How do I buy fabric for curtains? To measure fabric for curtains , start by measuring the width and height of your window. If you want floor length curtains , measure from the bottom of the window to the floor, subtract 1 inch, and add that number to the height of the window to get the height of the fabric you should use.
Full Answer
What is the best material to make curtains?
What Is the Best Fabric to Make Drapery Sheers?
- Options for Sheer, Woven Fabric. Synthetic or silk georgette, types of sheer crepe, have a crinkly finish with little or no sheen. ...
- Which Fabric for Which Style of Sheers. Cotton and cotton/polyester blend woven fabrics hold creases, as does organza. ...
- Cutting and Handling Techniques. ...
- Choose the Right Needle and Thread. ...
What is the best curtain fabric?
Fabric options for curtains
- Cotton. Cotton is a versatile fabric used to achieve a range of styles. ...
- Silk. If silk doesn’t say ‘luxury’ nothing does. ...
- Polyester. This is a very common choice. ...
- Velvet. Made of either natural or synthetic fibres, if you want glamour and richness in a room, pick velvet.
- Rayon. ...
- Brocade. ...
- Lace. ...
What is the best fabric for Bedroom Curtains?
- Comes in various sizes and patterns
- Thermal insulated
- Durable fabric
What is the best curtain material?
Types of Curtain Fabric
- Sheer Curtain Fabric. Sheer curtains are beautiful, airy, and versatile. ...
- Lace Curtain Fabric. ...
- Outdoor Fabric Curtain. ...
- Drapery Fabric Curtain. ...
- Silk Curtain Fabric. ...
- Velvet Curtain Fabric. ...
- Linen Curtain Fabric. ...
- Cotton Curtain Fabric. ...
How do I know what fabric to buy for curtains?
A simple rule of thumb is that a curtain is one and a half to two times the width of the area it is meant to cover. A heavier fabric will provide fullness that a lightweight fabric can not. The lighter the weight of the fabric, the more fullness it will require.
How much fabric do I need to make a pair of curtains?
How much fabric do I need to make curtains?First, you will need to multiply the width of your rail by two.Divide this by the cut width of your fabric i.e 137cm/ 54”.Round up to the nearest full number, this is the amount of widths you need.More items...
How many yards of fabric do I need for curtains?
For Standard Width Panels: Finished length of curtains + 16 inches divided by 36 = number of yards required. Add 1 extra yard (or one vertical repeat of the fabric) per pair if using a large print fabric.
Is it cheaper to sew my own curtains?
If you find some really unique fabric and have solid sewing skills, homemade curtains from by-the-yard fabric are definitely a possibility. But, unfortunately, it's probably not a budget possibility, at least, not compared to store-bought curtains already on the market.
How do you make curtains for beginners?
2:597:32Learn to Sew: Simple Curtain Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut out two pieces of fabric according to the measurements I'm using a rotary cutter on a cuttingMoreCut out two pieces of fabric according to the measurements I'm using a rotary cutter on a cutting mat to get the straightest lines possible.
How do I calculate how much material I need?
Figure out how much fabric you need with this formula:Width of fabric divided by width of one piece equals the number of pieces that fit into width (rounded down to the whole number).Total number of pieces divided by number of pieces that fit into width equals number of rows you need.More items...•
What size curtains do I need calculator?
The standard curtain width is always 2, 2.5, or 3 times the width of the window. So the formulas used to calculate the width of your curtain is: Standard curtain width = width of window × 2. Deluxe curtain width = width of window × 2.5.
How much width do I need for curtains?
How wide should curtains be? To ensure that curtain panels look ample when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window/rod. That means if you are ordering Grommet style or Rod-pocket style, the total drapery width should be at least 2 times the window/rod widths.
What width is curtain material come in?
Curtain fabric is always sold with the length of the curtain (the drop) coming off the roll and the width of the fabric is used for the width of the curtain. Curtain fabrics are 137 cm wide as standard. Some come wider, some narrower, so it's worth checking your fabric, but the average is 137 cm so we'll go with this.
How difficult is it to make curtains?
Making curtains is easy, but only if you know the basics Curtains are almost all straight sewing, making them an easy project for beginners. That said, there are still some basics to master before embarking on sewing curtains for the first time.
How can I save money on curtains?
7 ways your curtains could save you moneyMake your curtains long. ... Make your curtains at least twice the width of the window. ... Hang so the sides touch the wall. ... Interline the curtain, or use a thermal lining. ... Keep south-facing windows free from net curtains. ... Close curtains before it gets dark. ... Close curtains in unused rooms.More items...•
What material do you make curtains with?
The most common types of curtain fabric are cotton, silk, linen, polyester, velvet, acrylic, rayon, brocade, lace and voile.
What is the best way to categorize curtains?
1. Light Opacity Level. An easy way to categorize curtains is by light opacity.
What is polyester curtain?
Polyester. Polyester curtains are made of synthetic (man-made) fabric. Budget-friendly and versatile, these designs come in thousands of colors and patterns, as well as cotton and linen blends.
What is a grommet curtain?
Grommet. Similar to rod pocket styles, grommet curtains hang on a single curtain rod. Instead of a pocket, however, the rod slides through equally spaced metal loops at the top of each panel. Grommets create crisp, evenly spaced folds when curtains are drawn.
How do tab top curtains work?
Tab top styles work exactly like rod pocket curtains – simply slide your curtain rod through the fabric loops at the top of the panel. Unlike rod pockets, however, tab tops allow portions of your curtain rod to show.
How to hang a curtain with a rod pocket?
Curtains with rod pockets are easy to hang – simply slide the curtain rod through the horizontal pocket at the top of each panel. Rod pockets conceal the entire circumference of the pole, keeping it hidden from view.
What is the difference between velvet and suede curtains?
Looking to make a statement? Consider velvet curtains. They’re bold, luxe, and super soft to the touch. Suede curtains are similar, but a bit more casual in style.
How wide should curtains be?
The size of your windows and look you wish to achieve will greatly influence panel width and length, but a general rule of thumb is that your curtains should be at least 1.5 times the width of the window to ensure proper coverage.
What is the best fabric for kitchen curtains?
For example, polyester curtains work well in bedrooms, but don’t work for kitchens because the material is flammable and absorbs odors. Linen, on the other hand, is a great fabric for kitchen curtains. Learn more about fabrics in our guide on Curtain Fabrics. 6.
What do you need to know about curtains?
Everything You Need to Know About Curtains. You can add style and color to any room with the right window treatments. Curtains can help define the theme of a space and add a finishing touch to the overall decor. If you're unsure of where to start, this curtain buying guide has you covered.
How high should curtains be above window frame?
Generally, curtains should be mounted 4 to 6 inches above your window frame, giving your windows a grand effect.
How to measure curtains for a room?
You can measure your curtains by following these five easy steps: Determine mounting technique. Determine curtain rod length. Choose your curtain length.
Do curtains work in kitchens?
There are certain curtains that work best for certain rooms. Long, sweeping window panels look wonderful in living rooms and bedrooms. However, these don’t work for kitchens. Kitchen windows are traditionally dressed in shorter curtains, such as valances or cafe curtains.
Is it hard to install curtains?
Before you start hanging your curtains, it’s important you know what you’re getting yourself into. Installing curtains isn’t difficult, but it does require some preparation beforehand. Here are the basic curtain installation steps:
How to pick fabric for curtains?
Fabric is typically sold in varying widths. To make things easier, try to pick a fabric with a width close to the final panel width of your curtains. It's perfectly fine to use a fabric with a width a few inches longer than the final width, but definitely don't pick one that's shorter.
How to measure for curtains?
To measure fabric for curtains, start by measuring the width and height of your window. If you want floor length curtains, measure from the bottom of the window to the floor, subtract 1 inch, and add that number to the height of the window to get the height of the fabric you should use. Then, add 8 inches to the width of the window to get the total width you'll need for your fabric. Keep in mind that if you plan on hemming the fabric, you'll want to add 4 times the length of the hem to both the width and the height. To learn how to account for pleats and waves, scroll down!
What is the fullness ratio of a curtain?
Each curtain style has its own "fullness ratio," which you will need to multiply your finished width by. Fullness ratios for common curtain styles include: Flat curtain panels = 1.0.
How far do curtains go?
How far on either side do you wish your curtains to extend? Curtains generally go about four inches beyond the window on either side, meaning you will need to add eight inches in total to the finished width. However, if you want your curtains to match the curtain rod's length, measure that to get the finished width instead.
How high should curtains be?
You will likely need to add a few inches to your window's measurements, but this varies based on a few factors: In general, curtains extend four inches below the window. If you would like that style of curtain, simply add four inches to the finished height.
How to figure out how many yards of fabric to buy?
Fabric is usually sold by the whole yard. To figure out how many yards you'll need to buy, multiply your final height by the number of panels needed. Next, divide this number by 36 (there are 36 inches in a yard). Round up to the nearest whole yard.
How far above the window should curtains be mounted?
If you are mounting curtains inside the window frame, measure down to ½ inch above the sill .
How do I Calculate How Much Fabric I Need for Curtains?
The first step is to measure the exact height of the curtains and you need to start at the rod location.
What to do if you didn't buy enough fabric for curtains?
If by chance you did not buy enough fabric to create your new curtains, then you made need to use what is called extra fabric. These pieces of material usually go on the hems and topper facings.
Why are puddle curtains called that?
Puddle curtains are so named because the fabric lies in a puddle on your floor. To get the amount of fabric needed for this style of curtain you do not have to worry so much about width as you do length.
What are the sizes of fabric for curtains?
They come in the following sizes-- 36 inches; 42 to 45 inches; 54, 58, and 60 inches; 75, 90, and in some cases, 105 to 110 inches. You can get the width you want without too much calculation.
How many panels for 36" window?
Next, you double the width measurement so if your window is 36 inches wide you go to 72 inches for 2 panels. Add 1 inch for seam allowance and 6 inches for length allowance. If the length is 84 inches then you need two 37 by 90-inch panels of fabric.
When measuring for the width of a curtain, do you follow the rod?
Then when measuring for the width you follow the rod again. You do this because sometimes the curtains you have extended past the window width and you have to take into consideration those inches as well.
What is the standard multiplier for curtains?
Usually, 2 or 2 1/4 are the standard multipliers when you want to have a special look to your curtains. As you can see using those calculators takes a lot of time out of figuring the totals. Just plug in your numbers and let them do the work.
How wide should a curtain be?
A simple rule of thumb is that a curtain is one and a half to two times the width of the area it is meant to cover. A heavier fabric will provide fullness that a lightweight fabric can not. The lighter the weight of the fabric, the more fullness it will require. For appearance and proper hanging, it is best to have at least a half-width ...
What to think before picking up fabric?
Before picking up your fabric, think about how you would like your curtains to look. A few
How long does it take to ship fabric?
It takes anywhere from 1-4 months for a bulk fabric order, generally. Follow up with the mill periodically - like once every 10-20 days depending on how long your lead time is. And ask if everything is on track to ship on time or if there are any issues that may delay the shipment.
What is a fabric mill?
once you find a fabric you want, you need to find someone that can make it for you. A fabric mill is basically a fabric factory. Here is a quick mini-lesson in industry lingo. I see people get this wrong all the time. And it is an indicator to someone who is in the industry that you are an imposter.
What is functional fabric fair?
" FUNCTIONAL FABRIC FAIR New York—powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®—is a trade-exclusive event showcasing the latest trends in fabric development for the functional textile industry and provides an opportune marketplace in the United States for the sourcing of high-performance functional fabrics and accessories.
Why is it important to test fabric?
You should always be able to test your fabric out first. And, testing fabric is crucial to the integrity and quality of your product. A small swatch of fabric might look great, but you need to buy a few meters, make a garment and test out how the fabric performs.
Who are the two companies that list their fabric mills?
Thanks to transparency more and more brands are listing on their websites and social media who it is they are working with. Everlane and Madewell are two that are known for listing their fabric mills and factories.
What do you want to make?
Do you know your product? I can't tell you how many people come to me saying "I want to start a hemp brand" or "I want to start a sustainable fashion line". Hmmm. ok, that's cool. And, I would love to help you.
