Making Curtain Side Panels

Measure the height of your window and the spaces on each side that you wish to fill with side-panel curtains. Side-panel drapes are stationary. They need to be gathered enough to look attractive filling a fixed space, for example the narrow wall spaces on each side of a wide picture window. Side-panels can be window-length or full-length to the floor. If you have window-length sheers over the windows, plan curtains that hang at least three to six inches below the sill to create a frame for the window and sheers. Side-panels can be hung so that they cover the outer edges of a window but remain in a fixed position.

Calculate the amount of fabric you will need. The simplest side-panel curtains are a single layer of fabric sewn with a top-seam that is gathered on the curtain rod. For these curtains, allow one and a half times the width of the space you are filling (if wall space between the windows measures 12 inches, you will need fabric only 18 inches wide for a lightly gathered look, plus an allowance of 1 1/2 inches per side for seams, bringing the total width to 21 inches). To calculate length, measure the length you want, then add 1 1/2 inches for a top hem and 4 1/2 inches for a bottom hem.

Choose a header tape, if you want more formal or tailored side-panel curtains. The style of header tape will dictate the width of the fabric you need. This can range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times the width of the space. Remember to add 3 inches to the width, the allowance needed for side hems. Follow header tape directions for a top hem allowance, plus 4 1/2 inches for a bottom hem.

Lay out fabric for either style of side panel face-down on your work surface. Pin and stitch your side hems first. Make the hem(s) by folding in 1/2 inch and then folding 1 inch; ironing the turnovers as you go makes it easier to make straight hems. Pin the folded/ironed hems. Stitch on your sewing machine or sew by hand, using an overcast or other hemming stitch.

Create your top headings. This will mean a simple double-turned hem, 1/2 inch folded under, then 1 inch folded, ironed, pinned and stitched for simple gathered curtains. If you are using header tape, follow package directions for turn-unders and attach both the top and bottom of the tape by machine or hand.

Hang your curtains and check measurements before you complete the bottom hems. Adjusting the bottom hems at this point lets you make certain curtains hang evenly. You can pin hems while curtains hang. Turn in 1/2 inch, then 4 inches with necessary adjustments for bottom hems. Iron and stitch bottom hems. Take curtains down, iron and sew. Even if you have machine stitched the rest of your panels, a hand-sewn bottom seam lends a designer touch.