Homemade Stage Curtains

Learn how to make stage curtains.

Curtains are usually associated with windows and seen as a lightweight, sheer and delicate feature in an interior space. However, stage curtains are quite the opposite. They are heavy, dense and dark in color, with a thick fabric and a rich drape. Their function is to conceal the stage from the audience and to keep the mystery alive, unlike transparent and soft window curtains. If you want to make homemade stage curtains, you will most importantly need the right material, because the actual pattern and the seams are relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Needle tips
• Snap clips
• Curtain rail rings
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Measure the stage you want to cover with your homemade curtains. Remember that the actual dimension of the stage needs to be at least doubled for an authentic theater look. That means that the fabric needs to be pleated to get the full, rich effect and a dramatic appearance. Although it may be enough to have 60% fullness, adding up to 100% fullness can significantly improve the look and feel of your stage curtains. Note that the standard size of stage curtains is 20 feet long and 25 feet high for each of the panels.

2. Choose what kind of a fabric your want for your stage curtains and order the correct amount based on the measurements from Step 1. The most popular options for stage or theater curtains are light- absorbing, heavy materials such as velour and velvet. Remember that in addition to the extra 60-100% of fabric, you need to add 10 inches more to the height and the width due to stitching.

3. Mark the length you need for on the fabric with chalk. Do not forget to add the extra 10 inches for the stitching.

4. Cut the panels of the chosen fabric to the desired length, following the chalk marks. Use long and sharp tailor scissors for this task and cut carefully and slowly, following the direction of the thread pattern to get a perfectly straight cut. There are distinctive rules regarding the disposition, size and number of stage curtains so make sure to choose the right option depending on the nature of the theater.

5. Sew the panels of fabric together to get the desired width for the stage curtain. Use a thick and strong thread and a thick, long needle in the sewing machine for this job. Repeat for the stage curtain for the other side as well.

6. Fold and sew the edges of the stage curtain with a 5 to 6 inch hem on the bottom. For the sides, do the same but with a 2-inch hem. Until you sew up the edge, hold it in place with pins.

7. Create pleats in the fabric by folding, pressing and pinning them into place. Always set up the joining edges in the pleating so they are less noticeable. Then, stitch the pleats to make them permanent.

8. Place a 2-inch hem onto the top of your stage curtain. Press it, stitch it and then secure it with reinforcing nylon webbing all along its width. This part of the stage curtain has to be the strongest since it will be the part upon which the whole fabric is hanged.

9. Attach snap clips on the top of the curtain and make sure they are all strong and holding the fabric firmly. Then, slide the rings on the clips onto the curtain rail and hang your stage curtain to its full width and length so you can inspect if everything is sewn properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a dark, rich and dramatic color of the fabric, such as dark red, warm black or deep violet.

• Be very careful when handling sharp scissors and use caution when working with a sewing machine.

References

• I.Weiss: Stage curtain details
• Sew what Inc.: Curtain questions