Things You'll Need
Fabric
Lining fabric if desired
Nylon webbing
Snap hooks
Heavy duty upholstery needles for your sewing machine
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Iron and Ironing board
Pressing board for velvet if needed
Tape measure
Stage curtains add color, style and function to theaters large and small. Typically, the curtains are hung on tracks to be opened and closed when appropriate. Choose rich colors that work in the space and heavy fabrics with a good drape. They can be a huge project for the home sewer. They only require simple, straight seams; however, you will be handing massive amounts of heavy fabric. If you enjoy a challenge, this project is sure to be rewarding when you watch the curtains open to reveal a grand production at your local theater.
Step 1
Measure the desired length for your theater curtains. They should reach from the top hanging hardware to the stage or lower. . Allow for a 6 inch bottom hem and a 2 inch top hem. Decide how wide the stage curtains should be. Obviously, they will need to cover the full width of the stage, but additional fullness will make for prettier and richer looking stage curtains if desired. Pleating is the most common way to add this fullness, whether through box or knife pleats. Smaller theaters may opt for 50 percent fullness, but 100 percent fullness is ideal for formal theater curtains. An average size for rental stage curtains is 22 feet wide by 25 feet high, and two panels of this size are required.
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Step 2
Determine fabric quantities. You will need to seam multiple lengths of fabric together to create an adequate width for the stage curtains. Allow for the full width of the stage, multiplied by 1.5 for 50 percent for additional fullness and by 2 for heavier pleating. You will also need to include 3 inches on each side for edge finishing.
Step 3
Take the time to note down work order and desired measurements. This will prevent any errors and allow you to use your time more productively. Plan out pleating at this point, whether you are using knife or box pleats. Be sure that you have plenty of thread on hand, and consider moving your sewing machines to a larger table if one is available. Make space for the fabric.
Step 4
Measure your stage curtain fabric when it arrives and before cutting. Once you determine that you do have the appropriate quantity of fabric, begin by cutting your fabric to the desired length. Use distinctive pins to denote nap if relevant. Press if it suits your fabric and is necessary, but you may wish to avoid ironing if working with velvet.
Step 5
Sew together panels of fabric to create the desired width for your stage curtains. Hem the bottom with a 6 inch hem and both sides with 2 inch hems. Using pins or a fabric marker as appropriate, mark your pleats. Press and pin the pleats into place, being sure to hide the joining seams in the pleating. Stitch your pleats into place
Step 6
Press a 2 inch hem into the top of the stage curtain. Stitch this hem into place. Reinforce by securely sewing coordinating nylon webbing along the full width of the curtain.
Step 7
Double check all seams for sturdiness. Attach any desired tiebacks and snap clips. Your stage curtains are now ready to hang, making for beautiful and luxurious theater curtains.
Tip
If working with velvet, be sure to have appropriate pressing tools. Allow plenty of time to order fabric!
Warning
Keep in mind that this is a big project. It may be both cumbersome and time consuming.
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