How to Estimate Fabric for Drapes

Estimate fabric for drapes with basic math.

Because making your own drapes can be complex and expensive, it is imperative that you estimate the amount of fabric you need properly before you purchase drapery fabric. Drapery fabric tends to be expensive, so avoid any costly mistakes by taking the time to estimate accurately. Although the formula may seem complicated, the math operations are not difficult. Once you estimate accurately, you will be ready to proceed with your project.

Things You'll Need

• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Position the stepladder at the window if you need to stand on it to reach the curtain rod above the window.

2. Measure the entire curtain rod from the left end to the right end. If you want your drapes to turn the corner on the rod and extend to the walls, include this distance in the measurement. Write this measurement down.

3. Determine whether you will pleat or smock your drapes. If you will pleat your drapes, multiply the measurement in Step 2 by 2.5. If you will be smocking your drapes, multiply the measurement in Step 2 by 2.5 or 3. Write this measurement down.

4. Add the seam allowance you plan to use for your drapery panels to the measurement in Step 3. A standard seam allowance is ½ inch, so if you are using this seam allowance, add 1 inch to the measurement in Step 3. Write this measurement down.

5. Divide the measurement in step four by the width of your fabric to determine how many panels you need. Most drapery fabric is 60 inches wide, so divide the measurement in Step 4 by 60 if this is your drapery fabric width. Write this measurement down.

6. Measure the length you desire for your drapes, measuring from the top of the curtain rod to the point to which you want the drapes to extend. Determine how much of a bottom hem you want to make, double this hem amount and add it to the length measurement. Add the top hem measurement (1 inch is enough for a simple top hem and up to 5 inches may be necessary to create a fancy heading along the top of the drapes) to the length measurement. Write this measurement down.

7. Multiply the measurement from Step 6 by the measurement from Step 5. Divide this product by 36 to reach the number of yards of drapery fabric you will need to make your drapes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a sheer fabric, double your top hem and add 2 inches to the entire length as you are figuring the length in Step 6. This is necessary because sheer fabric needs extra stability by folding the hems over more than once.

References

• Online Fabric Store: Estimating Fabric for Drapes