide the 76 by 2. If you want an overlap a 6” overlap gives you a short point of 6”.
I will be making four 45.5” swags butt (kiss) up to each other. I will also be doing the jabots from this pattern on either side of the treatment. I would like to put a jabot over and in between the swags that butt up to each other. Can I just mirror the jabot that came with it or do you have a jabot in another pattern that can go in between each swag that is similar in style to the ones that come with the 9205 pattern. I have the Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual if directions to do something like this is in there and I am just missing let me know.
Yes, you can double the basic jabot as you described. An example is in the Manual, page 6A-36 using the 9208 jabot. You can do this with most any jabot. Other possibilities to use between swags are: Jabot 9256, Tails 9256, 9255, 9208, and 9102.
SWAG DEPTH
How do I know what swag depth to use?
Click onto “tip of the month” August 2005 to determine how high off the floor the mount board should install. This will also tell you what depth the treatment should be. Consider also what the swag short point will be. You want the shortest point {where swags overlap} to cover any wall space or window facings. A chart in the instruction booklet will tell you the swag size to use and what the short point will be.
SWAG WIDTH
Basic pleated swag and jabot: window is 80” and customer wants 3 swags. How will 3 swags look on a 80”? Will that be too many swags? If it will look right, how wide should each swag be and how many inches on the overlap?
There is a swag chart on page 4 that gives this information. 3 swags @ 36”, overlap is 14”. It will look very busy and ornate. For a more tailored look use only 2 swags.
How does one hang the completed swag/jabot? Is there a pocket or a rod/s? I will be making a swag in three sections for one very large window, Measuring 105” across. I’m uncertain how to calculate the width and overlap of each piece. Do you think my choice of the three swag pieces of 42” each is correct for that width?
The swags attach to a mount board. There is a chart in the package to help you with swag size. Size will vary, depending on which pattern you want to use.
According to your pattern chart for the swag pattern it calls for 3 swags @ 27” for a 65” window. The smallest pattern size is 30”. Am I to understand that I need to cut the pattern down 1.6” to get the 27” width?
The chart is generic. 30” is the smallest swag for the 9205.
I need to make 2 swags on a 40” board. Page 4 of the directions state that I can make 2 swags @ 24” overlap 8”, however the pattern does not include a 24” width swag. I can alter the fold line but I’m concerned the swag will be too narrow and the center will droop rather than gently rounding off. What do I need to do to the pattern to make 2 swags at 24?
You can’t The chart was created for swags in general. Example: #9220 can be 24” wide. We are in the process of removing those sizes on the charts in the appropriate packages. Pleat angles and shape of pattern would have to change, we can’t give you alteration instructions.
SWAG RETURNS
I have a customer who wants swags and not jabots on the sides over a drape. My question is: How do I finish the ends to hide the board ends and side of the drape at the top. My thought was, if board is 33” wide make swag 40” wide and attach around sides. Would this work or do you have another suggestion?
My method is to cover the ends of the mount board with the drapery fabric. Install the drapery close under the board. The return of the drapery becomes the return for the swag. The swag is on the front of board only. Leave the swag trim extended so it can wrap around ends of board.
FABRIC
Could you help me with this treatment, using the basic pleated swag pattern #9205. The swags and jabots are print, jabots are lined with stripe, treatment faces front of house, doesn’t want stripe to show to outside, only the white lining. Do you have any suggestions?
You could use a strip of the stripe stitched to white lining so stripe will still show inside but it will still show outside only not as much. Only other choice is substitute with a solid color that works both inside and out or change the window treatment.
How can I take out the fabric bulk in swags and jabots?
Click on to “tip of the month” January 2007 and February 2007 for some helpful information. Our workroom manual collection gives even more instructions.
ALTERATIONS
How can I alter the swags?
We cannot give you instructions to alter the swag in width or depth. To go beyond the sizes given would require the shape and size of the pattern and the pleat angles to change. There is no formula for a quick fix.
How can I alter the jabot?
Instructions are included to alter the jabot to any depth.
How can I eliminate having to “piece” the swag?
When the fabric is not as wide as the swag pattern (for the cut you have chosen) piecing will have to be done. The only alternative is to cut with the lengthwise grain (railroad). Here again, cut the lining and interlining on the bias. When planning the “pieces” try to have them at areas that will be covered by an overlapping swag.
CUTTING
What are the rules for cutting swags on the bias?
Swags should always be cut on the bias, if the fabric will allow. Example: some upright designs on the fabric would display best with an upright cut, however a lot of fabrics with upright designs are still very effective cut bias. Place the fabric at appropriate angle (with fullness) to see the effect it will have. If you must cut the fabric upright, you should still cut the lining and interlining on the bias.
The pattern has cutting lines for a 34” wide swag and for a 36” wide swag. I need a 35” wide swag. Which one do I use?
Go in between the lines to get your exact size.
When looking at the pattern piece for the swag there are fold markings for finished width. Does the finished width include the jabots or is it only the swag piece itself? Also does it allow any board mount returns?
The measurements on the swag will be the size of the swag when it is finished. The jabot is separate and usually places over or under the swag. There are no returns on the swag. The jabot has returns. Select the size you need.
PROBLEMS
I put my swag on the board and it is too wide, and too short. I know I cut it by the pattern. What happened?
Measure your finished swag across the board line. It is very easy for a bias swag to stretch. When a swag is forced to hang wider than the pattern size, it will also hang shorter. Also, when a swag is forced to hang smaller than the pattern width, it will hang deeper.
BAY WINDOWS
How can I plan swags for a bay window?
Swags should not be planned to overlap at the corners of a bay. They should only butt together there. Plan for a tail or jabot to fill the corner gap. The 9002 or 9208 tail is a good one to use.
