How to Make a Top Curtain Border

Add 2.5 inches to the total length needed for the curtains to sew the top curtain border (the heading).

Fold under the fabric along the top edge of the curtain fabric 1/2 inch. Press the fold neatly with the iron, and pin it in place with the straight pins to secure it.

Stitch along the fold, centering the stitching line halfway between the raw-fabric edge and the folded edge. Remove the pins.

Fold under the fabric along the top edge of the curtain fabric 2 inches, and press the fold neatly with the iron. Pin the fold in place with the straight pins to secure it.

Stitch along the inner fold, placing the stitching line 1/8-inch away from this fold. Stitch along the top fold also, placing this stitching line 1/8-inch away from the fold as well. Remove the pins.

Measure and cut a length of heading tape that is 1 inch longer than the width of the curtain header. You will sew this heading tape to the top inner border of the curtains.

Position the heading tape along the inner edge of the curtain header, folding under the two end edges of the heading tape 1/2 inch. Pin the heading tape securely to the curtain header.

Stitch the heading tape to the curtain header, placing a line of stitching 1/8-inch inside the top and bottom long edges of the heading tape. Stitch along the turned-under edges of the heading tape also, but do not stitch over the gathering cords inside the heading tape. Remove the pins.

Pull the gathering cords in the heading tape until you make the heading of the curtains fit the curtain rod. Tie knots in the gathering cords to secure them tightly.

Hang the curtains by attaching the drapery clip rings along the top border of the curtains. Space the rings every 4 inches along the header and then slide them onto the curtain rod.