Instructions for Making Tab Top Curtains

Tab top curtain are a contemporary window treatment.

Tab top curtains deliver a practical and contemporary option for modern window décor. The tab tops are an attractive alternative to traditional pleated or gathered curtains and eliminate the expensive hardware needed for traverse rod draperies. If cotton fabric is used, tap top curtains lend a casual air. For a more elegant look, use silk, velvet or damask fabric. Curtain making requires just simple straight sewing. Tab tops also can be added to manufactured curtains if a coordinating or contrasting fabric is used.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• 3/4-inch fusible webbing
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Carefully measure the window length for the curtains. Decide if the curtain will end at the floor or just below the window. Add 4 inches to the length measurement to allow top and bottom hems. These measurements will determine the fabric yardage.

2. For each curtain panel width, measure half the window width and multiply it by 1-1/2, adding 4 inches for side hems.

3. Cut tabs to measure 3 inches by 12 inches. A standard window panel will require six tabs.

4. Construct the tabs by applying a 2-1/2-inch strip of 3/4-inch wide fusible webbing down the center of each tab strip on the wrong side of the fabric. Fold the tab side and bottom edges over the webbing, and iron and fuse in place.

5. Hem the sides, top and bottom of the curtain panels by folding the edges over 1 inch twice, pinning and using straight stitching.

6. Fold the tabs in half and pin them to the top edge, spacing them evenly, with the first and last tabs even at the edges.

7. Attach with a straight top stitch one-fourth inch from tab edge, around tab sides and bottom edges.

References

• Denver Fabrics