Tapered scarf swags drape into smooth, even folds and are lined for extra body. Used alone to punctuate the top of a window or as a complement to draperies or blinds, the versatile tapered scarf swag is suited for many décor styles. Depending on the fabric and hardware chosen, as well as the length of the tails, a tapered scarf can work in rooms as varied as a breakfast nook and a stately living room.
Design swags that drape into a single swoop or into multiple swoops. The tails can stop just short of, break at, or puddle on the floor (the last is most formal). Shorter tails that come to the bottom of the window frame or to points two-thirds or one-third the window length have ends that angle up and in toward the window. In this method, the shaping of the swag is achieved by cutting wedges of excess fullness from a length of fabric at each point where the swag crosses a swag holder or pole. The swag is then constructed by sewing the angled pieces together and adding a lining.
This scarf swag uses the full width of the fabric and can be either self-lined or lined in a contrasting fabric. Nearly any decorator fabric can be used, from semi-sheer to brocade. Even one-way prints are suitable, because the direction of the fabric can be switched at a tail seam.
Holders for mounting the swags are available in several styles, including medallions and scarf rings; decorative tieback holders and holdbacks can also be used. A tapered swag with a single swoop can also be draped over a decorative pole. Mount the holders at the upper corners of the window frame and in any other desired locations before beginning the project, and measure for the treatment using twill tape.