How To Make Curtains & Drapes

By Ms. Hooker

Measure Your Window(outside casing)

• Establish the width of fabric needed to cover the window with the desired fullness.• For the width, multiply the

window width by 2 or double it.

Establish the Length of Fabric needed.

• To Window length, add 8” for short curtains(4” for top casing 4” for bottom hems).

• For longer curtains, add 16” (8” for the top casing and 8” for bottom hems).

• If using a wide curtain rod, add needed inches to accommodate the difference.

Cut Lining Fabric

• Cut lining fabric the same length as outside fabric and trim later.

Fabric Preparation

• Cut off all selvage edges to prevent shrinkage.

Cut Lengths of Fabric

• Cut lengths needed to cover the window casing with desired fullness. •Match prints at this time.•Mark all panel bottoms with

crossed pins.

Sew Drapery Panels Together

• To achieve desired width, sew panels together. • Use French seams for sheer

fabrics & unlined drapes.• Use regular flat seams if lined

for both top and lining fabrics

Sew Side Seams

• Turn under ¼” at raw edge and press with iron; pin it, and sew it close to the edge if unlined.• If lined, just press and pin and

wait for lining to be inserted.

Sew Lining Panels together

• Sew together with a regular flat seam.• Press open and flat with an

iron.

Sew Bottom Hems

• Sew hems to both curtain fabric and lining fabric.•Make hems 2”-4” doubled.

Press, pin & sew along the turned under edge.

Attach Lining to Curtain Fabric• Place lining on top of wrong side

of curtain.• Slip sides under side hems, pin

and stitch close to turned under edge.• Make sure lining is about 1-2” up

from bottom edge of front drape.

Create Top Casing

• Turn under top edge about 4-8” depending on the length of the curtain. • For full length drapes, use 8”.

Attach Lining to Curtain at Top

• Turn under top edge of lining fabric ¼” and press in place and pin to the bottom of the rod pocket on the curtain top.

• Sew lining and fabric together.• Make two horizontal lines of stitching – one

forms the top ruffle and the other forms casing for the curtain rod.

• Remember to consider the diameter of your curtain rod. Add more inches if you use a fat rod.

Sew Side of Bottom Hems Shut

• Add weights to inside of bottom hem corners.• Sew by hand into place.• Sew sides of bottom hem shut

using slip stitch.

Press curtains with an Iron

• Press curtains and fold lengthwise until ready to hang.

You Are Now Done!

What An Accomplishment!!!