New Curtains

[LifeInsideJack]

I need to sew some new curtains. Sewing is easy for me so that isn't the issue. Part of having the beautiful woman in my life "Cat" is dealing with her cats. We have 3 of them in here with us. So far, it's going good. They like the window accessability and the changing scenery. I was hesitant but the cats travel well and with a simple modification the litter box issue isn't a big deal as it is in the storage area accessible by a small hole in the coach, and the outside access door.

Because cats are nocturnal these dudes like to sit in their window and watch the night time action. I haven't a clue what that is as it is as quiet as can be around here. Any type of blind will be destroyed in no time. Day night shades are not an option. The cats want to get between the curtain and the window at night, so, that is why curtains are my option.

All this to ask; Does anyone have experience with cat hair and fabric?

I use blackout shades on the outside because I want this place back inside (as well as outside) and then I use our accent colors for the inside panel. The blackout fabric holds the cat hair real tight. It's a pain as I have to remove the curtains and vacuum them. I'm looking for something that will give up the hair easier but, retain the blackout ability.

Being that summer is here in the desert I plan to sew the curtains more like a quilt to have them offer some level of insulation. Two layers of fabric, quilting batting inside and then long armed. I'll sew the hoops after.

Our coach is black on the outside BECAUSE we live in the desert. Just like the Bedouin Tribes of the Sahara we recognize the science behind the black color and intense sunlight. Black on the outside stays.

Thanks for your input on the fabric options.

Montana

[Naio]

I am pretty sure it was this one:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Eclipse-Samara-Blackout-Energy-Efficient-Curtain-Panel/35587102


Recommended for not getting cat hair!

I bought large curtains, just for the fabric, and cut them up to make panels that fit my windows.

[Naio]

I have a small van, extremely longhaired fluffy cat, blackout curtains, and do not have this problem. Kitty hair sticks to some fabrics but not others.

I think you need a different blackout fabric.

I wish I could tell you what kind mine is -- especially since I want to get more of it for my new van! All I can say is, it was Eclipse brand, from Walmart.com, came in multiple colors, and has a slightly nubby texture to the fabric side (white plastic on the back, which I too cover with fabric.

I do put my curtains in the wash about twice a year.

[TNGW1500SE]

LifeInsideJack wrote:

TNGW1500SE wrote:
One thing my wife did when we looked for carpet was she took some dog hair and threw it on top of the carpet sample to see how bad it showed. There's going to be hair so she didn't want it to really show. I'd also look for something that it didn't stick to.

So,,, grab a baggie, start pulling hair out of the cat and go shop!

Simple and yet brilliant. Thank you.

If that doesn't work you can also dip the cats in molten plastic. After it hardens the plastic will prevent any hair from coming off what's left of the cats.

[doxiemom11]

I always find that a damp sponge will pull the hair off fabrics and into a ball, or even bunches up on the sponge. Seems to work on all types of fabric and carpet.

[LifeInsideJack]

toedtoes wrote:
The best cat fabrics are smooth and tightly woven.

For the backside, the vinyl might work IF the cats don't claw at the curtains at all.

Washable and dryable is a HUGE plus. When it gets too hairy, toss it in the washer and dryer. That is the best way to remove cat hair. Better than vacuuming or a hair remover brush or tape.

If it works for your interior, you could glue to thinner faux leather fabrics back to back. That will give you plenty of room darkening and leather doesn't hold cat fur. Again, as long as the cats don't claw the curtains you'll be good.

You are on the money with the washer and dryer part. When we remodeled the inside of "Jack" we used bed sheets from Walmart for the fabrics so we can easily find them again if needed. As a plus, everything now, current curtains, couch, everything is machine washable. Our floor is interlocking foam squares .... easy to wash. The desert blows dust about so being able to remove everything (including the flooring) is important for us in order to keep ahead of the dirt levels.

The cats do not claw anything currently. One is 18, the other 12 and the 2 year old is modeling his behavior from the other two. So far, it's all good.

Thanks for your input !!

Montana

[toedtoes]

The best cat fabrics are smooth and tightly woven.

For the backside, the vinyl might work IF the cats don't claw at the curtains at all.

Washable and dryable is a HUGE plus. When it gets too hairy, toss it in the washer and dryer. That is the best way to remove cat hair. Better than vacuuming or a hair remover brush or tape.

If it works for your interior, you could glue to thinner faux leather fabrics back to back. That will give you plenty of room darkening and leather doesn't hold cat fur. Again, as long as the cats don't claw the curtains you'll be good.

[robbiesgram]

Just a thought, can you find a light weight vinyl. like a shower curtain liner and use it for the outside layer of your curtain? Not sure if it would fold up very well, but I'm pretty sure it would hang decently.

Safe travels

[DutchmenSport]

I have found that removing cat hair isn't so difficult. Just use a simple hair comb and comb it over fabric. The comb will pull it all together into a lump. And ... if you happen to have some spray Static Gard, spray the fabric first. Cat hair is much easier to remove.

YouTube has many videos on how to remove cat hair, all kinds of "life hacks" videos will help you too.

[LifeInsideJack]

TNGW1500SE wrote:
One thing my wife did when we looked for carpet was she took some dog hair and threw it on top of the carpet sample to see how bad it showed. There's going to be hair so she didn't want it to really show. I'd also look for something that it didn't stick to.

So,,, grab a baggie, start pulling hair out of the cat and go shop!

Simple and yet brilliant. Thank you.

[TNGW1500SE]

One thing my wife did when we looked for carpet was she took some dog hair and threw it on top of the carpet sample to see how bad it showed. There's going to be hair so she didn't want it to really show. I'd also look for something that it didn't stick to.

So,,, grab a baggie, start pulling hair out of the cat and go shop!