How to Sew Tab Top Window Drapes
Tab top window drapes are one of the simplest forms of curtains. A tab top window drape is a curtain with a panel of fabric suspended from a decorative window rod. The panel is attached to the rod or pole by small rectangular fabric loops or rings called "tabs," which is how the curtain got its name. Their simplicity makes tab top curtains versatile and adaptable to easily fit any room decor. To enhance the look of your window, learn how to make your own tab top window drapes.
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Lining
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Tailor's chalk
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron
- Interface strips
Instructions
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1
Measure the dimensions of your future drapes by measuring the distance between the rod and the line where you want your curtain to end. Check the position of the rod in relation to the window, so you know how long to make your curtain tabs. Don't make the tabs so long that the top line of the curtain is below the top line of the window. Add 7- to 8-inches to the measured height for the tabs and approximately 5- to 6-inches for the hems. Make the width at least 1 1/2 times the window width and add approximately 4-inches for the side hems (2-inches each side).
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2
Cut the fabric of your choice and the lining to the required size, using the measurements from Step 1. You must cut the fabric and lining in two lengths so you can part the curtains. First mark the fabric and lining with tailor's chalk. Leave space for the hems when cutting. Use sharp scissors for this task and follow the chalkline precisely.
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3
Sew the fabric and lining together. Put the lining over the right side of the fabric. Sew the sides together, except the top side of the drapes, 1/4 of an inch away from the edges. Use a sewing machine to stitch along the edge. Turn the piece inside-out so that the right side of the fabric shows.
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4
Hem the top, open side of the fabric by folding over ΒΌ-inch from the edge twice and running it on the sewing machine. Press down the hem and flatten it with an iron. Iron the rest of the drapes to flatten the other sides.
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5
Add 2-inches of interface strip on the back side of the fabric; iron it down and sew along the edge.
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6
Make the tabs from the same fabric separately. Typically, add tabs to every 8-inches of curtain length. Cut a strip of fabric, fold the sides, press, iron and stitch. Repeat for each tab; and after all the tabs are hemmed, arrange them along the curtain.
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7
Attach the tabs by stitching along the hem through the top edge of the curtain, with the tab pinned into position. Repeat for the second panel.
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Tips & Warnings
To add an interesting detail to your tab top curtain, sew buttons under each of the tabs to make it look as if they are buttoned to the window rod.
Practice caution when using needles and a sewing machine.
