How to Make a Fishtail Shirred on Rod Curtains

In drapery parlance, a "fishtail" is a decorative top treatment for widows. This style gets its name from the graceful draping of the fabric. The curtain’s cut -- essentially a large rectangle with ends cut on the diagonal -- allows it to cascade downwards in soft folds like the tail of an exotic tropical fish. Fishtails are usually draped over swag holders or simply arranged over the top of a curtain rod and held up by finials at the outer edges of the window sill. You can also incorporate the look of the fishtail with fabric that is shirred or gathered on regular rod pocket curtains.

Decorative curtain fabric
Wooden or steel tape measure
Sharp dressmaker’s scissors
Sewing machine
Dressmaker’s fabric marking pen

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the width of fabric you will need by measuring the window’s curtain rod, using a wooden or steel tape measure. Multiply this number times two to estimate your fabric width. For example, if your curtain rod is 36 inches wide, you require fabric that is 72 inches wide.
- 2
  Determine the length of fabric you need by measuring the window from the top to the sill, or to whatever point you wish the fishtail to reach. The side length should be no less that one-third the length of the window. In general, take the length of the curtain rod and multiply it by three.
- 3
  Using sharp dressmaker’s scissors, cut the fabric to your measurements, being sure to allow extra length for the desired rod pocket width and heading, as well as an extra inch all around for seam allowance and fabric turn-under.
- 4
  Determine the finished depth of the window treatment at the center drape by considering the window’s proportions. In general, a top treatment center length measuring about one-fifth of the window’s entire length provides the most pleasing look, according to book “More Sewing For the Home.”
- 5
  Use a dressmaker’s fabric marking pen to mark the fabric vertically into thirds, then fold it in half with the wrong side of the fabric facing you.
- 6
  Mark the cut line for the center length, using your shorter length measurement, near where the fabric is folded. Extend this line across the fabric to the nearest one-third marking.
- 7
  Mark the cut line at the outside of the fabric, using your longer length measurement.
- 8
  Draw a straight line from the marking on the outside up to marking that is one-third in from the center.
- 9
  Use your marking pen to create a gentle curve, rounding off the upper corner.
- 10
  Cut the fabric along the line you have drawn on the folded fabric, cutting both layers as one. When you unfold the fabric, the two outer thirds are cut on the diagonal, while the shorter center third is cut straight across.
- 11
  Use a sewing machine to sew seams on the outer widths and the bottom of the curtain fabric.
- 12
  Turn the top seam under and stitch a rod pocket and heading.
- 13
  Insert the curtain rod into the pocket, and arrange the fabric so that it is shirred evenly across the length of the rod.

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