How to Make a Flat Curtain

Measure the width of the area to cover. Record this measurement as the finished width. This is the width of the window, or the length of the curtain rod, which ever is greater. Measure the length of the area to cover. Record this measurement as the finished length. Window covering measurements are always written as width by length: “WxL.” For example, 46-by-94 denotes a window covering with finished measurements of 46 inches wide and 94 inches long.

To the finished width of the curtain, add 4 inches for two 1-inch double side hems, and 8 inches for a double 4-inch bottom hem. The amount to add at the top is dependent on the type of panel being constructed. For a rod pocket, add half the circumference of the rod plus 1-1/2 inches. For a clip ring, add 2 inches.

Turn the bottom hem up 4 inches, twice, and press. Sew the hem, stitching close to the folded edge. Sewing by machine is acceptable for casual curtains; hand or blind-hemming is preferable for more formal curtains.

Turn each outside edge in toward the wrong side 1 inch twice and press. Stitch close to the folded edge by machine for casual curtains; hand stitch for more formal curtains.

Turn the top edge over toward the wrong side 1/2 inch and press. For a rod pocket, turn again the amount of half the circumference of the rod plus 1 inch and press. Stitch close to the fold. For a clip ring, turn again 1-1/2 inches and press; stitching this down is optional.