HOW TO MAKE ROD POCKET CURTAINS

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Firstly, measure the width and drop of your window. A general rule of thumb for the fullness required for rod pocket curtains is 2 x the width of your window. You will need to add at least a 20cm allowance to each drop for bottom and top hems.

Step 2 - Ensure the fabric is square by using a dressmaking square or lining it up against the edges of your table.

Step 3 - 2 times width of your window, cut across the width of the fabric. Use a calk line to ensure a straight line.

Step 4 - Before sewing the curtains together, it is best to remove 5-10mm of the selvedge (i.e. edges of the fabric). Cut all the selvedge edges from each drop.

Step 5- If sewing together multiple drops to make your curtain, place two drops with right sides facing together. Pin into place, and sew along the long edge. If using a patterned fabric, fold back the top edge of the fabric first to match the pattern. Repeat for all drops.

Note - If the curtains are to open in the centre, sew an even amount of drops together for each side. If there is an odd number of drops, one drop may need to be split in half lengthways. Sew the half width to the outside of each side for a neater finish.

Step 6 - Sew the side seams by turning over the sides x 3cm. Pin and stitch in place 2mm from the inside edge, remembering to remove the pins as you sew.

Step 7 - Fold back the top edge (top curtain) of the fabric by at least 2 x diameter of the curtain rod and press. This is the rod pocket.

Step 8 - Fold over the pressed seam again by the same amount to form a double pocket, press again and pin the fabric in place.

Step 9 - Sew along the bottom crease of the top hem about half a centimetre from the edge. This completes the pocket. You can also sew the top at this point, unless you choose to add a header, which will make the panel extend a little beyond the top of the rod.

Step 10 - Sew the bottom crease of the bottom hem, again about 0.5cm from the edge to finish your curtains. Now your new curtains are ready to hang.