Introducing my how-to for making your own, customized drapes! These instructions are for a fully lined, tab-top style, although you could certainly make them without the lining (only recommended if you want a sheer look, or if the fabric you're using is extremely dense and won't let light show through). Sewing your own drapes takes a surprising amount of time (not something to be whipped up in an hour), but it can be significantly cheaper than ordering them, or even less expensive than buying ready-made drapes if the fabric you use is not too expensive.
These drapes were made from the fabric of a duvet cover from IKEA (recognize the material?) because I had a very limited budget and couldn't afford to go out and drop $15 to $200+/yard for home dec fabric (I made 6 drapes = 18 yards). For $80 I bought two duvet covers and got 4 drapes out of one and 2 out of the other, with half the duvet fabric left over for whatever else I want to use it for. The length of the duvet cover was too short for how long I wanted the drapes to be, so I added a strip of white linen (cut from a white linen store-bought panel that I had on hand and didn't have a use for) to each one and sewed black ribbons on for accent.
To begin, think about what style and "feel" you want for your room. Formal? Playful? Casual yet sophisticated? Light and airy or rich and bold? In our front room, the carpet and walls are basically white, and the blinds are a dark faux-wood. It's a rental house, so I can't do anything to change those elements (although I'm thinking I'll take down the blinds now that I have the drapes up) but I CAN add color to the windows and furnishings. The armoire anchors the long, empty room (a CL bargain at $120, we use it for a computer station) and the dark furnishings provide contrast and visual weight, but the drapes really create a lot of playful drama. I didn't want anything too formal or serious, so I used a graphic print, and I used red because, well, I just happen to love red! As if you hadn't noticed....
Now all I need to do is paint those paintings I've been itching to do for months so that my walls are no longer forlorn and blank!
Anyway, if you want a summery and/or casual look, choose a fabric with a nubby texture such as linen or a cotton blend that looks like linen. If you want to go more formal, choose dupioni silk, or a heavier material such as velvet, velveteen, microsuede, or thickly woven home dec fabric.
MEASURE your window and the height of your wall. I always like to install the curtain rod first so I know exactly how long I want to make the drapes, then add 4 inches to that length. Do not install the rod so that the rod supports (the hooks that hold up the rod) are right at the ends of the rod. With tab-top drapes, it looks better to have the hooks about 4 to 8 inches in from the ends of the rod so that they are hidden behind the drapes when the drapes are hung, and the drapes can extend all the way to the finials uninterrupted. A word about curtain rods...they can get very pricey, so I like to scout them out at places like Ross, and if they're the wrong color I just spray paint them (I painted these ones black). You can also buy a large dowel (the kind for closets) and screw finials into the ends of them, but I have found that by the time you buy the wooden rod supports and finials it can still get pretty expensive.
Back to measuring...make sure that the width of your panels is wide enough to cover your window when they are drawn shut. If you're just using them as accents on the sides of the windows it doesn't really matter, you can get away with a width of about 40 inches. The easiest thing is just to use the entire width of the fabric straight from the bolt, unless you're cutting apart a duvet cover like I did!
Allowing about 4 inches extra beyond the finished desired lenth of your drapes (if you want the finished drapes to measure 90 inches, cut the lengths to 94 inches), cut the drapes out. Make sure that you have a straight cut that is 90 degrees perpendicular to the selvedge edge of fabric so your drapes don't end up being crooked.
If you want to add a contrasting band of fabric like I did, do it now, before cutting out the lining. When your panel is the way you want it, it's time to cut out the lining. Technically you should use official drapery lining fabric, but I usually opt for the less expensive option of using a $5 twin sized sheet from Walmart instead. It's not as thick and insulative as drapery lining, but the printed fabric was fairly thick anyway and I didn't feel the need to pay for real lining fabric. In retrospect I should have used the lining fabric, because when the sun shines through the drapes, the red liner imparts a pink "glow" to the white flowers. Oops. I never have the drapes drawn during the day, so it's not a huge problem, but still, it's something to be aware of.
Lay out the lining fabric on the floor (right side up, if it has a right side), smooth it all out, and place the panel on top, right side facing down. Pin the top edge, smooth it all out, and cut the lining to fit the exact dimensions of the panel.
Using a 1/2" seam, stitch the top edge of the panel + lining together. Turn right side out and press.
Here's a tip for getting that seam to press nicely: Lick your thumb and forefinger (or get them wet a different way) and rub the fabrics near the seam back and forth until you get to the exact spot where they are sewn together. The moisture on your fingers creates friction and enables them to wiggle the fabric down to where it needs to be.
Press top seam in place all the way across the top, making sure the lining won't be seen from the front of the panel.
Now it's time to finish the side edges of the panel. Press the raw edge (or the selvedge edge, if you're using the entire width of the fabric) over to the back, turning over about 1" of fabric. If you're working with a thick fabric such as velvet, turn over 1 1/2".
The lining fabric will also be pressed over at this point, but leaving it there will just create unnecessary bulk. Carefully cut away the part of the lining that was pressed over, removing the folded crease of the lining. When you get to the top of the panel where the two fabrics are stitched together, pick out the stitching 1" from edge so you can cut off the liner cleanly.
Now, to hide the raw edge of the panel fabric, fold it under itself and press again, so that all raw edges are hidden and the raw edge of the liner is tucked neatly inside the folded-over edge of the panel fabric.
Hopefully these photos will illustrate what exactly I'm talking about.
Pin the side seams every 8 to 12 inches or so. It's time to sew!
Stitch side seams closed, taking care to catch the underside of the panel in the stitching.
I like to use my left hand as a guide as I'm sending the fabric though. My thumb can feel where the folded-under edge is on the underside, so I can tell if the needle is going to stitch where it needs to in order to catch the folded-under seam beneath.
Now it's time for the tabs. Since I had 6 panels to do, I got lazy (or is it ingenuity?) and used wide ribbon as my tabs. You can make tabs from fabric by sewing a long "tube" of fabric and pressing it flat, then cutting it into little 6 inch pieces. The ribbon method is faster.
My panels were about 40 inches wide, so I used 5 tabs per panel. In retrospect I should have used 6 or 7, but I'm not bothered by it enough to redo them! You want to aim for about 6 to 8 inches of space between each tab.
I didn't want the dots to show when looking at the backside, so I folded and pressed the raw edges of the ribbon under so that they faced the dotted side. I used pinking shears and pinked the edges before pressing them under to help prevent fraying.
Once all tabs are prepared, pin them to the backside of the panel, starting in 1/2" from edge as shown. The fastest way to figure out the exact spacing of the tabs is to pin the two edges and the middle first, then fill in the other tabs accordingly. That way you don't waste time doing a lot of unnecessary math (unless, of course, you want to! Brain exercise is always good.)
Pin the top and bottom edges of tabs, making sure the tops of the tabs don't extend beyond the top of the panel (you don't want to see the tabs sticking up above the top of panel).
Now, turn the panel so that the backside faces up and stitch carefully along the very top edge of panel. Try to stitch about 1/16" away from top edge, making sure the tabs are not shoved aside all skewampus as the presserfoot goes over them. I usually have to stop, making sure that the needle is down in the fabric, and lift up the presserfoot slightly as it starts to run over each tab. This way the presserfoot doesn't scoot the tab out of alignment. Don't run over those pins! Pull out the pin after needle has stitched a few stitches of each tab.
Once you are done with the very top edge, stitch along the bottom edge of the tabs, sewing in a straight line all the way across. I just use the bottom of the tab as a visual guide and "eyeball it" all the way across without marking a stitching guide, but you could certainly use a yardstick before you begin sewing and lightly mark a line with a pencil if you're unsure of yourself.
Press all the edges of the panel, and you're ready to hang it!
I never hem my drapes until they're already hung. Once they're in place, I pin them up where they touch the floor, then bring my ironing board over to the window and press the hem under right there. Then I turn the raw edge under (just like I did for the sides) and use a fusible web (it comes in a little roll, and is designed specifically for hemming) to secure the hem with my iron. And that's it! Admittedly a rather tedious project (at least in my opinion it is!) but well worth the effort when completed. Best wishes to you as you begin your own custom drapes, I hope this was helpful to you!
Great tutorial!! I posted a link on Craft Gossip Sewing Blog: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-fully-lined-tab-top-curtains/2009/05/08/
Posted by: Anne | May 08, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Wow, this is fabulous! This is a totally new kind of tab top to me too. It never occurred to me to put the tabs behind the panel, I like that so much more! I'll be linking.
Posted by: Rachel | May 08, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Wow. Just wow. What a lot of work! But your drapes look fabulous, and I'm glad to know now, how to do it. Many thanks for sharing your expertise.
And, Happy Mothers' Day!
Posted by: Jane | May 09, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Darling! I would love to make some drapes like yours someday. What a great use for a duvet!
Posted by: michelle johnnie | May 11, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Beautiful! I love all of your tutorials but this one is by far, the best!
Posted by: JT | September 04, 2009 at 09:57 AM
You are amazing... why didn't I get an ounce of your talent???
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=683110377 | December 29, 2009 at 06:41 PM
I have been searching the web to find out how to make this type of drapery and your tutorial is so simple and easy to follow! I am starting on my drapes today. Thank you so much for posting this!
Posted by: Allison | April 29, 2010 at 02:37 PM
I just have to agree with them that your work was totally fabulous! I was very inspired reading through those great tips and tutorial. Your not just skillful but you've really got such great gift of talent. I love how you personally gave creative touch for your designs, it look so great and elegantly perfect.
Posted by: Shutters Perth | February 16, 2011 at 04:10 AM
I have been searching the net to find some site that gave well thought out directions to the novice in sewing like myself. Excellent directions and very easy to follow. My drapes will look perfect! Thank you and keep the information coming.
Posted by: San Francisco | March 25, 2011 at 08:29 PM
This pattern is exactly what I was looking for! It's taken me a while to find the one I want and I'm glad I ran across your website! The directions and pictures are easy to follow and I think this will be a fun project for me to work on before our baby arrives!
Thank you for posting this!!
Posted by: Megan | March 25, 2011 at 08:43 PM
No speaking ingles , Beautiful! I love all of your tutorials but this one is by far, the best!
Ana Melo
Brasil- São Paulo
Posted by: Ana Melo | June 30, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Finally! A helpful curtain tutorial. I so appreciate it. :-) I think I'm off to go make my new curtains now!
Posted by: Amy Jo | July 07, 2011 at 03:46 PM
I am about to begin working on my new curtains, and your "hidden" tabs, using ribbon, will make my job so much easier. Thank you so much!!
Posted by: christine pappas | July 20, 2011 at 01:22 PM
What a great design! It gives me lots of ideas about net curtains designs!
I am new with this so it's really a great help! Thank you for sharing beautiful information.
Posted by: net curtains designs | July 31, 2011 at 01:08 AM
I am almost finished with my second pair of curtains following your instructions. They are great. The first pair was done with the hidden tabs but I thought I would try the more regular tabs for the second pair. My grandsons are the beneficiaries of your tutorial. Thank you so much. I appreciate you and your talent. Best,
Posted by: Diane Edwards | August 07, 2011 at 10:03 PM
I love this tutorial! Thank you so much for posting it. Those drapes are fabulous! Love the color choices.
Posted by: Diane Wing | October 01, 2011 at 05:52 AM
That was really nice. Thanks for sharing this tutorial :-)
Posted by: Ferry | October 05, 2011 at 12:43 AM
What a decoration I'd like to have the imagination to create an environment like that at home, but sometimes I lack of ideas, it has been perfect for me because I'm gonna take your ideas , thanks.
Posted by: 4rx | October 11, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Awesome. Have you sent this in to IKEA Hackers?
Posted by: Bldrnrpdx | October 14, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Since rods can be very pricey, I bought a 10 foot length of conduit for $1.39, cut it to the length I needed with a hack saw. I inserted a small piece of wooden dowel into the ends. By drilling into that, I could add a decorative finial. Then I spray painted everything. Looks great and is much sturdier than many store bought rods!
Posted by: Terrie | November 15, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Terry, that is a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: shelley | November 15, 2011 at 11:23 PM
This is a great step by step tutorial. Just one question about the tabs -- When I sew the bottom of the tab to the curtain, the line of stitching will show through to the outside of my curtains, correct? How do I hide this stitching other than matching the thread to the curtain as close as possible?
Posted by: Mae | January 28, 2012 at 01:10 PM
Hi Mae, Yes, the line of stitching will show through. If you want to try and hand-stitch the tabs, that would disguise the stitching much better. But you'd have to make sure that your needle caught at least some of the back threads of the main fabric, rather than just sewing the tabs to the liner fabric. If you don't sew through to the main fabric, the drapes will not hang correctly.
Posted by: Shelley | January 30, 2012 at 08:35 PM
The tab topped curtains has great designs.
Posted by: tab topped curtains | February 04, 2012 at 07:55 PM
Well aren't you clever!! I am definitely impressed. Love the tab top, I am in the middle of making drapes which are getting pricey. Should have read this first. Good Job!!
Posted by: Margaret Warhola | March 10, 2012 at 02:08 PM
I really enjoy your blog and LOVE the choice of music. Looks like you keep very busy...LOL.
Posted by: Valerie | March 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM
Wanted to check out your blog but you really need to give people the opportunity to NOT listen to the music... it was very disruptive! Why do people do this?!
Posted by: sierra | April 21, 2012 at 08:31 PM
Sierra,
I, too prefer to not have music when I am looking at blogs, but I simply turn the sound down or off. Takes about a second. Actually, I usually have the sound off on my computer and turn it on only when I want to hear what is being said or played. When I am home alone, it is the rare occasion that it's not beautifully quiet in my home. I enjoy quiet. I think people do this because music makes them happy and they want to share their happiness. We're all a little different in our preferences. I don't think people intend to be disruptive or annoying in any way. I can assure you that their intentions are very good..and in my 50+ years, I've learned to graciously accept good intentions. I hope that helps.
Posted by: Judie in CA | May 20, 2012 at 12:50 PM