HOW TO MAKE EYELET CURTAINS

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Firstly, measure the width and drop of your window. A general rule of thumb for the fullness required for eyelet curtains is 1.5 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 - Lay the entire uncut piece of fabric on a flat surface. Ensure the fabric is square by using a dressmaking square or lining it up against the edges of your table.

Step 3 - Based on the measurements previously calculated, cut across the width of the fabric. You may wish to use a chalk line to ensure a straight edge. For printed fabrics, the drops should be cut in the same place on each pattern repeat. This will give a more professional finish.

Step 4 - Continue measuring and cutting the remaining drops.

Step 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Fold back the top edge (top the curtain) of the fabric x 1.5cm and press.

Step 9 - Line eyelet tape to just over the pressed seam and pin across the width of the curtain to hold in place.

Step 10 - Attach the tape to the back of the curtain by sewing across both edges of the tape and then sewing up the sides.

Step 11 - Using a pencil or pen, draw a circle on the fabric inside the ring (this will be the back of the fabric).

Step 12 - Using scissors, make a few crosscuts to the fabric inside the ring.

Step 13 - Press the coloured plastic ring over the face of the fabric and lock down onto the metal ring. You will know this is complete once it clicks into place. Once this is done, trim off the excess fabric. If your eyelets have backs, clip these on once you've trimmed the fabric.

Step 14 - Use the clear plastic joiners on the back of the tape to lock the gather into place.

These will ensure your pleats remain even.Now your new curtains are ready to hang.