This pattern was revised in 2007. If you don’t have the latest pattern you may return your used pattern for a new one at ½ price. If your pattern is unused there is no charge, except shipping cost.
The 2007 edition has an all new, much easier construction. The actual pattern is also improved. Interlining instructions are also included.
REVISED EDITION
Is it possible to purchase the revised directions only, as I already have the pattern?
The actual pattern has also changed and there is an additional jabot. For it all to work, you must have both.
You once had a “mini” Kingston. Why don’t you still have it?
We excluded the Mini Kingston in the revised 1999 pattern because of problems with proportions being unattractive. We do not recommend depths shorter than 16”, but if you choose to, the instructions are on page 6A-62 of our Workroom Manual.
ALTERATIONS
Can I alter the swag or jabots?
We can’t give you instructions to alter the width of the swags. The depth alteration instructions are in our Designer’s Digest and Workroom Manual, page 6A-61 and 6A-62. The jabot alteration instructions are included in the pattern instructions.
You can also alter the droop area and the amount of fullness in the swag. Instructions are included with the pattern.
I am sewing you 9203 (Kingston on a Pole) pattern for the first time. I need to make the droop area smaller and I see the instructions how how to do it in your pattern. My question is: how do I know how much to adjust? If I move the droop area line in the pattern back 1”, does that make the droop area 1” smaller (i.e. the 3” drop from the bottom of a 2” pole now becomes a 2” drop)?
Do a string measurement for your droop area, make the top of the swag pattern that size. It’s always good to do a mock up.
Can the 9203 pattern be used for an arched window?
No. It will not adjust to fit an arched shape. We have patterns 9300 and 9301.
Can the 9203 pattern hang from the pole with tabs?
Yes. Instructions are included.
I would like some advice about the Kingston pole pattern. How easy is it to use this pattern (the pole pattern) to make a board mounted Kingston? I don’t have the time or money to order the board version...am desperately trying to make a deadline.
The only way you can use it as a board mount is to make separate flat secitons to place behind the droop area.
SWAG SIZE
I do not understand how to figure for my swag size. Can you please explain it to me?
Click on our How to Read the Yardage Page on our website and scroll down to “Figuring Swag Size”. Figuring your swag size is explained in detail.
PATTERN DIFFICULTY
This valance looks too complicated for me. Can I return it?
A pattern can always be returned (to our office only) if it is in original condition. There is a 20% restocking fee.
FABRIC
I am considering this pattern 9203 but need to know whether to figure my fabric with the stripe vertical or horizontal? It’s a 2” satin stripe and I can’t tell from any of the photos which stripe direction is more conventional. (I have a limited amount of fabric and need to be sure I can fit the pattern needs). I am hanging the valance over full length panels with the stripe running vertically. Any thoughts you have on this would be appreciated.
My personal choice would be to run the stripes vertical. Cut the swags upright, but cut the swag lining bias.
YARDAGE
On the yardage page for the Kingston, when calculating the “trim” totals, I see that as the size of the swag increases, the yardage decreases. Is this correct?
Yes, it is correct. The seams place at an angle on the horn. They get wider as the depth increases. This makes the bottom of the swag get smaller. This is necessary in order to give so many sizes. Trust it, you will understand when you see the pattern.
I will be making a design similar to window 271 and 365 for a bay window. As the droop area of 9257 is too large for the area, I have decided to use 9203 as a replacement. Is it feasible to alter the bottom cutting line on 9203 to reflect the pointed bottom edge of 9257? The point edge is one of the key features the client is interested in.
Yes, just use a straight edge to draw a point to the bottom. About 2” deep.
STYLE
Would you recommend this window treatment for a window that is 26” across (this would be 1 swag and 2 jabots)?
Yes, it is fine to use only one swag and 2 jabots.
I want to use the Kingston Valance and have it rise slightly at the center. Can I do that?
Yes, you can do it with no alterations to the pattern as long as the rise is no more than 6”. For a higher rise and for arched shapes we have patterns 9300 and 9301.
I’d like to use a different horn or pleat on the Kingston.
You can substitute most any horn or pleat between the swags, as long as it will fit at the seams.
Is this pattern attached to the rod? I need a pattern in this style that is looped around the rod, and sewn not attached to the rod.
There is a version in that pattern book (9203) that shows the horns being extended. Therefore the horns become tabs. The pole is inserted into the tabs and the valance hangs from under the pole. Nothing is fastened to the pole.
Is it possible to use the 9203 Kingston on a pole and put it over a cornice to drape as though it were over a pole, or would the Empire valance over a pole be a better fit for this?
Yes, those designs work fine. The Kingston has less bulk at the top. If you have the Digest, there are several swag treatments over a cornice.
I was wondering what steps need to be taken to change out the Kingston Pole Swag to hang from holdbacks, or finials...what kind of help can you give me?
If you have our manual, those instructions are on page 2B-58. Fisnish off the top of the horns to be even with the top of the swags. Gather top of horn. Use a pin hook to attach to ring or use a ribbon to tie to medallion.
PROPORTIONS
I am reparing an estimate using your Kingston pattern. What is the short point vs. the long point of the swag depths provided.
There is about a 4” difference between the front, middle of the horn (shortest point) and the deepest area of the swag (long point).
CUTTING
I am cutting the swag on the bias and was wondering if the jabot has to be cut on the bias also. What is the rule, what looks better? Your pattern layout shows the swag on the bias and the jabot upright, but the jabot pattern that I cut out has 2 arrows; lengthwise and upright cut.
The arrows give you the choice for various ways to cut. If a bias arrow is not given, don’t cut on the bias. Exceptions are sometimes made (for necessary reasons), but most often stay with the arrow directions. No, the jabot should not be cut on the bias.
If I have to cut the swag fabric on the uprights should I still cut the interlining on the bias?
Yes.
I have a large print fabric. What should I do about matching at the seams?
Don’t worry about the seams, they won’t show. Display the fabric on each piece.
INTERLINING
Why do you suggest placing the interlining behind the lining? Wouldn’t it give better results to place it behind the face fabric?
The interlining is placed behind the lining because construction is much easier that way. When the valance is finished the interlining is behind the face fabric and gives the same results as if it has been placed there in the beginning. You can place it behind the face fabric in the beginning, but you can’t secure it the way you can to the lining.
CONSTRUCTION
I need some help determining why our workroom’s version of your Kingston on a pole is not looking the same..She made it with rod pockets to slide the pole thru and install them on the poles at the job site. Maybe the only way is to have it made at the workroom and staple it all on the pole (one was 12’ long other two are 7’ long and each jabot has to placed to match windows). Of course, the client is really hanging on to the look in the drawing for the pattern 9203. She liked the way the swags sides start at the top of the pole now hanging below the rod. HELP!
The pole Kingston doesn’t work for a rod pocket. There is a tab version in the instructions but it can’t hang from the top of the pole. The only way to get it to look like the picture is to make it by the instructions.
BAY WINDOWS
How do I figure my swag size for a Bay Window?
You must plan for a horn to be at the inside corners of the bay. This means swags will probably be different sizes. Deduct 1½” from each outside end only. Go inbetween the lines on the pattern to get an exact size. It is a good idea to install the pole first and then measure for swag space areas.
