How to Make a Buttoned Curtain

Measure the length of the curtain rod to determine the width of the curtains. If you’re making two curtains for the window, the width of each curtain should be three-quarters the width of the rod. If you’re making one curtain, the width of the curtain should be one and a half times the width of the rod.

Measure the distance from the curtain rod to the windowsill for short curtains or measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor for longer curtains. Subtract three inches from the latter measurement to prevent the curtains from dragging on the floor.

Cut a piece of fabric and fusible interfacing to the measurements determined in the last two steps, using a rotary mat and cutter.

Iron the fabric to eliminate wrinkles.

Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric, or pin the interfacing in place and stitch it to the fabric, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Fold the wrong side of the fabric down one inch to make a hem. Iron the folded edges and secure them with straight pins. Stitch the fabric in place.

Measure the top edge of the curtains and make markings every 2-1/2 inches along the hemline for the tabs.

Cut one 5-inch-long length of 2-1/2-inch-thick fabric to make each tab.

Fold the tabs in half lengthwise, wrong-sides out. Stitch one short and one long edge of each tab, leaving a 1/2-inch-wide seam allowance.

Turn the tabs right side out, using a knitting needle to poke out the corners.

Line the open edge of each tab to the hemline of the curtain where you made markings earlier. Hand-stitch the tabs in place.

Snip buttonholes in each tab. Reinforce the buttonholes with thread along the perimeter.

Stitch buttons on the top hem of the curtain to line up with the buttonholes cut in the tabs. The curtain is now ready for hanging.