How to Sew Velvet Curtains

Velvet curtains add a touch of luxury and rich texture to any room. The tiny loops of the fabric stand up and form the "nap," which has a definite direction. When working with velvet, it's essential to know the direction of the nap. Make the curtain panels are cut with the nap going the same direction.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Ruler and straight edge
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Marking pencil
• Straight pins
• Masking tape
• Tailor's chalk

Cutting the Fabric

1. Measure the window and include 3 inches at the top and bottom for the hem and rod casing. Determine the window's width and, based on the fabric width, calculate the necessary yardage. Calculate 1 1/2 times the window's width for fullness.

2. Determine the nap of the velvet by running a hand along the fabric. Mark the top of the backside of the fabric with a marking pencil or tailor's chalk to indicate the correct run of the nap. Feel for the nap to be smooth and soft as the hand passes over it.

3. Lay out the fabric on a flat work surface with the nap running in the right direction. Mark the top front of the fabric with a piece of masking tape.

4. Cut the fabric into the necessary lengths and mark the top of each one (front and back) as it is cut from the original length of fabric. Cut with the direction of the nape (from the top down). Keep the top edges aligned as the sections are cut.

Sewing the Curtains

5. Pin sections together, keeping the straight pins within the seam allowance when possible so as not to mar the fabric. Stitch the sections together, sewing from the top of the piece down towards the bottom in the direction of the nap.

6. Turn under 1/2 inch along both long edges of each section. Stitch in place. Turn under one inch and stitch. Press the edges using a velvet pressing cloth to prevent crushing the nap.

7. Fold under 1/2 inch along the top edge and stitch in place. Turn down the hem along the top of the upper edge to create the rod casing. Sew in place.

8. Lay both panels out on a flat work surface to make sure they are the same length after the rod casings are stitched. Hem 1/2 inch along the bottom edge of the curtain panels. Finish the bottom hem on each panel.

9. Hang the panels on a curtain rod. Use a fabric steamer on the back side of the velvet to remove any wrinkles. Place the rods in the brackets and allow the curtains to relax.

Tips & Warnings

• Add an extra 12 to 16 inches to the length of the floor length curtains if "puddling" is desired.
• Use all-purpose thread and a Universal size 11 sewing machine needle. Use a light pressure on the foot and 10 to 12 stitches per inch.
• Cut velvet in a single layer to prevent "slipping" when trying to cut through two thicknesses.