Installing Fabric Panels

Installation amounts to fixing the runners to existing surfaces, and then attaching fabric panels to them. In preparation, the edges of fabric panels should be trimmed neatly, since in stretching the edges are aligned with the edges of a runner, as discrepancies show up as distortions in the fabric's texture.

Once tension is introduced, tension spills from the points of pull into the sheet of fabric, and a membrane that has no rigid framework touching its surface is free to assume any configuration. If it refuses to behave as desired, it is an indication that the physical conditions were not met.

Points to check: (1) the positions of upper and lower attachments in relation to (2) the fabric's surface area, (3) the location of seams, (4) the force of tension introduced, and (5) the overall distribution of tension within the membrane (too slack here, to strained there). 

When using staples:

  1. Starting at the ceiling, staple both upper corners of a panel in place, then position seems on the runner as marked in the plan.
  2. Working between two fastened points, lift the center of the hanging edge to the center of the runner between the points, and staple it; continue center-to-center (as shown in the drawing) until the staples are approximately 8" apart.
  3. Step back to check the distribution of tension along the points attached; correct all discrepancies, and reposition the seams if necessary.
  4. Using a plumb line transfer the location of every vertical seam onto the floor runner & mark it.
  5. Apply the same step by step procedure when fastening the lower edge: first the corners, then the seams, then center to center, etc. stepping back to check the distribution of tension, the verticality of seams, and making adjustments.
  6. Last to be fastened are the side edges of the panel. Corners need special attention: if the fabric is overstitched, remove the nearest staples and ease the fabric toward the corner; if understretched, remove some staples & pull the fabric out. Then proceed as above.
  7. Once all four sides are fastened at 8" intervals, check the tension: it is OK when the whole surface area feels evenly resilient to touch. Where the fabric feels too tight, undo staples around it and try to ease the area; when too slack, undo the bottom line and pull out the fabric to "awaken" the slack area.
  8. Staple the whole edge inch by inch, staples running end to end; hammer in the staples or the covering strip will not lie flat.
  9. The edges are now ready to be covered with finishing strips. The strips can be of flexible wood or plastic and their width not exceed the width of runners, or the overlap will show on the other side of the membrane.

When using Velcro tape:

  1. Fasten Velcro hook tape to all floor & ceiling runners.
  2. Mark on the ceiling tape the widths of all panels, as marked in the ceiling plan. Install there hooks or screws to receive grommets.
  3. Pulling slightly, lay over the hook tape the loop tape & cut it at the mark. Where panels will be joined allow tape for the overlap.
  4. Peel off the cut loop length and fasten the loop tape face down to a carpeted surface in a straight line.
  5. Fasten the corresponding corners of the panel to the ends of the loop tape, pinning the corners 12" deep to prevent overstretching the fabric.
  6. Pin the entire edge of the panel to the tape at 8" intervals, using the method described above.
  7. Sew the tape to the fabric with a regular sewing machine.
  8. Using a plumb line transfer the points from ceiling were panels will be joined to the floor runners & install screws there.
  9. Repeat steps 3 to 7 on the bottom edge.
  10. Hang & stretch the panel in place lightly patting down the Velcro tape & procede to the adjoining panel; then hang it, corners overlapping, and stretch it down.
  11. Measure the vertical distance between the ceiling & floor allowing for the curvature.
  12. Cut identical lengths of 1/2" hook & loop tapes at least 1" shorter (the tape gives). Do not remove the panel before both vertical tapes are provisionally fastened to the right edges; pin the edge to the tape stretched on a carpeted surface & sew it.
  13. Put grommets in all corners to slip over hooks or screws installed in the runners. Install all panels, joining the vertical edges last. Fasten the grommets in place with nuts.

Note: To avoid confusion, different color tapes were used for tops, bottoms, and sides of panels. The panels were numbered to facilitate their replacement after cleaning.

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