Instructional guide to making your own curtains by Alternative Windows Page I of4

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Requirements:

Fabric and lining as already calculated.

Curtain heading tape if required.
Matching thread, synthetic is best in most circumstances.
Sharp pair of scissors.
If possible use a large area on which to cut out fabriclJining. I use a piece of chipboard 8' by 4', cut in half and
hinged, covered in an old sheet, which I place on top of the kitchen table.

Cutting Out:

1. Take time to check all measurements before cutting, and check fa bric for faults before it is
cut as cut lengths cannot normally be exchanged.
2. Measure the first length carefully and cut at a right angle to the selvedge.
3. If you are using a plain fabric or one with vertical stripes you can start cutting from the end of
the fabric ( providing it is straight).
4. If you are using a fabric with a very large pattern, check where the main part of the pattern will
fall. It will look better if the main part of the pattern is just above the bottom hem ( don't forget
to allow for a 6" (15cms) hem allowance at the bottom hem, 2" (2.5cms) at the top for curtains
with tape and 4" (lO)cms at the top for curtains with a cased heading).
5. Cut the first length which can then be used as a template on top of the remaining fabric.
6. Cut further lengths always checking that the pattern is matching.
7. Mark the top right right side with a pin and if the curtains are to be lined also mark the centre
bottom with a pin.

Making Up:

1. If you require more than one width of fabric in each curtain join together using a flat seam.
2. If making unlined curtains join widths with a flat fell seam to secure raw edges.
3. Place right sides together and pin every 3" (7.5 cms) matching the pattern as you go.
4. To do this place one width offabric right side up on the table and another right side down on
top of it.
5. Fold back the seam allowance of the top layer until you can match up the pattern.
6. Work your way along the length pinning as you go.
7. Before stitching check the pattern is matched on the right side. Stitch and press the seam
allowance open.
8. Join all seams on fabric and lining (if required ), noting that half widths are added to the
outside edge of each curtain.
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Instructional guide to making your own curtains by Alternative Windows Page 2 of4

9. Join linings with a 1n (2.5cms) seam allowance.

Tip: For a 1" (2.Scms) seam allowance mark a pencil line on your sewing machine 1" (2.Scms) to the right of
the needle. Line edge offabric with pencil line and sew.

IT nlined Curtains Only:

1. Turn a double 1 (2.5cms) hem down both sides of each curtain. Press and stitch.
tf

2. Turn a double 3" (7.5cms) hem at lower edge and press.

3. To mitre comers (See Figure 1 below), tum under a triangle at each comer. Slip stitch along
hem and mitred edges.
4. For curtains ,,'itb a cased heading tum down and press 1 (2.5cms) at the top of the curtain
ft

and then another 3" (7.5cms).Check the length at this stage and adjust ifnecessary. Sew a line
of stitches 1" (2.5cms) down from the fold and another line along the bottom of the hem,
leaving the ends open.
5. To attach the tape at the top of the curtains, turn down 2ft (5cms) and press. (Check the length
at this stage and adjust if necessary).
6. Place heading tape onto the wrong side of the curtain so that the tape is one quarter of an inch
below the fold and overlapping by at least 1n (2.5cms) at each end.
7. Fasten the tape cords at the inside edge (where the curtains will meet at the centre of the
window) by knotting together.
8. Turn under the end of the tape and pin in place.
9. Free the cords at the outside edge of the curtain, tum under the excess tape and pin in place.
10. Machine stitch at the top and bottom of the tape with the two rows of stitching running in the
same direction and securing the cords at the inside edge.
11. Pull up cords until the curtain is the desired width (half the width of the track or pole). Tie
together but do not cut off the excess. Either form them into a roll and tuck it into the fold at
the end of the tape, or wind onto a cord tidy and hang at the back of the curtain.

Tip: Cut pieces of cardboard to 1" (2.Scms), 2" (Scms), 4 fI (lOcms) and 6" (lScms) wide by 24" (6Ocms) long
to mark hems. To mark a 6" (1Scms) hem , fold fabric onto the wrong side on top of the 6" (lScms) wide
cardboard. Lightly press the fold with an iron.

Lined Curtains:

1. Press and pin a double hem at the lower edge of the lining.
2. Machine stitch close to the top fold of the hem, this is to avoid dust getting trapped.
3. Press and pin double 3" (7.5cms) hem at lower edge of curtain DO NOT STITCH.
4. To attach the lining to the curtains place with right sides together matching up any seams.
5. Place the top folds of the hems together so that the lining is 1" (2.5cms) shorter than the
curtain.
6. Trim the side seam allowance of the lining so that the curtain is 2" (5cms) wider than the
lining ( 1" (2.Scms) each side).
7. Line up the edges of the curtain and lining at each side and stitch together 1" (2.Scms) up from
the hem to the top on each side, making sure not to catch the curtain hem allowance in the
stitches.
8. Turn right sides out and press 1ff (2.5cms) of curtain fabric onto the wrong side at each edge

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Instructional guide to making your own curtains by Alternative Windows Page 3 of4

and seam allowance towards the centre ofthe curtailL

9. Slip stitch hem of curtain turning under a triangle of hem at each side to mitre corners (See
Figure 1 below), leaving the lining to hang outside the hem of the curtain.
10. To attach the tape, turn 2" (5cms) at top edge onto wrong side and press. Check length at this
stage and adjust if necessary.
11. Place heading tape onto the back of the fabric and, overlapping by at least 1" (2.5cms) at each
end, pin in place.
12. Fasten the tape cords at the inside edge of the curtain by knotting together, turn under end of
tape and pin.
13. Free the cords at the outside edge and turn under the excess tape.
14. Stitch the tape along the top and bottom edges with the two rows of stitching running in the
same direction and securing the cords at the inside edge.
15. Pull up the cords until the curtain is the desired width ( approximately half the track width ).
16. Tie the cords together but do not cut off the surplus. Either form them into a roll and tuck them
into the end of the tape or wind them onto a cord tidy and hang at the back of the curtain.

SUe em

Area tucked
under

Home Blind. Bedding Basics Additional

Figu re I Figure 2
How to mitre a conter. Tab Top heading.

Tab Tops:
Tab tops can be added to lined or unlined curtains. Make up curtains as lined or unlined curtains until you
come to add the tape.
Tabs are positioned at 8" (20cms) intervals along the top of the curtain, with one at each end (6 or 7 tabs per
width offabric). (See Figure 2 "hove.)

1. To make tabs cut strips offabric 3" (7.5cms) wide and twice the length required plus
4" (lOcms) (e.g. if the curtains are to hang 3" (7.5cms) below the Ie the tabs need to be cut
10" 25cms) fong . . a engt ways WI TI t Sl es together and machine Stltc
'0.25" (6mm m a ong the length. Turn in right way and press.
2. To a lac unlined curtains turn a double I" (2.5cms)hem at the to of the curtain and in.
Fold tabs in half to make 100 sand m at a TOXlmate 8" (20cms) intervals alon this ed e
slipping the raw edges into the hem. There must be a tab at each en of the curtain with the
rest spaced evenly and at Tight angles to the top of the curtain. Check length of curtain
including tabs. Machine stitch in position at the top and bottom of hem.
3. To attach to li ned curtains turn 2" (5cms) offabric in between curtain and lining and press.

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Instructional guide to making your own curtains by Alternative Windows Page 4 of4
j

Fold tabs in half to make loops and slip raw edges in between curtain and lining at
approximately 8" (20cms) intervals with one tab at each end and at right angles to the top of
the curtain. Check length of curtain including tabs and machine stitch along top edge.

Tip: A small square of cardboard can be used to ensure that the tabs are aligned vertically.

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BrightBeige Page I of2

right eige 88
How to: make tab-top curtains (unlined)
Tab-top curtains are a style that suit almost all homes, and they are one of the
easiest types of curtains to make. Whether you make them in a sheer fabric like
voile (looks fa bulous on French doors) or a heavier fabric, they give a really
contemporary look to your windows.

• The hardest thing to do is measuring the windows you are making the
curtains fo r (at least, its the hardest th ing to explain!). First decide how
long you want the curtai ns to be (either window-sill or floo r length
looks best), and what height the curta in pole will be fixed at - make
sure it's hi h enough so t hat t he to of in not the tabs is
level with the t op 0 t e window. Don 't fix t he pole to the wa ll at t his
point!

• Now measure f rom ] inches (the length of your tabs) below your
curtain pole to the oin n the curtain hem to fall . Add 1
Inch extra or seam allowance, and about 6 inches ext ra or t h
IS S you

• ~ext measure your curtain pole from end to end and multiply by two .
Md 3 inches extra per curtain for seam allowance. This your curtain
width.
"'--

• Now concentrate, because this is the complicated bit! Check the width
of the fabriC you have chosen (usually 48 or 54 inches) . Divide the
curtain width you j ust measured by the width of your fabric (if it doesn't
divide equally round it up) . This tells you how many widths of fabriC
you need. Now multiply this figure by the curtain height, and that will
tell you how much fabric you need!

• Phew! Thats the tough bit over with. Now all you have to do is make
the curtains! Measure the curtain length along the fabriC, then cut out
the number of widths you need for each curtain, doublecheck, then cut
out.

• If you are joining fabric widths to make your curtains wide enough, pin
the widths together, matching any pattern . Next sew the seam
together, and trim one raw edge down to 1/4 inch. Fold the seam over,
with the wider side on top, and press with an iron. Fold under the raw
edge, and press again. Pin flat and stitch, close to the fold. This ensures
no raw edges are showing, especially important for unlined curtains.

• Fold the bottom 3 inches under for the hem, press and unfold . Now fold
under the bottom 1/2 inch, press and fold on the original fold, so the
raw edge of the hem is enclosed. Pin and sew.

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~. BrightBeige Page 2 of2

• Do the same on the top edge of the curtain, except this time with a 1
Inch turnover. The main bit of your curtain is now complete!

• Next make your tab tops. Measure and cut out strips of fabric 3 inches
wide and 10 inches long. You will need about 1 tab per 10 inch width of
curtain (use your discretion on this). Fold In half lengthwise (right sides
together) and pin about 1/4 Inch from the edge along the whole length.
Sew, and turn the right way. Fold under 1/2 Inch of fabric each end,
then fold again. Pin, and sew.

• Once you have enough tabs, you need to attach them to the curtains.
Fold each tab In half to create a loop, then pin In place on the curtains
and sew. Make sure you start at each end of the curtain, pinning and
working into the center, to make sure the tabs are evenly spaced and
are at each end.

• Now hang the curtains, and fix the pole to the wall. Thats it! Don't you
feel clever now!!

http://www.brightbeige.co.uk/style/stylearchive/tabtopcurtains.htm 8/6/00
 l' <1UUlUU~ I aD Lunams - HouseNet Article

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Homo Oecorallng Fabulous Tab Curtains

CfS<wltlg laea' )
lawn & Garden
Smatl S.aVlng~
Level: Moderate
Real E6tate

Sllt.l '1 The new home owner is faced with many

decisions and tasks. One of the first
~W•• ke nd @Ho m. hurdles always seems to be how to deal
with the windows. There are many factors
to consider when deciding the window
treatment for a particular room. It is not
always an issue of privacy - light, sun
KozyHome,com exposure, and protecting fumiture from
fading are important factors. Sometimes
the main consideration will be ease of
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For the home sewer who has never made

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drapes or curtains before it will be
... e"·hi•.., important to consider how easy the
treatment will be to construct and whether

...----
the sewing machine and your skills will be
up to the job. This tab curtain can be I
made by the novice and can be made with I
or without a lining. The rod can be almost
What's Happening anything but large wooden rods work well
and look good. Try this for your first j

attempt at window treatments and you

Sewing Ideas should have success.

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Drapery/tab fabric
Project of the Lining fabric
Week: Repair a Thread
dent in a car Sewing machine (well-maintained and with a new needle)

He Said ... 5~.e said: Step-by-Steps:

5afety goggles
1. Measure the window and install the rod of your choice. Decide whether
the curtain will be pulled all the way back over the wall or if you want part of
VOTE in the latest the window covered when the curtain is pulled open. That decision will

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Fabulous Tab Curtains - HouseNet Article Page 2 of3
•
Vlsito(s poll determine where you place the rod and how long it needs to be. The space
allowed for the curtain when it is pulled open is called the stack, and it is
Chat with HouseNet based on how much fullness there is to the panel. The width of tab curtains
advisors for help needs to be 1-1/2 times the width of the window, so they are not as full as
with all your some other draperies.
questions
2. Measure for the length of the panel by adding the length of the tah to the
distance from t e rod to the bottom of the Window The tabs can be tied on
,. Marketplace ~ the rod or buttoned on the ro or s Ippe over the rod in a single loop. The
SpeCIal tied-on tabs need to be much longer and cut in two pieces.

3. Before tearing the panels, add 8-1!2 inches to the length to allow for a 4-
in. double hem plus the seam allowance. Tear the panels from selvage to
'sEl!!age and then press up the 4-ln. hem tWice.:..Ihis extra layer of fabric in
the hem adds weight to the hanging panel. I he lop of the panel does not
have a tum-down so only the seam allowance is necessary at the top. _

Easy Lock Serger 4. After the hem is pressed use the blind hem stitch and sew this hem in
with Differential place. If a lining is used then press and hem this panel also (see next step).
Feed The lining panel can be cut 6 inches narrower and 2 inches shorter than the
drapery panel.
Order now
5. lf a lining is used, hem the bottom edge with a 3-1/2-in. double hem.
Press hems well and then, with the right side of the outer fabric and the right
side of the lining facing and the top edges even, sew the side seams
Around HouseNet together. The lining should be 1 inch shorter than the outer panel after the
panel is turned right side out. Since the lining panel is narrower, the outer
What's New at panel will wrap around to the back side.
HouseNet
6. Press the lined panels and then baste across the top edge to keep the
Home Improvement: panels in place while the tabs are attached.
New baths on a
budget 7. Tabs can be made from the same fabric or a contrasting fabric. If tied tabs
are made the length will need to be figured and multiplied by 2. Allow
Porch appeal: enough fabric to have a generous floppy end if desired. Qecjde the width of ,
Home Decora!lng the finished tab and then double that GAGe. It is
faster to sew ong ge er to make the tabs than it is to make each
Lawn and Garden: tab individually. a help in turning this long strip add a pull string before you
Mid-summer sgw the long seam toge er. nclose a cord InSide tlie folded strip which will _
growing projects pecome the tabs. If the cord is longer than the strip it will allow you to pull on
ita!rertne Sl e seam is sewn and the long tube will be turned without too
A fresh look at your much trouble.
budget : See Smart
SCivings
8. After the long tubes are turned right side out, ~ss and cut to length.
Turn one rawed e to the inside and press before neatl to stltchi .
Real Estate: Get in
en. e other end will be enclose In seam w en they are attached to
the real estate
iheTop of the curtain.
mindset

•
9. Starting at the edge of the panel, evenly space the tabs and pin them in
place on the right side of the panel. Allow 7-9 tabs across a 54-in. -wide
fabric panel. More will be needed if you have sewn two panels together to
cover a wider window.

10. Tear a 6-in. -wide strip of the outer fabric for an upper facing and to finish
t e top edge of the panel. Press and nem tile two snort enos Of til is piece
be ore I a e ta e e 0 el. Sew a ong IS op edge to
en e a s an the unfinished edge of the panel and lining. Turn the
facino to the wrona side of the oanel and oress in olace. After linino uo the

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Fabulous Tab Curtains - HouseNet Article Page 3 of3

edge~ and pinning this facing in place, top stitch the facing through ali
layers.

11 . Press the finished panel carefully and hang onto the rod. If tied tabs
were used the length can be adjusted by the length of the ties. If buttons
were used in the design they can be sewn on at this time. Position the loose
ends of the tabs on the front of the panel and remember that they need to be
all the same length in order to hang properly on the rod. Position the buttons
on the tabs and sew them on through all the layers. It is not necessary to
sew buttonholes for the tabs because you can place the curtain onto the rod
through the loops you have just created.

12. Give the panels a careful steam-iron pressing and hang them at the
window for all to admire. Good job!

Sandy Bemis, sewing expert

HouseNet, Inc.
www.housenet.com

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