How to Make a Ruffle Topped Curtain

Measure the width of the window plus the desired length of the treatment to determine the amount of fabric needed for the curtain panels. Double the width measurement to add fullness and add six extra inches for the side hems. The finished length should include the width of the curtain rod plus nine inches for extra rod and hem allowances.

Cut the fabric for the panels. Turn up the lower edge 3 inches and press the fabric with an iron, then fold again and press. Straight stitch the panels close to the edge with a sewing machine and press.

Fold the sides of the panels 3 inches and press with an iron. Fold again and press. Hem the sides with a straight stitch close to the edge of the fabric.

Fold the top edge 1 1/2 inches and press. Fold the fabric again the width of the rod pocket plus 1 1/2 inches. Press and stitch close to the edge.

Determine the width of the ruffle. The total width is the desired visible width plus an inch for hem and seam allowances.

Measure the top of the panel to be ruffled. For a medium weight fabric, multiply the result by two and a half and for a sheer or delicate fabric multiply the number by three. The result is the length of the fabric to be ruffled.

Divide the length by the width of the fabric that is to be used for the ruffle and round up. This is how many strips of fabric need to be cut for the ruffle. Multiply the total width by the number of strips of fabric to get the amount of fabric inches needed for the ruffle.

Cut the strips for the ruffle. Pin the wrong sides together and stitch a half-inch seam. Press the seams open with an iron.

Hem the ruffle by making a double fold one-quarter inch at both ends and on one long side of the strip. Press and stitch.

Sew the gathering threads with a sewing machine set to baste. Sew the first row of stitches one-quarter inch from the raw edge in 40- to 50-inch segments and a second parallel row a half inch from the raw edge. Secure the threads at one end with a straight pin on the wrong side of the fabric by wrapping the thread around the pin in a figure eight to hold it in place.

Gather the fabric by holding the thread on the opposite side of the secured threads and gently pull the fabric over the thread. Once the gathers equal the finished length, push the folds until they are even.

Pin the wrong sides of the top of the ruffle and panel together. Stitch a quarter-inch seam. Press the seam toward the panel.

Fold the ruffle over the panel and seam allowance, and pin the fabrics together with right sides together. Sew three-eighths inch from the fold, enclosing the edge, seam line and panel. Press the seam toward the panel to finish the ruffled curtain.