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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: weezyrider
Date: 01-17-2007, 09:01 AM (1 of 8)
Making Tab top curtains. Every pattern I've seen says unlined. I want to line with muslin, but dont know how wide to cut it. The curtains are using a full with of Kona, with a 2" side hem. Do you cut to the fold for the hem or what?
Thanks,
Weezy
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003
Total posts: 218
From: esrun3
Date: 01-17-2007, 09:47 PM (2 of 8)
I've not lined tab tops but in thinking about it, I think I would probably cut the lining to the fold on the side. I would sew them together at the top, fold the side hems if you will, over and stitch on top of the lining. Hem at the bottom just short of the decor fabric length.

Does that make sense? Hope that helps-maybe someone who has done these will come along soon.
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-17-2007, 11:13 PM (3 of 8)
Last time I made lined tab curtains for myself (with 2" side facings/hem):
Cut your face fabric desired width + 4" for side facings + 1" for seam allowance (1/2" per side facing). Cut lining same width less 4" for side facings/hem.
Cut both fabrics desired length + 2.5" for double fold bottom hem + 1/2" for top fold.
Hem your face fabric and your lining - turn both face fabric and lining up by 2", press and stich a double fold hem.
Lay your lining fabric over your face fabric, right sides together so lining is 1.5" above curtain hem. Pin and stitch 1/2" seams on sides. Turn right side out, center lining so side hems are equal width (the 2" you want), press with seam allowance toward center.
Turn wrong side out again, set tabs face down, sew fabric and lining across top (in fact do a second line of stitching across the top 1/8" below first line of stitching, in case curtain is pulled and thread breaks), turn right side out, press top seam with tabs now showing.
You can make french tacks (loosely tacking lining to face fabric at intervals) or not.
This is not by the book, but what I've done for myself. If I were to do this project for someone else, I'd add a couple of other steps. But this looked good and worked well for me.

Hope this helps and made sense.

laura
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006
Total posts: 72
From: weezyrider
Date: 01-18-2007, 10:46 AM (4 of 8)
Thanks, that's what I thought. I'm lining because I might have to stick weights on the bottom. We have a heater vent right under the window.

Weezy.:bluesmile
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003
Total posts: 218
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 01-20-2007, 02:02 PM (5 of 8)
you can add weights without adding a linning. You sew them into the bottom of the side seam before it's sewn. They are invisible that way. Having said that, I would definitely line them if I were in your part of the country brrrr!!

Now when I make linned Tabs I make them differently. I used to make them for a mail order company in Massachusetts.. but since someone else told you how I don't want to confuse you .. Good luck can't wait to see the pics....

MM
Marilyn

Sewforme

Stashaway
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005
Total posts: 67
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-20-2007, 05:51 PM (6 of 8)
Marilyn, I want to know! How do you do them? Thanks.

laura
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006
Total posts: 72
From: weezyrider
Date: 01-21-2007, 11:10 AM (7 of 8)
Don't know if I'll ever post a pic - it would be strange. The window is over 100 inches. Plus it has sliding windows on each end. The curtains will only cover the sliders as we have both storm windows and a room darkening shade. I used to have full curtains up, and if you opened the windows, even heavy drapes blew and knocked stuff off tables. Tab top would be easy to move out of the way and pull back. I think the architect of this house had his head up you-know-where!

Weezy:nah:
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003
Total posts: 218
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 01-21-2007, 02:42 PM (8 of 8)
Laura

first I cut the tab fabric 7"L x 3"w I press 1/2" on each longside, fold and topstitch closed then I top stitch the other side. I fold these in half so you have 3" tabs + 1/2" seam.. for the body say your finished curtain is
50"w x 63"L You would need to cut your curtain 55"w x 69 1/2" L 55" includes 2 1/2" for each sideseam + seam allowance. 69 1/2"L includes 3" double hems + 1/2" seam allowance at the top... Lining would be cut 64 1/2"L x 53"w this includes 1 1/2" double hem for the linning. The top of the lining hem would meet the top of the curtain hem.. You should always have your lining placed so it covers half the hem.. At least I think you should :smile: .. Now place 1st tab 2 1/2" from each edge then space the remaining ones across the top. put the right side of the lining against the right side of the curtain and with top of hems meeting. and sew up the side seams.. Do both sides. then match the top of the fabric bringing the curtain fabric 2" to the back and sew across the top. Make sure that your seams are 1/2" and that they are turned towards the sideseam so that when you press they fall that way.. I sew the top twice..Then turn them rightside out add your weights to the bottom in the side seam and hand tack the side seams.. Then just press the drapes.. there done! Clear as mud :up:


Hope this helps
MM
Marilyn

Sewforme

Stashaway
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005
Total posts: 67
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