How to Make a Horizontal Shirred Curtain

Measure the circumference of the widest part of the curtain rod. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement and divide by 2 to obtain the height of the rod pocket.

Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired length of the finished curtain, such as the window sill or floor. Include allowance for the bottom hem, the height of the casing, the header and 1/2 inch for folding.

Measure the width of the rod. Add some allowance to this measurement for fullness. The amount of allowance you add depends on the amount of gathering you desire and the type of fabric you are using. For instance, add 2 1/2 to 3 times the width of the rod for a sheer fabric, and up to 2 1/3 times the width for heavier fabrics. Add 3 inches per panel for side seams.

Divide the width in half to obtain the width of each panel. This is only necessary if you are sewing two panels for the window or doorway.

Cut the fabric according to your measurements with a pair of scissors or a roller cutter. Place the fabric on a flat surface with the right side down.

Fold the side edges 1/2 inch and iron flat. Fold again by 1 inch and iron flat. Top stitch along the folded edges.

Fold the bottom of the panel 1/2 inch and iron flat. Fold again by the allowance you included for the hem. Iron flat and sew along the edge of the fold.

Fold the top edge of the panel 1/2 inch. Fold again by the allowance included for the rod pocket and the header. Iron the fold and sew.

Measure from the top edge of the curtain panel and mark the location for the rod pocket. Draw temporary lines to guide the stitches. Use a washable tool, such as tailor’s chalk. Sew along the lines to create the rod pocket.

Draw lines across the width of the panel for the shirring. Space the lines at an equal distance. You may create shirring down the length of the curtain, between the rod pocket and hem, or limit it to the top section of the panel.

Wind the elastic thread manually on an empty bobbin. Place the bobbin in the bobbin casing and insert it into the sewing machine.

Set the size of the stitch to the longest straight stitch available. Sew along the lines on the panel with the fabric right side up. Start each line by sewing forward then backward to secure the stitch. Repeat the process at the end of each line.