How to Estimate Fabric for Curtain Styles

Curtain panel lengths and widths change depending on the method of hanging the panels.

Curtain styles basically consist of rectangular panels attached to a rod in various ways. Curtains generally are of lighter fabric and simpler design than drapes. Curtains are hung by the means of a rod pocket, tabs, ties or café rings. According to Alternative Windows, it's important to measure every window and never assume that because the windows look identical, they actually are. The measurements determine the outcome of your curtains. Figuring out how much fabric you need for a particular type of curtain involves measuring and mathematics.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

Rod Pocket Panels

1. Measure the window width from the outer left to the outer right of the window frame or recess. Measure the window length from the outer top to the outer bottom of the frame/recess.

2. Determine the desired curtain length by measuring from 2 inches above the outer top of the frame/recess to the place you wish the curtains to fall. Make a mark on the wall. The 2 inches takes into consideration the rod position.

3. Determine the fabric length necessary for a single panel by adding 5 inches to the desired curtain length measurement (Step 2). The extra 5 inches of fabric includes 1¼ inches for a bottom hem, 1 inch of fabric above the rod pocket, and 3 inches for the rod pocket (this includes a hem for the top edge, which is folded over to create the rod pocket).

4. Multiply the actual width of the window (Step 1) by 3 for the first step in determining the width necessary for one panel. Then, divide that measurement by 2. The resulting measurement is the width of the fabric for one panel. Most windows have two panels. Fabric widths measure 45, 54 and 60 inches. According to Alternative Windows, if your final width measurements are wider than the fabric width, sew a seamed panel to add the extra fabric. Allow extra fabric to match the pattern print along the seam line (see Resources).

5. Estimate the fabric needed for a rod pocket panel by using the length determined in Step 3 by the width determined in Step 4.

Café Rings, Tab or Tie-on Panels

1. Measure the window width from the outer left to the outer right of the frame or recess. Measure the window length from the outer top to the outer bottom of the frame/recess.

2. Determine the curtain length desired by measuring from 2 inches above the outer top of the frame or recess to the place you wish the curtains to fall. Make a mark on the wall.

3. Calculate fabric length needed for a single panel to be used with clip on café rings by adding 2½ inches to the length determined in Step 2. This extra fabric allows for top and bottom panel hems. For Tab and Tie-on curtains, continue.

4. Determine the fabric length necessary for a tab or tie-on curtain panel by subtracting 2 inches from the length determined in step 2. According to Alternative Windows, a tab or tie-on curtain panel's top edge must start above the top of the frame, so you must subtract the tab length from the curtain's length. Figuring in 2 inches of fabric for hems to the top and bottom edge of the curtain cancels out 2 inches of the 4-inch long tabs, so you only need to subtract 2 inches from the length.

5. Calculate fabric necessary for curtain tabs by planning for a tab measuring 5 inches wide by 9 inches long. Tabs should be spaced 3 inches apart along the panel's top edge. A finished tab will measure 4 inches wide by 4 inches long (hemmed ½ inch on each side, folded over and secured behind the panel top with a 1inch seam allowance). Divide your panel width by 7 inches to determine how many tabs per panel.

6. Determine the fabric necessary to create ties for tie-on panels by figuring a tie measuring 4½ inches wide by 14 inches long. Ties will be sewn with a ½-inch seam allowance, folded in half vertically into a tube. The ties are turned right side out, the ends tucked inside the tube and sewn with a ½-inch seam allowance. The ties are then folded in half horizontally, with the fold being sewn to the panel top with a ½-inch seam allowance. The ties tie over the rod. Ties should be spaced 4 inches apart. Determine how many ties are necessary by dividing the panel width by 9 inches.

7. Estimate the fabric needed for one panel based on the amount of tabs or ties required, and the width and length measurements of the panel based on the hanging method from either Step 3 (café rings), Steps 4 and 5 (tab) or Steps 4 and 6 (tie-on). Remember to multiply this fabric estimate by the number of panels being sewn.

Tips & Warnings

• Curtains styles determine the volume of the panels used. Fuller panels are created by multiplying the window width by double, triple and sometimes even wider, the width measurement. According to Alternative Windows, standard long curtains measure 1 inch above the floor, and short curtains measure 1 inch above the windowsill.

• The positioning and type of curtain rod used affects the curtain length. Curtain rods can be raised or lowered on the wall to compensate for too short or too long curtains. For linings in curtains, estimate the same amount of fabric as needed for the curtains.

References

• Alternative Windows: Measuring Up for Curtains

Resources

• Alternative Windows: Curtain Fabric Estimator
• Alternative Windows: How to Match Fabric Patterns and Seams