How Much Fabric For Curtains

Measuring for curtain fabric is an important part of any sewn window treatment project. To get the proper width and length of fabric, it is necessary to take careful measurements and consider the gathering style of the curtains. If you do not calculate the correct amount of fabric, you may end up with curtains that are too short, too narrow, or too bulky.

The amount of fabric you need for your curtains will depend on the size and style of window you are covering. The following steps will help you determine how much fabric you need.

1. Measure the width of the window

To measure the width of the window, extend the measuring tape from the outside edge of one window frame to the outside edge of the other window frame. Write down this measurement.

2. Decide on the fullness of the curtains

The fullness of the curtains refers to how much the curtains are gathered when they are hung. The fullness can be expressed as a multiple of the window width. For example, a fullness of 2 means that the curtains will be twice as wide as the window when they are gathered. A fullness of 3 means that the curtains will be three times as wide as the window when they are gathered.

The fullness of the curtains will affect the amount of fabric you need. The more fullness you want, the more fabric you will need.

3. Multiply the window width by the fullness

To calculate the width of the fabric you need, multiply the width of the window by the fullness. For example, if the window is 40 inches wide and you want a fullness of 2, you will need 80 inches of fabric.

4. Add seam allowances

To the width of the fabric you calculated in step 3, add the seam allowances. The seam allowances are the extra fabric that is needed to hem the curtains and create the gathers. A typical seam allowance is 1 inch on each side, so you would add 2 inches to the width of the fabric.

5. Measure the length of the window

To measure the length of the window, extend the measuring tape from the top of the window frame to the desired length of the curtains. Write down this measurement.

6. Add hem allowances

To the length of the fabric you calculated in step 5, add the hem allowances. The hem allowances are the extra fabric that is needed to hem the top and bottom of the curtains. A typical hem allowance is 4 inches on each side, so you would add 8 inches to the length of the fabric.