How to Make Drapes & Shower Curtains
- 1). Mount the drapery hardware at the desired position above the window, or hang the shower rod across the shower space. Slide the drapery rings or shower rings onto the rod.
- 2). Measure from the bottom of the drapery or shower ring clip to the desired finished length of the drape or shower curtain. To that measurement, add 3 inches for a top hem and 8 inches for a lower hem.
- 3). Measure the width of the area to be covered. Multiply this amount by the desired amount of fullness -- usually 2 to 2 1/2 times the width for window drapes and 1 to 1 1/2 times the width for shower curtains.
- 4). Divide the width measurement in half for drapes to create two drapery panels. Do not divide the measurement for shower curtains. Add 6 inches to the side measurements for each panel, for side hems. Purchase fabric according to your measurements.
- 5). Place the material on a flat surface, with the right side down.
- 6). Fold up the 8-inch bottom hem on each panel. Press the hem with an iron.
- 7). Unfold the hem. Refold it, matching the cut edge of fabric with the pressed fold. Fold again along the original fold. Pin and press the now doubled-folded, 4-inch hem in place and stitch. Remove the pins.
- 8). Measure and turn a 3-inch side seam on each panel, folding it toward the center. Press the seam, then unfold it.
- 9). Refold the edge. Match the raw edge to the pressed fold. Fold it again along the original fold, then pin it in place and press it again. Stitch the side hems in place. Add a drapery weight in each bottom corner, if desired. Remove the pins.
- 10
Turn 1 1/2 inches at the top of the panel in toward the center. Press the hem, then unfold it. - 11
Refold the hem, matching the raw edge to the fold. Fold along the original fold line to create a double-folded top hem. Pin the material, press it, then stitch it in place. Remove the pins. - 12
Place a safety pin 3/4 inch from each edge of the drapery panels or shower curtain. Space the remaining safety pins equally between the two end pins to determine placement of the drapery clips. - 13
Attach the clip-on rings or sew the drapery rings directly to the top of the drapery panels or shower curtain. Hang the curtain on the rod.
