ELEPHANT TOILE SHEER CONCEALED TAB TOP

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Firstly, measure the width and drop of your window. A general rule of thumb for the fullness required for eyelet curtains is 1.5 x the width of your window. You will need to add at least a 20cm allowance to each drop for bottom and top hems.

Step 2 - Lay the entire uncut piece of fabric on a flat surface. Ensure the fabric is square by using a dressmaking square or lining it up against the edges of your table.

Step 3 - Based on the measurements previously calculated, cut across the width of the fabric. You may wish to use a chalk line to ensure a straight edge. For printed fabrics, the drops should be cut in the same place on each pattern repeat. This will give a more professional finish.

Step 4 - Continue measuring and cutting the remaining drops.

Step 5 - Before sewing the curtains together, it is best to remove 5-10mm of the selvedge (i.e. edges of the fabric). Cut all the selvedge edges from each drop.

Step 6 - If sewing together multiple drops to make your curtain, place two drops with right sides facing together. Pin into place, and sew along the long edge. If using a patterned fabric, fold back the top edge of the fabric first to match the pattern. Repeat for all drops.

Note - If the curtains are to open in the centre, sew an even amount of drops together for each side. If there is an odd number of drops, one drop may need to be split in half lengthways. Sew the half width to the outside of each side for a neater finish.

Step 7 - Sew the side seams by turning over the sides x 3cm. Pin and stitch in place 2mm from the inside edge, remembering to remove the pins as you sew.

Step 8 - Fold back the top edge (top the curtain) of the fabric x 1.5cm and press.

Step 9 - Line the concealed tab top tape to just over the pressed seam and pin across the width of the curtain to hold in place.

Step 10 - Stitch the tape to the curtain by sewing both along the top and bottom edges. You will need to do a continuous stitch along the length of the tape keeping 2mm in from the edge. Stitch along outside edges ensuring strings are not caught in the stitch line.

Step 11 - To finish the hem, lay the curtain on large flat surface. Measure the drop from the top of the curtain and mark with chalk or pins. Remember, the concealed tab top tape is designed to thread onto your curtain rod, so measure your drop from the rod to the floor, and mark the distance on your fabric from the middle of your pleat tape.

Step 12 - The excess should be around 20cm. Fold excess over twice x 10cm to form a double hem. Stitch the hem in place 2mm in from the top edge. Stitch the sides of the hem to close.

Step 13 - Your new curtains are ready to hang.