How to Cut a Jabot Curtain

Making your own curtains can save you money.

Jabot curtains are wide, generally pleated, draperies designed to flow down the sides of a window. Jabot curtains are often paired with a swag that sits in the middle of the window and provides a nice contrast to the curtains on the side. You can buy jabot curtains at your local department store, but if you have average sewing skills you can buy the fabric and cut your own.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Drapery fabric
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the windows to determine what size curtains you need.

2. Lay the fabric for the jabot curtains on the floor or a flat area and measure it to determine where you want to cut. You can cut your curtains to extend to the midpoint of the window, or all the way down to the window sill.

3. Create pleats in the fabric if you wish. You can make your curtains with as many pleats as you wish. Press firmly to set the pleats in place, then measure the fabric to the width of the windows.

4. Cut the fabric to the length and width of your windows. Use sharp sewing scissors for a clean cut. Hem the top, bottom and sides of the jabot curtains with a sewing machine, then hang the curtains on your window to see how they look.

References

• Window Valance Patterns: Jabot Curtains