Easy-Sew, Lined Window Treatments
Bedroom Curtains
Materials Needed:
- approximately 6 yards of 54"-wide decorator fabric (additional yardage will be required for taller windows)
- coordinating all-purpose thread
- 2 white cotton twin sheets
- tape measure
- clear quilting ruler
- pencil
- sharp scissors
- sewing machine
- iron
- ironing board
- straight pins
Measure and Cut Fabric
Hang curtain rod at desired height. Prewash both fabrics if the drapes need to be machine washable. Use tape measure to measure distance between floor and curtain rod. Measure and cut fabric to measured height of curtain rod plus four inches. (Example: If measurement is 86 inches, cut fabric to a length of 90 inches.) Trim off factory edges.
Measuring the Fabric
Pin and Sew Lining and Fabric
Spread one curtain panel right-side up on a clean floor or large work surface. Place sheet over the top so the right sides are together, both pieces of material are smooth and at least two edges are lined up. Trim excess fabric off two sides of sheet and reserve scraps. Pin sheet and fabric together around three sides (top, left and right). Sew along pinned edge, leaving approximately 1/4-inch seam allowance. Bottom of curtain will not be sewn at this point.
Materials for Drapery
Cutting the Fabric
Connecting the Fabrics
Using a Sewing Machine
Iron
Turn drape right-side out and iron, especially around sewn edges. Fold fabric over slightly, so white lining doesn't show when curtain is hung. Smooth out all wrinkles.
Ironing the Drapes
Pin and Sew Sleeve
Using one scrap piece of sheet, create a rod sleeve at curtain top. Place clear quilting ruler at top edge of curtain. Measure 2 inches down from top and draw a line perpendicular to top with a pencil. Place scrap of fabric lengthwise along drawn line and pin in place. Place clear quilting ruler over pinned piece and draw a second line 2 inches below top. Pin just below second line. Trim off excess fabric under pinned line and on either side edge. Sew along both pin lines, making sure to leave approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches between each sewn line so sleeve will fit over curtain rod. This measurement may need to be adjusted for wide or narrow rods. Slide sleeve onto curtain rod while pinned to test out width, if desired.
Using a Ruler
Pressing Down the Fabric
Using Pins
Measuring and Marking the Fabric
Hang and Hem Drapes
Insert curtain rod into sleeve and hang from brackets. Smooth out and gently pull downward on fabric and lining. Turn raw edges under and between lining and fabric. Allow drapes to hang to make sure they skim the floor but aren't too short or too long. Continue to fold under and pin, using floor as a guide to keep hem straight. Remove from curtain rod and sew with coordinating all-purpose thread. Iron hem, trim all threads and hang. Repeat steps 1 through 5 with second curtain panel.
Folding the Fabric
