How Wide to Make Curtain Rod Pockets

Make rod pockets the right width for your curtain rod.

A rod pocket is the casing at the top of a curtain through which the rod is placed. The size of the curtain rod determines the required width of the casing. You can easily figure out how wide to make curtain rod pockets with a sewing tape measure, also known as a dressmaker's tape. Choose a cloth or vinyl dressmaker's tape in good condition for accurate measurements.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing tape measure

Instructions

1. Lay the curtain rod on a flat surface.

2. Hold the beginning edge of the sewing tape measure firmly against the surface next to the rod on the left-hand side. Lay the tape across the rod, extending onto the surface next to the rod on the right-hand side.

3. Write down the measurement where the tape meets the surface on the right-hand side of the rod. Round up the measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch.

4. Sew the top and bottom rod pocket casing seams so that the distance between the two is equal to your written measurement.

Tips & Warnings

• For a tighter fit when using sheer or lightweight fabrics, subtract 1/4 inch from the casing width.

• Add 1/4 inch to the casing width when using especially bulky fabrics.