Materials:fabric
lining
scissors
measuring tape
sewing machine
iron
trim
buckram
pins
1. Measure the window to determine the size of the curtain panels. Lay out the fabric and cut according to your measurements, adding 8 extra inches for the double 4" hem and one more inch for the seam allowance (for a total of 9 extra inches.)
2. Cut the lining fabric to the same measurements as the panel but 1" shorter.
3. Turn up and sew the double 4" hem on both the panel and the lining.
4. Measure for the valance and cut the valance fabric and the lining accordingly. Place these two pieces rights sides together. Pin and sew across the bottom using a 5/8" seam allowance.
5. Turn the fabric right side out and press.
6. Attach the trim along the bottom of the right side of the valance.
7. Place the panel fabric right side up on the work table. Lay the valance right side up across the panel. Place the panel lining right side down on top of the valance.
8. Slip the buckram under all three layers and pin to hold them all together.
9. Sew all four layers together with a 5/8" seam allowance. Flip the lining over and press across the top.
10. Fold a double 1-1/2" seam down each side, press and sew the hem.
11. Now it is time to add the pleats. Standard pleated curtains have five to seven pleats. And always make sure to add 2-1/2" at each side of the panel.
12. For our drape, we decided to use five pleats; this means there will be four spaces between the pleats as well as our 2-1/2" on each side. Using these measurements, take the total width of your panel, subtract 5" (this is for the 2-1/2" on each side) and divide the remaining total by 4 (because there are four spaces). This will tell you how far apart your pleats should be.
13. Instead of measuring and then sewing, it's easier to do it as you go. Start by measuring over 2-1/2" from the edge and mark this with a pin. Then measure in the appropriate distance for the pleat (taken from the measurements above) and place a second pin. Fold the material over matching pin to pin. Then sew down this pleat from the top to the bottom of the buckram (about 4"-5").
14. Measure the space between the pleats (again according to the measurements above); repeat the process, creating the rest of the five pleats. Remember there should be a 2-1/2" space between the last pleat and the edge of the curtain.
15. Fold each pleat into thirds, keep the layers pinches together, and pin at the bottom to hold in place.
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