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Give any room a quick and inexpensive makeover with simple tab-top curtains.
ROOM with a VIEW SANDRA LEONARD
WHAT YOU NEED (Materials listed make one set of 50”x 55” curtains and two tiebacks) 7 41⁄2 yards of drapery-weight fabric (Purchase extra fabric to match a print or stripes.) 7 3 yards of lining fabric (optional) 7 12”x 24” rectangle of heavyweight sew-in interfacing 7 Four 1⁄2”-diameter plastic rings 7 Matching all-purpose thread 7 Rotary cutting supplies 7 Hand sewing needle 7 Two small cup hooks
Use ½” seam allowances unless otherwise noted.
Fabric Select a drapery-weight fabric that
has a stable weave. Slippery or unstable fabrics are more difficult to sew and can stretch over time. When purchasing fabric, consider the fabric wrong side, as it may work well as a coordinating fabric.The featured curtain tabs and tiebacks were made using the fabric wrong side.
Lining the curtain is optional, but
lining provides energy-saving insulation and protects the curtain fabric from sun damage. Lining also maintains a uniform look from the exterior of the home.
Cutting
Trim off the drapery fabric and lining
selvages.
From the drapery fabric, cut two curtains the fabric width x 60”. Cut two 6”x 24” tiebacks, 10 6”x 10” tabs and two facings the fabric width x 5½”. From the lining, cut two rectangles the fabric width x 52”. From the interfacing, cut two 6”x 24” rectangles.
Construction
Fold one tab in half lengthwise with
right sides facing. Stitch the long raw edge. Press open the seam over a sleeve roll to prevent creases.Turn the tab right side out, and then press it flat, centering the seam along the tab back. Repeat to stitch the remaining tabs.
FABRIC FIXER-UPPER: Purchase extra curtain fabric to create coordinating accessories, such as throw pillows and tablecloths.
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Position one curtain wrong side up on
a flat work surface. Designate one short edge as the upper edge. Position one lining rectangle right side down over the curtain, aligning the upper edges; pin. Mark the curtain side edges 8” above the lower edge. Fold the curtain side edges 1½” toward the wrong side, beginning at the upper edge and ending at the 8” mark; press. Fold again 1½”, enclosing the lining side edges; press and pin. Stitch close to the first folds (1). Below the 8” mark, fold the side edges toward the wrong side at a 30° angle (2); press and pin. Position the curtain right side up on the flat work surface. Fold one tab in half widthwise. Center the tab short raw ends along the curtain upper edge. Fold and position the remaining four tabs along the curtain upper edge, spacing them evenly; baste (3). Position one facing right side up on the flat work surface. Designate one long edge as the upper edge. Fold the lower edge 1” toward the wrong side; press. With right sides facing, center the facing over the curtain, aligning the upper edges. Stitch the upper edge through all fabric layers, using a 1” seam allowance. Fold the facing to the curtain wrong side; press. Fold the facing short edges
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Tiebacks Position one interfacing rectangle over
one tieback wrong side. Baste the perimeter ¼” from the edge. Fold the tieback in half lengthwise with
right sides facing. Stitch the raw edges, leaving a 2” opening on the long edge for turning.Trim the seam allowance and clip the corners. Turn the tieback right side out; press. Slipstitch the opening closed. Designate one long edge as the tieback upper edge. Hand stitch one plastic ring lower edge at each upper corner (6). Repeat to create the second tieback. After hanging the curtains, determine the wall placement for the tieback cup hooks. Install the hooks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Wrap the tiebacks around the curtains and secure the rings on the cup hooks. Z
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to the wrong side, aligning them with the curtain side edges. Edgestitch the facing side and lower edges (4). Fold the lower edge 4” toward the wrong side; press. Fold again 4” toward the wrong side, forming a mitered corner; press and pin. Hang the curtain to check the length and make any necessary adjustments. Stitch close to the first fold (5). Repeat to construct the second curtain.
TIP: Find plastic tieback rings and cup hooks in various sizes and metallic finishes at a home improvement or hardware store.
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Drapes by Design
A
B
Choose drapery fabric that reflects your personal style for a customized look.
Classic (A): Select fabric with a subtle pattern for an understated, elegant effect.
Contemporary (B): Playful graphic dots make a bold statement.
Romantic (C): An elaborate damask pattern evokes femininity and opulence.
Sandra Leonard began sewing when she was a child. She lives in WI, and has owned a quilt shop and taught sewing as a 4-H instructor. Sandra also taught her daughter how to sew.
C
Different Dimensions
The featured curtains are designed for a 50”- to 51”-high window. For less fullness and gathering, cut each curtain narrower than the fabric width. To create curtains for a window of a different height, follow these formulas: 7D -W y e p ra Cut : two rectangles rc b a tF h ig e the fabric width x the window height plus 9”.
7L :Cut two rectangles the lining width x g in the finished curtain panel length. The lining can be up to 6” narrower than the drapery fabric.
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