How to Estimate the Fabric Needed for Curtains
Making curtains for your home allows you to choose from a large array of fabrics and styles. You will be able to create a custom look for any room without the expense of hiring an interior designer. Estimating the appropriate amount of fabric needed for your curtains is very important to prevent going over your budget and to ensure you have enough fabric to finish your project.
Instructions
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Measure
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1
Before you begin taking measurements, mount the curtain rods you are going to use.
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2
Measure the length from the top of the rod to the desired finished level. Full-length curtains will barely clear the floor.
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3
Measure the rod width.
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4
Measure the returns of the rod (the angled parts of the rod that are hooked to the wall).
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5
Add the length of both sides to the width measurement.
Estimate Yardage
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6
Determine the length and add length for headers. Headers will be 5" for curtains shirred on a rod, 5 1/4" for French door curtains, 5" for café curtains, and 5 1/2" for drapes with pleater tape.
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7
Add seam allowance for hems to length. Hems will be 6" for sheers, 3 1/2" for unlined curtains, and 6" for drapes.
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8
Calculate how many lengths you will need to make the width. Sheers should be purchased at 2 1/2 to 3 times the width of the window. Heavier fabrics should be less at 2 to 2 1/2 times the width of the window.
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9
Take window measurements and fabric estimates with you to the store. Choose the fabric you wish to use for your curtains and note the width of the fabric. Different fabrics come in different widths.
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10
Calculate the number of panels for each window by dividing the total width of your curtains by the width of the fabric (minus the selvage edges). Round up to the next whole number.
Half of this width will be for each curtain. Add 1 inch for each seam where panels need to be joined together.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Write down all measurements as you take them. Measure each window even if they appear to be the same size. Always purchase 9 extra inches of fabric to allow for straightening the cut ends.
Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of measuring. Simply take one step at a time. It may be helpful to create a chart and diagram of your windows.
