How many yards do I need for curtains?
We often consider factors like style, durability, function, pattern, and color when choosing the right fabric.
However, the measurement of the curtains is also an important thing to consider.
The measurement of the curtains varies on a case-to-case basis.
Typically, the exact measurement depends upon the size and type of the curtains.
Knowing the exact measurement will make the process faster by saving time and money.
It will also save us from the regrets of not knowing beforehand!
Before knowing how many yards do we need, let us first explore how to measure fabrics for curtains.
Calculating How Much Fabric Needed For Curtains
So, how many yards do I need for curtains?
Well, everything is on the Internet.
Our situation now proves that this statement is true.
You can choose a variety of online calculators for fabrics for curtains.
I have prepared below a list of fabric calculators for curtains you can choose from.
#1. Fabric calculator for curtains
It is a simple online calculator that gives you options on the specific quality and quantity of curtain fabric.
You can also choose to change the measurement from millimeters (mm) to inches (in), yards (yd), and others.
#2. Curtain fabric calculator
This calculator gives you a step-by-step process of calculating the curtain fabric.
It also provided and explained assumptions regarding the basis of calculation.
#3. Curtain fabric calculator 2
Among the three, it has the simplest user interface.
You can also choose between centimeters and inches as a unit of measurement.
Measuring Fabric For Curtains
The measurement of the curtain starts and ends with the rod.
Take note that it is important to provide an allowance for the seam and hem of about 1 to 8 inches.
Choosing the fabric you want to buy is simpler once you have this measurement.
Measuring Curtains With Pinch Pleats
Pinch pleats are a common curtain style made of a series of equally spaced pleats.
The measurement of the length of curtains with pinch pleats is similar to regular curtains.
The measurement differs in terms of width.
First:
Add 12 inches for the panel overlap then multiply the total by 2.25 to get the amount of width.
Second:
Divide the answer by the total inches of curtains you intend to use.
Third:
Multiply the answer to the length then divide by 36.
The result is the measurement of pinch pleats curtains in terms of yards.
Measuring For Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains are designed for light fabrics which makes them easier to hang.
The process of measuring rod rocket curtains can be solved using the succeeding steps.
First:
Multiply the entire width of the window by two and add 3.5 inches on both sides, 7 inches in total.
Second:
Add inches per side then divide the result by the width of the fabric. Add 4 Round up if applicable.
Third:
Get the length by adding 8 inches for the hem and 2.5 inches for the casings.
Fourth:
Multiply the length by the answer on the second step and then divide by 36 to get the total yard.
Measuring For 84-inch Curtains
The measurement depends if the 84 inches is the width or length of the curtains.
If it is the width, you will need 7 yards for a 96-inch length considering a regular curtain.
If it is the length, 6 yards is needed for 40-inch width.
Measuring For Single Pleat Curtains
Fabrics for curtains are typically measured in yards.
These fabrics are often sold with fixed dimensions which provides the width without further calculations.
The main concern is the number and size of desired pleats.
After considering the allowance for hems and rod spacing, you can use the online calculators suggested above.
You know, everyone is not a math person.
Measuring For Double Pleat Curtains
Width measurement is also the focus which is finalized after adding necessary allowances.
The steps in measuring for double pleat curtains are just similar to the pinch pleat.
After you follow the steps on measuring for pinch pleat curtains, that should give you the measurement for double pleat curtains.
It is like hitting two birds with the same stone, right?
Measuring For Puddle Curtains
Guess what? Some people prefer their curtains long enough pooling on the floor.
Puddle curtains are drapes that have additional length.
It is often characterized by spilled fabrics on the floor in contrast to ordinary curtains that hang just above the floor.
You are more concerned about the measurement of length than the width with this type of curtain.
You can just add 1 or 2 to 18 inches for the length or shorter or longer than that depending upon your preference.
For an 18-inch addition, 90-inch width and 123-inch length is an appropriate total measurement which is equal to 8 yards.
Measuring For Triple Pleat Curtains
The measurement for pinch pleat, double pleat, and triple pleat follows the same steps except for one thing.
For triple pleat curtains, 2.5 is used as a multiplier instead of 2.25.
You can refer to the steps on measuring pinch pleat curtains for the remaining steps.
I guess we hit not just two, but three birds with the same stone!
Measuring For Eyelet Curtains
Eyelet curtains serve as an alternative to pleated curtains.
Usually used in place of plain and traditional curtains for a more modern vibe.
It is always hung with the use of curtain rods threaded through the metal rings affixed in the eyelet curtains.
The width of the eyelet curtain is measured using the curtain rod.
Always remember to consider the droppings in the inner edge of eyelet curtains to avoid cutting the fabric shorter than necessary.
Because the curtains extend beyond the eyelets, curtain rods are not used to measure the length of eyelet curtains.
You can use an online fabric calculator for the measurement of the length and total yards of fabrics to be used.
You can also use the calculation for single pleat curtains or regular curtains if you are using pleats.
Sewing It All Together
How many yards do I need for curtains?
The measurement varies depending upon the desired style of the curtain and the dimension of the window.
Some styles have similar steps in measuring the fabric needed for the curtains.
Online curtain fabric calculators can also be used for more accurate measurements.
That’s all for this article.
Hope you liked it!