How to Sew a Gathered Curtain

Sewing gathered curtains is a simple project.

A gathered curtain is frequently used to create the look of fullness for a fixed panel over a window. This helps to add more mass to the curtain and prevents it from looking flat or cheap. Gathering fabric is a simple technique that can be modified for large gathers or tight gathers, depending on the look you want to create. Making this style of curtain panel takes less than an hour and a set can be produced in a short time.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron and board
• Cord
• Safety pins

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the window from the top of the curtain rod to the floor. Add 4 inches to the measurement. Measure the width of the window and add 1-inch. Cut your fabric to these measurements. This will create one panel. Each window should have two panels. Use a lighter weight fabric for easier gathering and smaller gathers.

2. Fold the fabric edge to the back 1/4-inch and iron. Fold the fold to the back 1/4-inch and iron. Sew the turned under edge to the back of the fabric using a hem stitch.

3. Fold the bottom edge under 1 1/2-inches and iron. Sew using a blind hem stitch.

4. Fold the top edge to the back 1 1/2-inches and iron. Sew a seam 1 1/8-inches from the top fold. Cut cording the width of the curtain plus 10-inches. Lift the 3/8-inch fabric flap along the back top edge of the curtain. Center and tuck the cording up against the seam. Sew a second seam 1 3/8-inches from the top fold. The cord should be between the seams.

5. Tie one end of the cord to a safety pin and pin the safety pin to the back inside edge of the curtain. Pull on the other end of the cord and slide the curtain to your desired width. The the cord to the safety pin. Coil the remaining cord and pin the cord to the back side of the curtain.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang your curtain using curtain rings with alligator clips. You can adjust the width of your gathers by lengthening or shortening your cord.

References

• Alternative Windows: Making Unlined Curtains Instructions