How to Make Hidden-Tab-Top Pole Curtains

Measure the width of the window. Multiply that amount by 1.5 for the curtain width. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor or wherever you want the bottom hem to be for the length. Add 10 inches to that amount for hems. Cut two panels to the measurements you determined.

Fold the side edges toward the wrong side of the fabric 1/4 inch and press with a steam iron. Fold the side edges to form a 1-inch hem and pin in place. Press the hems with the iron.

Sew a straight line along each of the folded edges with a sewing machine to finish the side hems. Remove the pins.

Fold the bottom edges toward the wrong side of the fabric to form a 1/4-inch hem. Press the fold with a steam iron. Fold the bottom edges of each panel to create a 5-inch hem and pin it. Press the hem to make it easier to sew. Stitch the hem in place with a straight seam sewn on a sewing machine.

Turn under the top edge of the curtain panels 1/4 inch and press it in place. Fold the top edge under another 4 inches to create the top hem. Pin it in place and press it.

Cut 2 1/4-inch wide grosgrain ribbon into 5 inch lengths to make the hidden tabs. You need enough ribbon pieces to space the tabs approximately 7 inches apart across the top of the curtains.

Fold1/2-inch of a grosgrain ribbon piece under and pin it to the top edge of a curtain panel close to one of the sides. Fold the other end of the ribbon piece under the hem’s edge. Pin it. Repeat this process, spacing the ribbon pieces evenly across both of the curtain panels. Place the last tab the same distance from the edge as you placed the first tab.

Sew the hems for both curtains in place. Remove the pins.

Sew another row of stitching 1/4-inch from the top fold of the curtain. Remove the pins. Repeat for the other panel.

Hang the curtains from their rods.