All you need to know about lining fabrics, what they do and how to choose what's right for your blinds or curtains.
Lining fabrics protect the top fabric from sun damage, at the same time as hiding all of the inner workings of the curtain. They also add additional layers for warmth and to create what's known as drape; the way the curtain hangs and moves under its own weight
Cotton Lining
The standard lining option is one layer of cotton fabric, usually in an ivory, white or cream colour. However, don't feel you cannot use a pattern or striped fabric instead. This can be a really fun way of making a curtain or blind look fabulous from both the inside and out!
The lining gives protection to the top fabric from the UV rays coming through the window and hides hand stitched seams.
For the best quality curtain finish, the lining should be hand stitched to the top fabric and ensure that the stitches are barely visible from the front of the curtain or blind.
Although when using a single cotton lining you cannot avoid stitching through to the top fabric to attach the lining, a good curtain maker should take just one thread in each stitch so that the stitches are not noticeable.
Blackout lining
Blackout lining does what it says on the tin and created a barrier for the light. In the same way as cotton lining it needs to be sewn to the top fabric.
Blackout linings are available in extra wide widths to reduce the number of widths that need to be sewn together, which can allow pinpricks of light to come through.
Blackout lining is a great option when using a delicate fabric like silk, which is particularly sensitive to sunlight.
Interlining
Interlining is an extra lining added between the top fabric and the back lining (either cotton or blackout). It comes as a domette (100%) cotton or a man made mix of fibres.
There are different weights available to cater for the thermal qualities you need or the volume you want to achieve.
Interlining is also used aesthetically to give a better drape to curtains or blinds. It creates a heavier and smoother billow and feels fabulous if you want a luxurious feel to the curtain or blind.
Finally, the way interlining is attached to the top fabric means that no stitching should be visible.
The interlining is attached by interlocking along the folds of the hem and the side turns and then herringbone stitched along each hem to the interlining only. The back lining fabric is then attached to the interlining, rather than through to the top fabric.
Bonded linings
These more modern linings are available in both blackout and cotton linings.
The lining has a bonded thermal layer which gives the same qualities as interlining but is better economically.
I highly recommend this type of lining for roman blinds to create a perfect fold and drape.