Some window dressing

There’s a bit of a designer in all of us. You have ideas, but executing them is a problem. Here are some tips that will help you measure and stitch with ease...

There’s a bit of a designer in all of us. You have ideas, but executing them is a problem. There are times when a simple thing like deciphering fabric length needed to drape the window seems a mammoth task. Here are some tips that will help you measure and stitch with ease:

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First and foremost, use the right tools for the job. A cloth measuring tape is not accurate. Always use a metal or steel tape measure.

Do not fret if your windows aren’t square.

While taking down the measurements, indicate with clarity which is the width and which height.

Include the molding or trim while measuring the width of the window, if you want them covered.

The rod to hang the drapery should ideally be mounted 4” above the window opening. So measure from 4” above the window opening to approximately 1/2” above the floor to get drapery length.

For curtains that sit on the floor (floor length curtains), they should be ordered one inch shorter for them to hang slightly off the floor. Trouser length panels ‘break’ on the floor so add one to two inches to the order length of your panels. For puddle length curtains that form soft folds on the floor add six to seven inches to the order length of your panels.

Rod length should be the same as the total fabric width. Add the length of two finials to rod length to get the total amount of space.

You must pre-shrink the fabric before stitching. To pre-shrink simply wash and dry the fabric before you layout your pattern or do any cutting.

If it is a pre-shrunk fabric or fabric that came folded from the store, iron before measuring and cutting.

Use clamps to hold the fabric still for measuring, then cutting.