When you buy curtains at the store, they are often pricy and come in limited options. They are costly and, at the same time, may not match your decor or offer the same amount of versatility that custom-made ones do. So, this write-up will teach you how to measure yardage for curtains.
For instance, it’s not common for them to be too short if you have high ceilings. Fortunately, sewing good quality curtains isn’t hard, especially considering how simple most patterns are (and with so many different types available!).
Methods on Measuring Yardage for Curtains
Step #1: Measurements
The first step on how to measure yardage for curtains is measurement. Measure the windows before shopping. Windows comes in various shapes and sizes, so there is no “standard” size out there! The first thing you should measure is your window’s width – from one side to another with a metal tape measure. Next, you will need to note how high up it sits (in feet).
The Height
The height of the curtains you create will vary based on a few factors. In general, it is best to add four inches from your finished measurement for them to touch the floor.
This may be different if you want your curtain rods mounted inside or outside of the window frame, so measure accordingly and subtract one inch less than half an inch above sill measurements should suffice.
The width
Determine the final width. Do not add any measurement when planning on how to mount the rod inside the window frame. However, if mounting it outside of a window frame, then measure from where on either side your curtains will extend and adjust accordingly for an 8-inch extension past each side (for example, 2 inches after 4) to ensure that they’ll match with said curtain rod’s length.
If your window is wide, use more panels to cover the finished width instead of one long piece. Divide the desired final panel height by this number for a balanced look and an easier sewing process.
Step #2: Measure the hemming
The next step on how to measure yardage for curtains is to measure the hem. To make a simple set of curtains, you will need fabric to cover your window’s height and width. If your curtain has decorative hems on top or bottom, add 2x length to each dimension required for these aspects.
To figure out the fullness ratio, you need to know what type of curtain style you are using. The most common types include:
Eyelet = 1.35
Flat = 1.0
Wave (pleated) = 2.2
Step #3: Calculate the Width and Height
To calculate the height and width, use a pencil and paper to write out the calculations.
For example, if you have a window with dimensions of 48″ wide by 36″ tall in addition to having standard 4″, 1/2″, and fullness ratio values for panels at 1.8 each: you will need two panels that are 27-1/4” high (48÷9=6+3) x 72-5/16” long (36÷9=4).
The total fabric required would be 71 inches which equal 3 yards 8 feet 10 inches or 6 meters 114 centimeters.
This is a formula to calculate the width of curtains. You need to find your desired length and add two times the overlay, then divide by 2 panels and multiply by 1.8 fullness ratio (1).
Doing this will give you an estimate for how wide each panel should be on average for them both to match up nicely when joined together with hooks or other hardware closures at either end.
Step #4: Finding the Height of the Window
To find your final height of the window, you need to take the total number of inches. Simply add 36 (window) + 4 x 0.5 (hem) + 4(overlay). Subtract six from 12 and divide that by 2:48″ to get an accurate estimate with the above equation.
You can also express it in an equation as follows; make sure to remember that measurements should be converted into metric units before adding them together – so here would convert 120 cm into meters first! The formula is 72+4×0.5+(4)+6=48 m or 120cm-12/(2)=24m
Step #5: Calculate Your Yardage
Next, you will need to find the yardage. Curtain materials are sold by the whole yard, and it’s essential to know how much you need before you get started with a project so that there are no surprises down the line.
To figure out how many yards of fabric will be needed, multiply the final height with the number of panels for each row. Divide this length by 36 inches in one panel, giving an approximate measurement or 1/2 meter per side.
Don’t forget when purchasing fabric; they’re typically going to sell them on “cut” rolls, meaning if you were looking at buying 3 meters worth but only wanted two, then half would go unused – do not let this happen!
Fabrics come in varying widths; it is best to pick a fabric that matches your curtains’ final panel size. If you use one with an extra couple inches on either side, then perfect! However, if not, make sure they are close enough so there will be minimal cutting off for seams later down the line.
Conclusion
I hope this write-up has helped you on how to measure yardage for curtains. You will realize it’s easy and fast and will only take a few of your time if you pay attention to the steps mentioned above.