How to Make Portable Curtains

Portable curtains are used in conventions, trade shows and theatrical performances. Many businesses find them a handy tool when large areas require a portable separation device. The curtains offer a background to place lecture and presentation materials in front of and provide visual privacy during an interview process.They also provide a means to define space in a large hall or ballroom. Portable curtains can be made in a special color or pattern or to replace a stained, torn or missing drapery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• pencil
• tape measurement
• fabric
• sewing machine

Measure For The Curtain

1. Choose a portable frame or framing system to hang the portable curtain from. These can be found at theatrical supply houses and through convention and trade show exhibit suppliers. Sometimes frames without curtains can be found through used office furniture stores.

2. Make the curtain for the frame by noting the curtain height measurement first. Measure the height from the bottom horizontal rod to the floor. In this example, the height is 60 inches.

3. Add additional inches for the rod casing and hemming to the measurement. Take the measure around the rod (not the diameter) and add 4 inches for finishing and hemming. For example, the rod measures 8 inches around plus 4 inches for an additional 12 inches. Add the 12 inches to the 60 inches for an overall fabric height of 72 inches.

4. Take the curtain width measurement by measuring the full length of the rod the curtain will hang from. Multiply this number by 1.3 (for folds and fullness in the curtain) and add 1 more inche for finishing the edges. For example, a 50 inch width is then multiplied by 1.3 to equal 65 inches plus 1 inch for finishing which results in a 66 inch wide curtain.

5. Use the final measurements and locate a fabric for the curtain. In our example, the measurements would be 72 inches in height and 66 inches wide. Portable curtains are usually used in a variety of locations so a solid color is good choice. Look for something sturdy, stain resistant and of medium weight.

Sew The Curtain

6. Finish all fabric edges by folding each edge 1/4 inch and again 1/4 inch and stitch to prevent fraying.

7. Fold the top edge of the portable curtain fabric to create the rod casing using the measurements taken earlier and stitch into place.

8. Place the curtain on the rod by starting at one end and gently pulling the casing tube over the rod. With the curtain in place, stand the frame on a level floor and decide where the hem will be. Pin the hem in place. Take the curtain off the rod.

9. Stitch the hem. Place the curtain back on the portable frame rod.

Tips & Warnings

• Bulky, thick fabrics will not gather well on a rod.

References

• Portable Curtain Equipment