For example, if your window is 90 inches (230 cm) wide, you would add 45 inches (110 cm) to the measurement to make the total width of your fabric 135 inches (340 cm). If you wanted the curtain to hang 4 inches (10 cm) below the window, you would add this measurement to the length. If the window is 80 inches (200 cm) high, you would use 84 inches (210 cm) as your length measurement. In general, full-length curtains and drapes tend to be anywhere from 60–120 inches (150–300 cm) long, depending on the size of the window.
If you want your curtains to look nice from outside of your house when you’re looking through the window, be sure to opt for a double-sided fabric.
For instance, if you want 2 panels for a window treatment, and your original measurement plus half was 135 inches (340 cm), you would add 4 inches (10 cm) to the measurement for a total width of 139 inches (350 cm). Then, you can cut the fabric in half to make panels that are 69. 5 inches (177 cm).
After you fold and pin the fabric, step back to ensure that the seams are the same width.
Try not to hold the iron in place for more than 5 seconds, as this can cause scorching on the fabric.
Remember to repeat this process for each seam, including the sides, top, and bottom of the panels.
Once you have most of your seams done, you will likely have fabric overlapping in the corners. This is normal, and you can trim it on an angle to make sure the fabric doesn’t become too thick in the corners of the panel.
If the fabric for your curtains is patterned, make sure the pattern is facing the right direction before you clip the rings in place.
Some people choose to iron their curtains before hanging them. You can also steam them while they’re hanging up to release wrinkles and creases in the fabric. Be sure to avoid the seams, as too much heat can cause them to curl or split apart.
For instance, if you have a window that is 120 inches (300 cm) wide and 160 inches (410 cm) high, your new measurements would be 124 inches (310 cm) wide and 172 inches (440 cm) high for a curtain that falls directly at the bottom of the window. Most curtains range in length from 60–120 inches (150–300 cm) depending on the size of the window, but you can make yours a non-standard length if you want.
Avoid using heavy fabrics that don’t slide easily, like suede, as these can get caught or stuck on the curtain rod. Sheer fabrics tend to be more delicate and can be tricky to sew. If you want the curtains to look good from outside of the window as well, be sure to choose a double-sided fabric.
It’s best to only have 1 or 2 panels per window, since more than 2 panels can easily bunch together and get stuck on the rod. If you decide to make 2 panels, be sure to add an additional 4 inches (10 cm) to your width measurement to account for 2 more seam allowances on the sides of the panels.
It’s important to sew the side seams first to allow the top and bottom seams to have open ends for inserting the rod. If you are sewing delicate fabric using a sewing machine, make the tension looser.
If you’re not sure how wide your rod is, 3 inches (7. 6 cm) is normally enough to accommodate most rods. If you want a tighter fit so the rod stays in place, use the double width method. Be sure to adjust the measurements of your seam allowances to accommodate this change.
If you want to add a footer to the curtain, you can sew an additional line of thread down the middle of the seam. If the fabric is light, you can sew some weight into the hem to make your curtains drape nicely.
If you leave the bottom seam open, you can flip the curtains upside down to reverse the pattern of the fabric.
