How to Make Rod to Rod Curtains

Rod to Rod Curtains have a lot of applications, including french doors, entry doors with glass, and side lights. The sewing is simple and can be made from a variety of lightweight fabrics. Rod to rod curtains have rod pockets on both ends which pulls the fabric taut. This type of curtain is to be used for applications when the curtains will remain in place, not being opened, or pushed to the side of the window.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• scissors
• straight pins
• tape measure or yardstick
• sewing machine
• curtains rods

1. Install curtain rods at the top and bottom of the window or door. Measure the length from the top rod to the bottom rod add 10 inches. Measure the width of the rods and multiply by 2. This is the width of the fabric required. Example: the window measures 36 inches in width, would require 72 inches of fabric for double fullness which would equal 2 lengths of 36 inch fabric.

2. The length of the fabric will be the distance from the top rod to the bottom rod plus 10 inches. Example: Rod measurement equals 72 inches plus 10 inches is 82 inches, multiplied by 2 is 164 inches. Divide by 36 inches to determine yardage required. This curtain will require 4 1/2 yards of 36 inch material.

3. Choose light to medium weight fabric. Heavier fabrics will not drape properly. If you wish light to filter through choose sheer fabrics. For total privacy choose denser woven fabrics.

4. Cut you fabric into 2 lengths of 82 inches each. Hem the long sides of the fabric by folding under about 1/4 inch, press and then fold again 1 inch. Press and pin this edge and stitch on the machine.

5. At one end of the fabric, turn under a 1/2 inch and press. Fold this edge down 3 inches and press. Stitch across the folded edge. This will form the bottom of your rod pocket. Measure down 1 1/2 inches from the top of you curtain and stitch. This forms a pocket for your curtain rod and forms a ruffle at the top.

6. Measure from the top seam of your rod pocket to the top of the bottom rod ( in the example 72 inches) and add 3 1/2 inches. Trim off excess fabric and repeat the procedure to sew your bottom rod pocket the same as the top. Press and install your curtains, evenly distributing the fabric.

7. Tie curtains back to each side to form an opening with tie backs or they can be gathered to the center with one tie back, a bow, or what ever you can envision. The curtains can be left straight to completely cover the window.

Tips & Warnings

• If curtains are washable, launder your fabric and press before starting the cutting and sewing. If curtains will be dry cleaned, this can be skipped.