How to Make Bay Window Drapes

Install the chosen drapery hardware in the bay. Measure the distance from the wall to the front of the rod and record this measurement as the “return." Measure the width requirements for each panel of drapes and record these measurements as finished widths. Depending on the hardware, the drapes may run all around the rod, opening at the center of the middle window and stacking at the outer edge of the two side windows -- in which case, you will need two panels. Because of the hardware brackets, each window may require two separate panels, in which case you will need six panels.

Add the return measurement to the required width of the outside panels. If using two panels, this measurement is added to each panel. If using six panels, this measurement is added to the left edge of the far left panel and the right edge of the far right panel.

Add 3 inches to the center edges of each pair of panels. This is the amount that the drapes will overlap when closed.

Measure from the desired bottom of the drape to the top of the drape, as dictated by the hardware. If the rod will carry the drapes on rings and clips, measure the length as to the top of the clip. If the rings have eye-screws, measure to the bottom of the ring as it hangs on the rod. If the rod has carriers for drapery pins, measure the finished length as to the top of the area to cover, and measure from this point down to the pin hole in the carrier and record this measurement as the “pin drop," indicating the placement for the top of the drapery pin.

Construct the drapery panels in the chosen style and according to the finished measurements of each panel required.

Hang the drapes on the rod, positioning the center drapery pins, or clips, 3 inches from center edges of each pair.

Screw an eye-screw into the wall at the outside ends of the rod. Place the eye-screw at the same position as the top of pin on the drape. If the top of the pin is 86 inches from the floor, insert the screw eye at 86 inches. Insert a drapery pin into the outside edge of the drapes, and hook it into this eye-screw to keep the drape return in place.