by Janette Peel

Created on: July 27, 2008

Dress your windows with extravagant swags and tails. They look elaborate, but are really only a drape of fabric across the top of the window framed by separate pleated panels.

Classic swags and tails are one of the most lavish and popular curtain treatments. At first glance they look complicated, as though they are arranged from one long length of fabric. In fact this is only an illusion. They are actually made in three separate, manageable sections, which are simply stapled or held in place with Velcro, on a narrow pelmet shelf fixed above the window.

Traditionally, swags and tails give a formal look to a room, especially when they are teamed with full-length curtains. They can also be used on their own to frame a small window, or in conjunction with a blind or sheer curtain for a smart but less formal effect.

You can use the same fabric for the curtains and swags and tails, or opt for a complete contrast in color or pattern. The lining will also be on show when the tails are pleated up. A contrast lining will accentuate the pleats, while repeating the main fabric as a lining gives a more understated effect.

Designing swags and tails:

These instructions show how to make a pattern for swags and tails by draping fabric, so that you can check the style suits your window, before cutting out the main fabric. For different effects, you can vary the number of swags, the way the tails are pleated and the arrangement of the swags and tails together, such as positioning the swags under or over the tails. As a guide, a single swag should be about one-fifth the depth of the curtain and no wider than 40 inches (102cm); if your window is very wide, then it is better to make two or three smaller swags. Each tail is generally one third as long as the curtain or window length, with the shortest point slightly lower than the center of the swag.

Alternately, you can buy commercial paper patterns, which you will find at the back of dressmaking pattern books.

Putting up a pelmet shelf:

Before you can hang the swags and tails, or even start making the fabric pattern, you will have to fix a narrow pelmet shelf above the window. To do this you will need:

inch (12mm) ply wood
Electric drill
Wall plugs
1 inch (38mm) angle brackets
Woodscrews and screwdriver

1. Cut a length of 4 inch (10cm) wide plywood so that it extends 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) beyond the curtain track at each end. Or have it cut to size at the DIY store or timber merchants.

2. To fix the shelf, mark the position of the shelf centrally

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