How to Sew Tab Curtains
Tab curtains allow you to show off a beautiful curtain rod. They're an alternative to traditional curtains and are identified by the small square-shaped tabs that hold them up. Like more traditional curtains, they are easy to make and a great afternoon project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Curtain rod
- Fabric
- Measuring tape
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Measure from your curtain rod to the floor and across the width of your window. Write these measurements down, and multiply your width measurement by .75 and add 4 inches to to your length. This will be the size of each of your panels.
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2
Choose and purchase your curtain fabric. The amount of fabric you'll need will depend on the measurement you came up with in Step 1. Consult a fabric store employee if you need help calculating the exact amount you'll need.
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3
Mark and cut out two panels the size of the panel measurements calculated in Step 1.
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4
Mark and cut out 12 7 by 7-inch tabs.
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5
Hem each panel by folding down and pressing 1/2 inch on the top and sides of the panels. Leave the bottom edge unhemmed. Fold down and press an inch on the three sides. Pin and stitch this hem down, making sure to clip any excess fabric at the corners.
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6
Pin the edges of the tabs lengthwise, right sides together and sew the long side of the tab leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Leave the short ends open.
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7
Flip and press the tabs down. Fold them in half widthwise, and evenly space out the six tabs and pin the bottom inch of both edges of the tabs across the top of the panel.
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8
Sew the tabs down by sewing two seam lines, one 1/8 inch away from the top edge and another 7/8 of an inch away from the top edge. Do this for both panels.
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9
Place your curtain on the curtain rod, and mark where you wish the bottom edge to fall with a pin. It should be about 1/2 inch away from the floor. Press up 1/2 inch of fabric from the bottom. Measure and press the rest of your hem, and sew it down. You can hand sew the edge or machine stitch, depending on the kind of effect you want. Do this for both panels.
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10
Put your curtains up.
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