How to Drape Fabric to Make a Curtain

Use brightly printed fabrics for eclectic curtains.

To achieve the correct drape, curtains need to be measured correctly. For example, a panel that is only as large as the window will look stretched and thin. The key to a quality drape for your curtains lies in good measurement and understanding what you want your curtains to do. Make your own simple curtains using fabric and curtain clip rings, which give you a professional and elegant drape from the curtain rod.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Curtain clip rings

Instructions

1. Measure the width of your window and multiply it by 1.5

2. Measure the height of your window and add 2 inches to this measurement.

3. Cut a rectangle of fabric that matches the measurements you found in steps 1 and 2.

4. Hem the rectangle by turning down the edges twice, creating a fold that 1/4 inch deep both times and sewing it flat with a needle and thread. You can also use a sewing machine for this purpose.

5. Attach curtain clip rings to one of the long edges of the rectangles. Space them evenly, leaving between 3 and 5 inches between each ring. This spacing allows you to get an attractive pleating effect for your curtains. At this point, the curtain is ready to be hung.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the rectangle in half to make two curtains that frame a window.

• Tie back the curtain with upholstery cord to create an attractive drape when the curtain is drawn.

References

• Casa Sugar: DIY -- Simple Panel Curtains (in Four Hours or Less)
• Care2; No Sew Curtains and DIY Window Treatment Ideas; Ronnie Citron-Fink; April 2010