Where curtains, while possessing decorative properties, are also to form a complete or partial screen at will, it is essential that their manipulation be simple and easy. For curtains which travel to and fro on a straight pole while hanging at full length traverse cords are effective. This is accomplished by means of two pulleys, as Figure [126], the pulley marked A being a double pulley and B a single pulley. The curtains are pleated up to the required width so that they just nicely fill the space, and are hooked, pinned or sewn to the rings. Place the pulleys in position even with the outer edges of the curtains and thread a small braided sash cord (well stretched) through the single pulley B; carry the doubled cord over to A and measure the distance, the ends will have to fall below A to bring them within easy reach; allow a couple of feet extra on one of the cords, and cut. Without allowing the cords to shift in the single pulley fasten the short cord to D, the right hand corner of the left curtain, and thread the end through the double pulley.
Fasten the longer cord to the corresponding ring at C on the right-hand curtain and thread it through the other groove of the double pulley. By pulling E (Figure [126]), the shorter cord, the curtains will separate each way from the centre, and as this cord descends the F cord ascends, the cords traveling in the direction of the arrows, and by pulling F the curtains draw together again.
Adjust the cords so that when F, the closing cord, is taut the curtains will meet exactly in the centre of the pole, and also so that E, the opening cord, is a foot higher than F when the curtains are closed.
Finish the cord ends with a weighted tassel, and, as will readily be seen, it is only necessary to pull the higher tassel at any time to alter the position of the curtains.
To insure easy manipulation, it is necessary to have the rings large enough to travel freely upon the pole, and if the curtains are heavy the rings should be provided with small wheels or rollers which run upon the pole. The rings should also be free from any projections that would catch the cord, and the hooks or pins should have the points bent back into the fabric so that the cord cannot get caught thereon.
Fig 126
Fig 127
