Sewing Techniques

Measuring curtains and blinds

To make curtains and blinds that fit perfectly, you first need to take accurate measurements. This also helps determine the amount of fabric and other supplies needed

Measuring cut length curtains

For short curtains, measure from the ring on pole or track to 13 cm (5in) below the sill (1)
For long curtains, measure from the ring on pole or track to the floor (2), but add extra if you want the curtains to break on the floor.

Pelmets or valances
fix the pelmet board at the same height as you would a pole. The depth of the pelmet or valance should, as a rough guide, be one-sixth of the total height of the curtains, so divide the curtain height by six to find the correct depth (3). Add 13 cm (5in) to allow for your heading and hem.

Measuring curtain width

Measure between the architraves (4) and add on an extra 30 cm (12in) on each side to allow for stack-backs (5). Remember to add seam allowances.

Measuring up for blinds

Fix blinds approximately 20 cm (8in) above the architrave to allow as much light as possible into the room. Measure the width between the architraves and add 5 cm (2in) each side (6). To work out the length, measure the length of the window and add 20 cm (8in) above the architrave plus 2.5 cm (1in) below the sill (7).

Measuring up for curtains and blinds in recess

Measure the length from the top to the bottom of the recess. Measure the width of the recess. If you choose blinds, always remember to check the measurements at the top, middle and bottom as windows can be irregular. If the window is very small, it is preferable to hang curtains outside the recess to avoid losing too much light, or use a swing arm to hang the curtains.

Measuring up for swags and tails

For the swag length, measure the width of the pelmet board that is going to carry your tracking and add approximately 40 cm (16in). To calculate the swag depth, multiply the required length by two. The inner edge of the tail should be the same length as the swag. The outer edge should be about three-quarters of the total curtain length.

Calculating fabric requirements

Divide the curtain width by the width of your fabric to find the number of curtain drops (lengths) required.
Decide on the fullness you require. Traditional curtains should have 2–3 widths of fabric, unless the fabric is very thick, and the more contemporary styles are generally about two widths of fullness. Obviously curtain panels have no fullness at all.
Multiply the number of drops by the cut length measurement to find the required amount of fabric. If your fabric has a pattern, allow one EXTRA pattern repeat for each drop.

Measuring blinds

Face fix
A The drop (length) from the top of the architrave to the sill.

B The drop (length) from 20 cm (8in) above the architrave to just below the sill.

C The width if the blind is to be fixed on the architrave.

D The width if the blind is to overlap on either side.

E The top point is where a pole, pelmet or valance should be fixed – approx. 20 cm (8in). The bottom point is the drop of the pelmet or valance.

Recessed window
A The drop (length).

B The width – take the measurement at the top, middle and near the bottom as windows can vary in a recess.

Further information

This information has been reproduced from Complete Book of Curtains, Drapes and Blinds by Wendy Baker with the kind permission of the publishers. (ISBN 9781843405054). This is a useful reference book for anyone involved in soft furnishings looking for a one-stop guide to curtains, blinds and drapes to suit any style of window or house. Containing almost 300 pages it provides all the essentials needed to design the perfect window treatment to co-ordinate with every imaginable interior. This super title is published by Collins & Brown for £20 in paperback and is distributed in the UK by Anova Books.

Reader offer – ISEW browsers can order a copy of this book for only £17 including free UK p&p. Call 0870 787 1613 and quote reference CH1184.