How to Make Drapery Panels for the Sides of Windows
- 1). Choose a mounting location. You can mount your panels on either the inside or outside of the window molding.
- 2). Choose a mounting rod. Measure the circumference of the rod to determine the amount of fabric needed for the rod pocket.
- 3). Measure the width of the window in inches. Multiply it by 3, add 3 inches, then divide this number by 2. This is the how much fabric needed for the width of each panel and takes into account 3 inches for the side hems.
- 4). Measure the height of the window. Add 8 inches to this measurement, plus the rod pocket measurement. This leaves enough extra fabric to create the rod pocket, the hem and the extra 3 inches of fabric that sticks up over top of the rod.
- 5). Install the drapery rod to the wall according to the package directions.
- 6). Lay out the fabric a large work surface. Smooth out the fabric and mark it with chalk at the previously determined height and width. Use fabric scissors to cut the fabric. Measure and cut two equal-sized panels.
- 7). Fold down the top edge of the fabric 1/2 inch toward the wrong side of the fabric. Use an iron to press the crease.
- 8). Fold the fabric for the header and rod pocket based on your previous measurements. Use the iron to press the crease and pin it every 5 inches.
- 9). Use a sewing machine to stitch the rod pocket and header.
- 10
Fold in the fabric on one side of the drape 1/2 inch and iron the crease. Pin the hem in place and sew. Repeat for the opposite side. - 11
Fold down the fabric at the bottom of the panels 3 inches for the hem. Stitch the hem with the sewing machine. - 12
Iron the drapery panels and hang them on your pre-mounted rod. Push one panel to the left of the window and the other to the right.
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