How to Figure Yardage for Curtains

Creating your own curtains is a rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to choose your own materials and prints. They will also be custom curtains because they will be tailored to your own style and windows. Figuring the correct amount of fabric needed for your curtains is essential to keep from purchasing too much or too little fabric. You can figure the yardage required to make your new curtains in about an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Curtain rods
• Metal measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil

Instructions

Measure

1. Install the curtain rods you will use for this particular set of curtains. Fully install them at the height and location the curtain will hang.

2. Measure the distance from the top of the rod to the level you want the curtain to hang. If you want full- length curtains, measure to a point about 2 inches from the floor. Less formal curtains hang a few inches below the windowsill.

3. Measure the width of the rod, including both of the rod returns. Rod returns are the angled parts of the rod that hook to the wall.

Estimate Yardage

1. Determine the finished length you want for your curtains, and add length for headers. Add 5 inches for curtains that are shirred on a rod; add 5-1/4 inches to the measurement for French door curtains; add 5 inches for café curtains; and add 5-1/2 inches for drapes with pleater tape for the header.

2. Add seam allowance to the length for hems. Add 6 inches for the hem on sheers, add 3-1/2 inches for unlined curtains and add 6 inches for drapes.

3. Figure the number of fabric lengths required to make the width of the curtain. Purchase 2-1/2 to 3 times the width of the rod for sheer fabric. Purchase heavier fabrics at 2 to 2-1/2 times the width of the rod.

4. Take window measurements and fabric estimates with you when you shop for the fabric. Note the width of the fabric you choose for your curtains.

5. Divide the width of your curtains by the width of the fabric (Do not include the selvage edges.) to calculate the number of panels for each window. Round up to the next whole number.
   Divide the width by two. This is the width for each curtain. Add one inch for each seam where the fabric panels will be joined together.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw a sketch of your window, and label each measurement in the correlating position.

• Purchase extra fabric if you choose a print that must be matched up.

• Don't try estimating your yardage without measuring.

References

• Pak Ladies: Measuring up for Curtains