How to Make a Front Drop Curtain

Measure the height and width of the stage area for the curtain. Add 2 inches to the width and 5 inches to the height. Often curtains for this purpose are made from velour because of its decorative appearance and its ability to muffle sound and block light. You may choose any thick material that you wish.

Sew a 1-inch seam on the sides and bottom of the curtain. Use thread in the same color as the curtain.

Fold over the material at the top of the curtain by 2 inches and sew the seam, leaving the ends open for the curtain rod.

Lay the curtain flat on your work surface, front side down. Divide the curtain into three equal parts by drawing two vertical chalk lines spaced evenly apart in the middle of the curtain.

Sew three 1-inch plastic loops inside the left edge of the curtain. Place one loop at the bottom, one in the middle and one at the top. Do not place the loops so they will be visible on the front of the curtain.

Repeat Step 4 on the right side of the curtain. Then, sew three plastic loops up each vertical chalk line.

Multiply the height of the curtain by two, then measure and cut two cords in this length.

Tie one cord the plastic loop in the lower left-hand corner. String the cord through the loop above it in the middle of the curtain, then string the cord through the loop at the top of the curtain. Repeat this process by tying the other cord to the plastic loop in the lower right hand corner of the curtain, then string the cord through the loop above it in the middle, then at the top.

Multiply the height of the curtain by two, then add one-third of the width of the curtain. Measure and cut two cords equal to this length.

Tie one cord to a plastic loop over a chalk line on the bottom of the curtain. String the cord through the two loops above it. Repeat this process for the remaining loops over the other chalk line.

Mark a line on the ceiling where the drop curtain will be installed.

Screw in a curtain rod O bracket at one end of the line you drew. Use the screws that come with the curtain rod and O brackets. Use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws. If you hit a joist in the ceiling, then insert the screws into the joist. If you do not encounter a joist, then use a hammer to tap a wall anchor into each hole and then insert the screws.

Insert the curtain rod into the O bracket and extend the rod to the other end of the line you marked on the ceiling. Slide the other O bracket into place and mark the position of the O bracket on the ceiling. Remove the rod, then repeat Step 12 to install the second O bracket in the ceiling.

Slide the curtain rod through the loop you sewed in the top of the curtain, then install the rod into the O brackets, with the curtain facing right side out.

Test the curtain by raising it and lowering it a few times. To do this, stand to the left of the curtain and hold on to the two cords dangling from the two loops closest to you. Position a partner on the right side, and have your partner hold the two cords dangling from the two loops on the right side. Pull the cords at the same time, at the same speed.