With just a few simple instructions on how to make drapes, you can easily make your own and save money. It's not hard but detailed. It involves three steps. You need to select the appropriate material, measure very carefully, and you then do the sewing.
Measurement is the absolutely the most vital step in making your own draperies. If this step is not done accurately, you will not have the result you want. This requires two people. Use a non-stretchable tape measure. Place a small mark at the top, bottom, and two sides where you want the drapery to cover. Measure from mark to mark. Go back and double check, correcting anything that needs it.
Next, figure the yardage of material you need. You need 2 panels for each window. Divide the overall width in half, multiply by 1 1/2 for fullness, and add 4" to allow for a 2" hem on each side. This is the width you need for each panel. The length will be the actual measurement plus 5", 1" for a seam at the top and 4" at the bottom for a hem. Multiply this length by the number of panels you will need. Since drapery material is wide, you may not need but one length for each panel, but if need 2, don't forget to allow extra material. You also need pleater tape, the width of each finished panel plus 1/2".
Cutting is next. Cut each panel the required width and length as measured. If you need two lengths of fabric for one panel, cut and stitch together. Sew a 1/2" seam to join them. Once they are joined, cut to the exact width. Save any extra width to use on another panel. Don't forget the seam allowances and hems.
Turn under 2" hems on all sides and 4" hems at the bottom. Steam press and hem, either by hand or machine. Mark the panel 1" from the top. Next,sew the pleater tape to the top of each panel. Match the pleater tape and panel and stitch the seam line a marked on the tape. Usually it is a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn the panel under at the marked 1" line and steam press.
Press 1/4" under on each side of the pleater tape and stitch carefully to the sides of the panel, preferably by hand. Use the directions and the pleater clips that came with the package and follow directions to get the type pleat you want. There are several different styles. Be sure you have steam pressed everything to get a sharp look.
Hanging your draperies is another job best done by two people. After the pleats are formed, finger pressed, and adjusted as required, you will need to hang each hook into the proper plastic loop on the drapery rod. It is best if one person holds the bottom so it can be hung evenly. Once you have placed the pleater hook in place all across, drop it carefully down and straighten and adjust. If you have measured accurately, everything should fit and look very nice.
With just a little effort and expense, plus instructions on how to make drapes, you have a beautiful, custom-made set of draperies. They cost only a fraction of what you would otherwise pay. You can also be proud of your accomplishment. This is an unbeatable combination.
Measurement is the absolutely the most vital step in making your own draperies. If this step is not done accurately, you will not have the result you want. This requires two people. Use a non-stretchable tape measure. Place a small mark at the top, bottom, and two sides where you want the drapery to cover. Measure from mark to mark. Go back and double check, correcting anything that needs it.
Next, figure the yardage of material you need. You need 2 panels for each window. Divide the overall width in half, multiply by 1 1/2 for fullness, and add 4" to allow for a 2" hem on each side. This is the width you need for each panel. The length will be the actual measurement plus 5", 1" for a seam at the top and 4" at the bottom for a hem. Multiply this length by the number of panels you will need. Since drapery material is wide, you may not need but one length for each panel, but if need 2, don't forget to allow extra material. You also need pleater tape, the width of each finished panel plus 1/2".
Cutting is next. Cut each panel the required width and length as measured. If you need two lengths of fabric for one panel, cut and stitch together. Sew a 1/2" seam to join them. Once they are joined, cut to the exact width. Save any extra width to use on another panel. Don't forget the seam allowances and hems.
Turn under 2" hems on all sides and 4" hems at the bottom. Steam press and hem, either by hand or machine. Mark the panel 1" from the top. Next,sew the pleater tape to the top of each panel. Match the pleater tape and panel and stitch the seam line a marked on the tape. Usually it is a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn the panel under at the marked 1" line and steam press.
Press 1/4" under on each side of the pleater tape and stitch carefully to the sides of the panel, preferably by hand. Use the directions and the pleater clips that came with the package and follow directions to get the type pleat you want. There are several different styles. Be sure you have steam pressed everything to get a sharp look.
Hanging your draperies is another job best done by two people. After the pleats are formed, finger pressed, and adjusted as required, you will need to hang each hook into the proper plastic loop on the drapery rod. It is best if one person holds the bottom so it can be hung evenly. Once you have placed the pleater hook in place all across, drop it carefully down and straighten and adjust. If you have measured accurately, everything should fit and look very nice.
With just a little effort and expense, plus instructions on how to make drapes, you have a beautiful, custom-made set of draperies. They cost only a fraction of what you would otherwise pay. You can also be proud of your accomplishment. This is an unbeatable combination.
By Adriana Noton
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