How to Make Tab-Top Curtains

Tab-top curtains have fabric loops sewn in the upper edge to showcase a decorator curtain rod or pole. They can be window size or simply a valance atop another type of treatment, like rod pocket curtains.

Supplies

•  Fabric (see measuring instructions to determine the amount)

•  Thread

Measuring Up

Mount the curtain rod in the desired position at least 1" above the window

Adjust the length of the fabric tabs according to your preference. To determine the best length, wrap a fabric scrap around the mounted rod and measure the desired distance from the rod to the curtain top, then add 1" for seams. The curtain top should be at least 2" below the rod.

Use 1 1/2 times the desired finished width for each panel's cut size to allow for gentle folds.

For a window treatment that opens in the middle like a café curtain, divide the desired width by two to create two panels that open to each side of the window. For a window treatment that does not open, such as a valance, piece together fabric panels to obtain the desired width.

The featured curtain uses 2"-wide tabs positioned approximately 6" apart. The tabs are held in place with a self-fabric facing.

General Instructions

Preshrink all fabrics before cutting if they are washable and you intend to launder the curtains later. If you plan to dry clean the curtains, no pre-treatment is needed. Trim all fabric selvages to avoid puckering.

Cutting

For each curtain panel size determined above, add 4" to the finished width to allow for a 1" double hem on each side.

To the desired length, add 2 1/2" for a 1" double hem on the lower panel and a 1/2" seam allowance on the upper edge.

Each panel also needs an upper self-fabric facing cut the same width as the finished curtain panel plus 1" and 4" deep.

Tab calculations

The cut width of each tab is 5" with a finished sewn width of 2." The tab length was determined above using a fabric scrap and adding 1" for seams.

To determine the number of tabs needed, divide the hemmed width of the panel by the width of the tab, plus the desired distance between tabs. Add one extra tab. Multiply the number of tabs by the number of panels. Add the total tab length together and cut all in one strip, then cut apart later.

Using the panel, tabs and facing measurements, determine the amount of fabric needed, piecing the widths as necessary to create the panels.

Making the Curtain Panels

Press under a 1" double hem at the curtain lower edge and topstitch near the upper fold.

Press under 1/2" on short sides and one long edge of the facing strip.

To prepare the tabs, fold the fabric lengthwise right sides together and stitch a 1/2" seam. Press the seam open and turn the tab strip(s) right side out. Center the seam and press (4). Cut the strip into tabs of the determined length.

Fold the tabs in half matching seamlines, and pin them evenly spaced on the curtain panel right side upper, matching the raw edges. Place one tab at each end, aligning the side of the tab with side hem pressed foldline.

Baste the tabs in place across the curtain upper edge. With right sides together and the tabs sandwiched between, pin the facing to the curtain panel upper edge with the side hems extended and facing side hems pressed to wrong side. Stitch 1/2" from the raw edge through all layers.

Press the facing to the wrong side with tabs extended. Fold and press the curtain side hems under the facing and trim seam allowances. Topstitch the curtain side hems and hand stitch the facing lower edge to the curtain.

Insert the curtain rod through tabs and hang.