How to Make Window Drapes

Finding a set of draperies to match your décor can be difficult. You may find the right pattern, but the style isn't exactly what you had in mind or the material is too thin. Fortunately, you can put an end to your frustrating search by creating your own lined window drapes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric cutting tool
• Mat or board with measuring grid
• Pins
• Thread and needles
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Drapery lining
• Drapery fabric
• Iron
• Ring clips
• Drapery rod

Prepare the Drapes and Lining

1. Measure your windows to determine the length and width of the drapes. Hang your rings from the rod, and then measure from the base of the rings to the floor for the length. The width should match the width of the window.

2. Purchase the fabric for the drapes and your lining. Add 10 inches of fabric to the length measurement and double the width.

3. Prepare to sew the hems of your drape. Fold up the bottom of the drapery fabric 4 inches and iron. Then fold up another 4 inches and iron again.

4. Pin and sew the hem in place with a straight stitch. The hem should be at the top of the fold, approximately 4 inches from the bottom of the drape.

5. Cut the length and width of your lining. The width is the same width of the drape minus 6 inches. The length is the same length of the finished drape.

6. Fold up the bottom of the lining 2 inches and iron. Then fold up another 2 inches and iron again.

7. Pin and sew the hem of the lining with a straight stitch. The hem should be at the top of the fold, approximately 2 inches from the bottom of the lining.

Attach the Drapes and Lining

8. Lay the drapes right side up on a table. Lay the lining right-side down on top of the drape so that it is about 1 1/2 inch above the bottom of the drape fabric.

9. Attach the raw sides of fabric together with pins and then stitch down along the sides 1 1/2 inches from the raw edge. Since the lining is not as wide as the drape, you will have extra drape material. This is correct.

10. Turn the drape inside out so that the right side of the drape is visible. Iron the drape, with the lining side up. You need to iron so that even amounts of drape are visible on each side of the lining.

11. Tuck the extra drape material under itself at the bottom corners of the drape. This means that you will be mitering the corners. Sew a blind stitch to hold this in place.

12. Lay the lining side up, and then fold over the entire top edge in a 1-inch double fold. Pin the edge. Stitch in place, using a straight stitch.

13. Complete the drapes by attaching ring clips at the top. You are now ready to hang your curtains.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider blackout lining for a bedroom.
• Drapes are made from heavier, thicker fabric than curtains. When purchasing fabric look for velvets or heavier cottons. When purchasing lining, look for flexible lining that will hang loosely and flat under your drapes.
• If the fabric was not cut to the exact needed measurements when purchased, you must cut the fabric before sewing.