How to Sew a Curtain Header

Making curtains can be a quick and easy way to customize your decor. Whether you are redecorating your child's room with simple curtains that match those wonderful car-and-truck sheets and quilt or want a ruffled valance to accent department-store sheers, knowing how to sew a curtain header will let you handle the job quickly and easily. Two side seams, a header and a hem--you have just created your own window treatment in a surprisingly short time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape Fabric Curtain rod Pins Sewing machine

Making a Curtain Header

1. Factor the heading into your measurements when you purchase curtain fabric. For the simplest kind of heading, which is just a pocket in which to insert your curtain rod, you should add 2 inches to your fabric length--a double-folded 1-inch finished seam is large enough to hold most curtain rods. If your rod is larger, add the material you will need to make a double-folded seam large enough to contain the rod easily. Fold your seam, pin and stitch 1/8 inch from the turn-under.

2. Plan additional material if you want a gathered edge above your rod-pocket. This gives your curtain header a slightly more finished look. For a 2-inch gathered edge above the rod-pocket, figure your material this way: a 1-inch turn-under for the final seam and 3 inches for each side of the header = 7 additional inches of fabric.

3. Fold the top of your fabric into a seam 3 inches deep, with a 1-inch turn-under. Pin and stitch a seam 1/8 inch from the turn-under. Pin and stitch a second seam 1 inch above the first, to make your rod-pocket (farther up if your rod is larger than average, as described in Step 1). This way, your fabric will gather in a finished edge that stands above the rod.

Tips & Warnings

• This same technique allows you to make quick cafe curtains for your kitchen--just more headers. Be sure to allow enough extra fabric for both the curtains and the valance.