How to Make a Curtain With a Detachable Lining

Adding a detachable liner to curtains increases the sun-blocking capabilities of the curtain and substantially increases the insulation factor. Adding a detachable liner to ready-made curtains, or to sewn-from-scratch curtains, is well within the skill set of an advanced home sewer. By making the liners detachable, laundering the curtains becomes much easier, as the two can be washed or cleaned according to their individual care requirements.

Curtain fabric
Curtain lining
Tape measure
Scissors
Straight pins
Fabric-marking pen
Hook-and-loop tape
Sewing machine
Matching thread

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the curtain rod width. Record this measurement as the “finished width” of the curtain. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired length, and record this measurement as the “finished length.” Measure the circumference of the curtain rod, divide the number in half, and add 1 inch. Record this measurement as the “pocket depth.”
- 2
  Multiply the finished width of the curtain by 2.5. To this figure, add 6 inches for side hems, and record this as the “fabric cut width.” To the finished length of the curtain add the pocket depth, 1/2 inch, and 8 inches for the bottom hem. Record this total as the “fabric cut length.”
- 3
  Turn the side hems of the fabric under 1 1/2 inches twice, press and sew. Sew all hems as close as possible to the inside folded edge. Turn the bottom hem up 4 inches twice, press and sew. Turn the top edge over 1/2 inch and press. Turn again the amount of the pocket depth, press and sew.
- 4
  Cut the lining width equal to the fabric cut width, the length equal to the finished length minus 3 inches, minus twice the rod pocket depth, plus 1/2 inch.
- 5
  Turn the hem of the lining up 3 inches twice, press and sew. Turn the side hems under 1 1/2 inches twice, press and sew. Turn the top edge over 1/2 inch, press and sew this fold in place close to the top edge of the lining.
- 6
  Lay the curtain flat, wrong side up, with the top toward you. Mark the hook-and-loop tape positions just below the rod pocket seam, equidistant across the top. Space the marks 5 inches apart.
- 7
  Cut the hook side of the hook-and-loop tape to 1/2-inch lengths, and sew one length at each tape position.
- 8
  Lay the lining fabric flat, wrong side up, top toward you. Place tape position marks equidistant across the top of the lining every 5 inches.
- 9
  Align the top edge of the wrong side of the lining to the bottom edge of the wrong side of the curtain, just below the rod pocket. Press the hook-and-loop tape together at each tape position.
- 10
  Thread the curtain onto the rod, and hang in place.

How to Make a Retractable Curtain

How to Make Transverse Drapes

Windows, Doors & Walls