Contrast lining: A decorative fabric used as a lining or decking when parts of it may show from the front of the top treatment.
Convex curve: An outward curve.
Cording: (AKA welt cord) A rope that is covered with fabric, also referred to as piping or welting.
Cord cleat: A piece of hardware attached to the wall around which window treatment cords can be secured. (As a safety precaution use these to keep the cords out of children’s reach.)
Cord lock: A piece of hardware mounted to the head rail of a shade, through which the operating cords run. When the cords are pulled up, it secures the shade at the desired location.
Cornice: A box treatment usually constructed of wood that can be padded and upholstered.
C.O.M.: (AKA COM) Customer’s own material.
Coverlet: A bedcovering with a pillow tuck and a short drop that covers the mattress but not the box springs. This is usually used in conjunction with a bed skirt.
Crinoline: (AKA Buckram) A heavily sized or stiff fabric used as a foundation for pleats in draperies.
Crosswise grain: (AKA fillers, woof, weft) The threads of a woven fabric that run perpendicular to the selvages. The fabric has a slight give in the crosswise grain.
Custom-made draperies: Draperies made to order in a workroom or decorator shop.
Cut allowance: The amount of fabric added to finished measurements for hems and headings.
Cut length: (AKA cut) The length of the fabric cut after allowances have been added for heading, hem and repeats.
Cutout Return: A buttonhole or rectangular cut out at the top return of the panel or top treatment to allow the return to go back to the wall in a pole-mounted treatment.
Cut width: The complete amount of fabric needed for treatment width, including hems, and/or any other allowances.