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CURTAIN FABRIC CALCULATION
LEVEL: EASY
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- Fabric of your choice
- Thread to match
- Pleat or curtain tape (width of tape depending on width of the window)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pins
- Dressmaking square
- Tailor's chalk or pencil
Making your own curtains is a great way to save money and design a one-of-a-kind feature that adds a personal touch to your room. Depending on the type of curtains you are making you will also need:
- Eyelet tape
- Pinch pleat tape and pinch pleat hooks
- Pencil gather tape and pencil pleat hooks
- Fabric of your choice
INSTRUCTIONS
MEASURE YOUR WINDOW
Step 1 - Curtain Fabric Meterage Equation
- Width of window x 1.5m fullness (or 2.5m fullness for pleats) + 6cm seam allowance = A
- A / fabric width = number of drops required
Note - make sure you exclude the selvedges (i.e edges of the fabric) from the fabric width measurement.
- Drop of window + 30cm (seam allowance) = C
- B x C = total fabric required
- B x fabric width = curtain tape required
Note - this quantity should be the same as A. If you need assistance calculating your meterage - especially with patterned fabrics where you want to match the pattern - just bring your width and drop measurements to a Spotlight store, and one of our team members will be able to help calculate the quantities of fabric and curtain tape you require.
CHOOSING YOUR FABRIC
Step 2- The fabric you choose depends on the room you're sewing for, how much sewing experience you have and what style of decor you like:
If you're a beginner, medium-weight fabric is easier to work with. Cotton is your best bet - choose a weave that will give you a nice amount of weight and drape.
If you're making curtains for your bedroom, choose a thicker material or one that's blockout coated. If the room receives a lot of sunlight, choose neutral coloured materials so they look better if they fade over time.
You can find fabrics in all different colours, patterns and textures to match your room's style. Also choose a thread in a colour that complements your fabric.
CUT YOUR FABRIC
Step 3- Once you're happy with your measurements, cut your fabric using your sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Then, press your fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles ready to sew. Now, pick up any of our project sheets on eyelet, pencil, rod pocket & tab top.
