| I would like to pass on a bit of knowledge on how | | | | consider the length of the clips. To do this |
| to make curtains you do not need to sew. While | | | | correctly, place the clips on the rod and measure |
| curtains that are sewn will last longer, but you can | | | | from where your curtains will hang from the clip |
| make curtains of lighter material without sewing a | | | | to the length you wish your curtains to end. Once |
| stitch. | | | | you have figured the length, you will need to add |
| First of all you will need a bonding web that is | | | | 8 inches (4" for the bottom, and 4" for the top |
| applied by iron and a damp cloth. This will hold the | | | | hems). If you are matching a pattern on the |
| curtains together without using thread. This | | | | fabric, you will need to allow a bit more to match |
| bonding material can be used to join materials | | | | the pattern correctly. |
| when the width of the material is not wide | | | | To join the widths of fabric, you will lay the first |
| enough to make the appropriate size panel for | | | | cut length on a flat surface, right side up, and |
| your window. You will be using clips to hang these | | | | place a 1/2 inch strip of bonding web along the |
| curtains, as it is the easiest way to hang straight | | | | selvedge that is to be joined to the other panel. |
| hemmed, lightweight curtains. The clips are applied | | | | Turn a 1/2 inch seam allowance down the |
| to the top of a double hem, and they can be | | | | selvedge of the second panel and press. Place the |
| hung from a narrower rod than heavier drapes. | | | | second length on top of the first, right side up, |
| You should find a good quality, lightweight fabric in | | | | with the seam allowance over the bonding strip. |
| the color you desire to use to make your | | | | Now is the time to match your pattern. Press |
| curtains. | | | | material with a hot iron over a damp cloth to seal |
| Now you will need to decide the type of rod you | | | | the seam. Join any other lengths by adding to the |
| will use to hang your curtains. Remember, the rod | | | | inside edge. |
| needs to be an appropriate size to accept the | | | | Turn 1/2 inch and then another 1 inch at each side |
| drapery rings and clips you will choose. Make sure | | | | of the panel and press. Place a 1" strip of bonding |
| the rod is a bit bigger than your window to allow | | | | material under the fold and press with your iron |
| fullness. The rod should be measured and that | | | | and damp cloth for the side seams. Turn up 1 inch |
| measurement should be multiplied at least 1.5 to 2 | | | | and then another 3 inches for the top hem. Place |
| times (allow 1.5 inches for the side hems) to get | | | | a 1 inch bonding strip under the top fold and press |
| the desired fullness of the curtain once it is hung. | | | | with iron and a damp cloth. For the bottom hem, |
| You will then divide this figure by the width of the | | | | fold the material down a double 2 inches, pin and |
| fabric you will be using and round it up to the | | | | check the length, adjust if necessary. Place a 2 |
| next whole number. This is how many panels of | | | | inch bonding strip the length of the panel and |
| the material you will need to make your drapes | | | | press with iron and damp cloth. |
| wide and full enough. | | | | Your curtains are finished, and now you can press |
| When measuring the length you will need to | | | | and hang them. |