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From: tenoresposa
Date: 02-25-2006, 01:26 PM (1 of 6)
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Hello Everyone! I'm new here and new to sewing. Can someone give me a sure fire method for figuring how much material I need to make curtains without a pattern. I would like to make panels and a valance for three separate windows. The width of the fabric I have been looking at is 54 inches. I would appreciate any help that is given. Thanks! 
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User: tenoresposa
Member since: 02-25-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: debsews
Date: 02-25-2006, 01:43 PM (2 of 6)
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How big are the windows? Then decide if you need to sew the 54 inch material together to make one panel for each side. The valances I usually make are 2 1/2 to 3 times the width of the window. And I usually make mine anywhere from 18 to 23 inches long when finished. So you need to add to the length measurement a hem and enough for the rod pocket and a little ruffle at the top. It's pretty much trial and error for me when I don't use a pattern but panels and valances are pretty easy. It just depends on how full you want everything to look when finished. Take the finished length you'll need, including rod pockets and hems and multiple by the number of panels and then covert into yards! I'm not good at directions so this may be clear as mud. Someone will come along with a better method I'm sure! Buy more material than you think you'll need. I always need some extra for some reason. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-25-2006, 02:24 PM (3 of 6)
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Also, in home dec fabric shops, and sometimes the home dec section of the national chains fabric stores, you'll find worksheets that help you do your calculations. Sometimes those help you feel a little less like you're flying by the seat of your pants!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-25-2006, 02:29 PM (4 of 6)
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Ah, here's one of those yadage worsheets (http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/curtains/curtain-panel.htm) for you! Good Luck!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: bunzino
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:56 PM (5 of 6)
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It depends on the size of the window, too , and whether these are going to stay closed (like cafe curtains) or open and close or just decorative. If it's the last 2, you want the curtains to end up just outside the glass -- not covering it. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: wp88
Date: 02-26-2006, 06:17 AM (6 of 6)
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Hi Have a look at this site I think it will help. http://www.alternative-windows.com/lined-curtains.htm This I found helpful The fullness depends on you and the type but usually 21/2 to 3 is normal. Hope this helps. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
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