How to Buy Fabric for Curtains

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By Janice Brewster
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Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

Curtain fabric can add character to your room.

Buying fabric for curtains can seem overwhelming. Here's a guide to choosing the right fabric for the job.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Keep in mind that curtains are different from drapes or other window treatments. Curtains tend to be casual, shorter and lighter than drapes. Typically, you'll find curtains in kitchens and baths.
Step 2

Which fabric to choose depends on what purposes your curtains will serve. Do you need the curtains to block a view? Choose a heavier, more opaque fabric. Do you want to filter light or just obscure a view? You can go with a fabric that's lighter weight and more sheer.
Step 3

Will you need to wash your curtains regularly? If they hang near your kitchen sink, they may be susceptible to stains and splatters. Check the laundering instructions for whichever fabric you choose by reading the information printed on the end of the fabric bolt.
Step 4

Measure your windows before you go to the fabric store. Fabric sold in the home decorating section of the fabric store tends to be 54 or 60 inches wide, so buying a yard (36 inches) of fabric will give you a rectangle that measures 36 by 54. If your windows are small, you may be able to use quilting or other cotton fabrics that run 44 to 45 inches wide.
Step 5

The amount of fabric you'll need for a curtain with a good amount of fullness is two and half times the width of your window. If your window is 40 inches wide, you'll need 100 inches of fabric (or about 3 yards). Ask the fabric store staff for help if you're unsure how much to buy.