The Second Practical Guide to Making Curtains

The Second Practical Guide to Making Curtains

Cutting out, Sewing seams & hems & Making straight or shaped valances

Making up:

How to cut out your fabric:

Always lay fabric flat for cutting and use sharp scissors. Measure the first length very carefully and if your material is patterned be careful to match subsequent lengths. Form a straight line across the fabric to the selvedge. Measure each fabric length and mark the cutting point, then check that is correct, always double check measurements before cutting the fabric.

How to make seams:

There are several different types of seams you can use; the right choice takes into account the weight and thickness of the fabric. Always make sure that you allow enough fabric for your seam allowances, especially if the fabric is likely to fray. Selvedges should either be cut off or snipped diagonally to avoid puckering of the seams.

Flat fell seam - If the curtains are not going to be lined then flat fell seams should be used. Place the right sides of the fabric together and stitch along the seam line. Trim one edge to within 3mm of the sewing line, and press raw edges together so that the wider edge lies on top. Turn this edge under the narrower and stitch close to the folded edge - then iron.

French seam – It is used when joining widths of net. Place the wrong sides of fabric together with the edges even. Stitch along seam line then trim to within 3mm of the sewing line. Press seam open and turn fabric so that the right sides are together enclosing the raw edges. Machine along seam line.

Some Helpful Tips:

How to Reduce Size - Before turning out a seamed corner, trim away the seam allowances, so that they are less bulky and sit flat. Be careful not to cut too close to the stitched line, otherwise frayed edges will pop out on the right side. If the seam is still bulky because the fabric is too thick, snip away more from the seam allowance on each side of the corner in a diagonal line. Use a pointed object such as a pair of scissors to carefully push out the corner on the right side. Be careful not to push through the seam. 

How to Hem your curtains:

Once you have sewn all the widths together it’s time to hem your curtains. In order to create a flat hem, you must make sure that the fabric lengths are cut straight. As long as you have a straight edge, it is simple to fold over the required amount and press it in place with a steam iron.

Side hems - Firstly sew the side hems. Allow 4cm for each hem. If you don’t have a special attachment for your machine for blind stitching then hand sew side hems. Now you are ready to attach the heading of your choice.

Bottom hems - If possible allow your curtains to hang for one to two days as some fabrics drop or stretch. Bottom hems should be sewn by hand. Remember to insert along the bottom of the hem and tack at each end to secure.