How to Make Taragon Fishtail Swags
- 1). Measure the width of the window from the outside edges of the molding using a measuring tape.
- 2). Measure the drop of the fishtail swag. This is the length of the tail from the top of the molding of the window to the spot where you want the drop to end. The drop length is the same for both sides. Add them together.
- 3). Multiply the width by two. Add this number to the length of the drop, then add another 12 inches. This final number is how long your fabric needs to be. The width of the fabric is up to you. The wider the fabric, the less airy and light the tarragon fishtail swag will appear. For a bulkier treatment, make the fabric wider.
- 4). Cut the tarragon fabric to meet your measurements.
- 5). Lay the fabric on a flat surface. Measure 12 inches in from each end and mark the spot with a fabric pen or a pencil at the top edge. Hold a ruler or other straight edge to the spot, at an angle so the other end of the ruler reaches the bottom corner. Make the line along the straight edge with the fabric pen, then cut along the line with scissors to make the fabric a trapezoid.
- 6). Lay the fabric flat again. Fold the long edge, or the bottom of the trapezoid over by 4 inches. Fold it under by 4 inches, then over again to create a fan. Continue until you fold all the fabric into the fan.
- 7). Hold the fabric securely so the folds remain. Drape the fabric over the curtain rod, or corner swag holders, so the ends are roughly even along the sides of the window. The folds should face outward.
- 8). Pull on the fishtailed ends gently until they are even. Insert two pushpins through the top corners of the fabric and into the wall, if you are using swag holders.
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