How to Design and Make Curtains & Drapes
You can create original artwork for your windows---and save money---by designing and making your own curtains and drapes. Design window treatments to enhance the decor of your room while providing privacy and sunlight control. Style your draperies to suit your design aesthetics---but remember that the function of the window treatments must be the first concern and is the first design challenge. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Draw a sketch of the wall and the window to be covered. Use a metal tape measure to determine the size of the window length and width as well as the distances from the top of the window frame to the ceiling and from the bottom of the window to the floor. Add these measurements to the sketch in inches to make the calculations easier.
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Decide what type of draperies you like and what will work on that window. Find magazine photos of window coverings that suit your style. Determine if your new draperies are to be fixed in place, multiple layers, traverse rods, pole and ring rods, rod pocket, tab tops or pinch pleated. Fabric and hardware requirements will depend on your final design choice.
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Figure fabric requirements. For a floor-to-ceiling, pinch pleated, traverse rod drapery, calculate the area of fabric you need, in square inches, as: (Length+18 inches) x (Width+8 inches) x 3. Divide that number by 144 to get the square footage.
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Simplify the window covering with a pole and ring style that covers only the window. Calculate the fabric requirements for this type of treatment as: (Length+18 inches) x (Width + 1/2 Width). The extra 18 inches is for hems and headers.
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Select fabrics to complement your décor. Choose traditional drapery fabrics, which are easier to sew because the weave is vertical and horizontal to allow the fabric to hang straight. Drapery fabric is 54 to 60 inches wide and sold by the yard. Pattern fabrics have a pattern repeat, so additional fabric will be required to side match the print.
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Choose alternative fabrics for more dramatic statement draperies, such as leather, beaded brocade, embroidered fabrics, canvas or burlap. A more interesting look can be had by designing a sheer over-skirt for your draperies. Use a sheer sari fabric, a gossamer silk or an open weave knit over the base fabric to add dimension and texture to the window treatment.
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Control the amount of sunlight through a window by using a lining under the drapery fabric. Linings can be white, sun-resistant fabric or a heavier, blackout fabric designed to eliminate exterior light. Bedroom draperies with blackout lining provide almost complete darkness during the day. Linings also protect the top fabric from sun fading and add a layer of insulation.
Use a lightweight set of drapes or sheers as linings. Hang these sheers or under drapes on a separate curtain rod to allow them to be opened or closed independent from the over drape.
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Accessorize draperies to complete your custom look. Some examples: Trim bottom hems with rows of upholstery fringe or rope, add antique buttons to tab tops, use big grommets with pole draperies, loop strings of pearls through rings and let them drape to the floor, hang tab tops from cabinet knobs mounted on a board instead of on a pole, or tie back draperies with necklaces or belts.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult fabric store employees about pattern matching fabrics and to verify your yardage calculations.
Fabrics have dye lot numbers for each bolt of fabric. Mixing different bolts of the same pattern will not insure the same colors. Always purchase fabric from one dye lot number.
Check flammability of fabrics before using in areas with open flame.
Ropes, beading and wire trim may be a hazard for young children.
Dry clean draperies to avoid shrinking, fading and wrinkling.
