How to Make Tier Curtains
A tier curtain is actually two separate curtains mounted together to make the tier. The first tier is a valance-type curtain that is valance length in the middle and tapers down to a longer curtain on the sides. This is usually one piece of the curtain set. The other two pieces are like the lower portions of a cafe-style curtain; the two panels cover the bottom half of the window and hang on a separate rod from the top curtain. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Measure the window for the top tier of the curtain. Measure the width of the window and add 12 inches. Measure the length of the top half of the window and then figure half of that length. Use the half measurement for the depth of the center of the top tier. Add 5 inches to the length to allow for the rod pocket casing.
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2
Measure the bottom half of the window -- the entire width of the window and the length of the window from the halfway point to the window sill, plus 5 more inches for the rod pocket casing. These are the measurements for cutting the curtain panels, of which you will need two.
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3
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise to cut the upper tier. Cut the necessary length and then use the measurement for the center, found in Step 1, to cut out the valance length.
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4
Cut in from the fold approximately two thirds of the way. Cut away the remainder of the center of the top tier by tapering down to the end so that the tail is about 4 inches wide.
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5
Use the measurements from Step 2 to cut out the bottom-tier panels.
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6
Hem three sides of the curtain panels by turning under the edge of the fabric 1/4 inch two times and using pins to hold the fabric in place while you stitch it down on the sewing machine.
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7
Fold the fabric at the top of the panels down 4 inches. Turn under just the raw edge and stitch to hold fabric in place. Sew another seam 1 1/2 inches down from the top folded edge to create a rod pocket casing.
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8
Hem the sides of the top curtain in the same manner as the sides of the bottom panels. Hem the inner sides of the top tier as well.
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9
Create a rod pocket casing for the top tier following Step 7.
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Tips & Warnings
When cutting the tapered part of the top tier, you may want to use a straightedge to measure first and then draw a cutting line with a pencil to make sure that the taper is even and straight.
When hemming the inside edges of the top tier, it may be helpful to clip the fabric at the corners where the taper meets the valance length. This will help you turn the fabric for the hem under much more neatly.
