How to Make Arched Drapery Panels

Measure the top arch of the window with the measuring tape. To ensure an accurate measurement, secure the measuring tape to the wall every two inches with a piece of painter's tape. Record the measurement. For the drapery to hang properly when shirred across the curtain rod, this will be the width of one curtain panel. Make two panels per window.

Measure the height of the window, from the top of the arch to the bottom of the window. If you wish the curtains to drape all the way to the floor, measure from the top of the arch to the floor. Add 5 1/2 inches for the bottom hem and the top curtain rod pocket. This measurement will be the length of the curtain panels.

Cut the fabric to the proper width and length. Fold the fabric under 1/4-inch on one of the long sides of a curtain panel. Press the fold according to the fabric directions. Fold this edge under one more time; press and sew to create a neat hem so the fabric will not fray. Hem the other side of the panel in the same manner, and the long sides of the second panel as well.

Fold the top edge of each panel down 1/4-inch and press. Fold over again 2 inches and press. Sew along the folded edge. This will be the bottom of the curtain rod pocket. Sew another straight line 1 1/2 inches above the first to complete the curtain rod pocket. Repeat with the second panel.

Insert the flexible curtain rod into the curtain rod pockets. Shirr the fabric over the rod. Mount the curtain rod over your window using the included hardware. At this point, the top of the curtains should look very much like they will when they are complete; they should cover the entire curve of the arch and drape down. Since the distance from the outer edges of the arch to the floor is shorter than the distance from the top of the arch to the floor, the bottom of the curtains will be too long on the outer edges at this point.

Use the fabric chalk to mark a line at the bottom edge of the fabric where you want the curtain to end. The excess fabric will have to be trimmed away. Measure 4 inches below the first line and make another parallel line with the chalk. Cut the excess fabric using this second line as a guide. Take the curtains down again to create the bottom hem.

Fold the bottom edge under 1/2 inch and press. Fold the fabric again along the first chalk line and press. Sew along the edge to create a large bottom hem; this weighs the fabric down so it drapes well. Hang the curtains again.