How to Make Backtab Curtains
Backtab curtains provide the home with a modern look. They give the added dimension of pleats without having to use hook hangers. The tabs are in the back, which provides the user the option of hanging the curtains flat or creating soft, rounded pleats. The tabs function as the rod pocket. Backtab curtains are expensive to purchase but are simple to make and can be completed in one afternoon.
Things You'll Need
- Curtain rod
- Fabric
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Fabric pencil
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Instructions
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Make the Curtain Panels
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1
Mount the curtain rod on the wall above the window. Measure the desired length of the curtain panels from the rod to the level you want the curtain to hang. Add 1/2 inch for the top seam. Add 6 inches for the hem.
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2
Measure the rod length. Multiply the rod length by 3 times the width. Add 10 inches for side hems on each pair of curtains. This is the width of your panels.
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3
Cut the fabric to the panel size. If necessary, join panels with 1/2-inch seam. Press open.
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4
Sew a 2 1/4 inch hem on the sides of each panel. Sew a 3-inch double hem in the bottom. Turn the top edge under 1/2 inch.
Make the Tabs
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5
Mark the tab locations and measure your rod return. Start at the top left edge of your curtain panel and measure the width of the return (the angled parts of the rod that attaches to the wall) to the right. Make a mark. If your rod is straight, make your first mark at the edge of the fabric. Measure over 6 inches and make another mark. Then measure 3 inches and make a mark. Measure 6 inches and make a mark. Continue until you have marked and measured the alternating 6- and 3-inch marks across the width of the curtain.
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6
Determine the number of tabs. Count the number of 3-inch spaces and add one for each return. This is the number of tabs you will need.
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7
Cut fabric 6 inches wide by 10 inches long for each of the tabs. The finished size of the tabs will be about 3 inches wide by 5 inches long.
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8
Fold each tab fabric piece in half lengthwise with right sides touching. Stitch along the long seam. Rotate the seam to the center position. Press the seam open. Turn right side out. Tuck the raw edges of the top and bottom ends into the tab.
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9
Pin one end of the tabs to the top edge of the curtains with the right sides of the fabric touching. The side edges will be positioned between the 3-inch marks. There will be 6-inch spaces between each tab. Stitch in place. Repeat for remaining tabs.
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10
Flip the tab to the back and lay flat. Stitch the loose end in place. Use matching thread to topstitch about 1/4 inch from the top and at 1/4 inch up from the bottom of the tabs. Repeat for remaining tabs.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Any type of fabric is appropriate for tab panel curtains.
Use thread that matches the fabric that shows to the room side.
