How Much Fabric Do I Need for Curtains? A Complete Guide

This guide will tell you how much fabric you need for different types and widths of curtains.

You’ve already been seduced by fabric and pattern. But now you’re wondering: how much fabric do I need for curtains? The precise quantity you will require for curtains will depend on the kind and size of curtains you are making. Then, you must include extra fabric for any pleats, lining, or hems those curtains may have.

Here’s a helpful guide to get you started before you pick up the fabric scissors.

How Much Fabric Do I Need for Curtains?

There are a few things you need to decide before you can determine how much fabric you need for curtains. The first consideration is the appearance of your curtains. They should be floor length, right? How many panels would you like?

Your window’s dimensions will vary depending on each design element. Make sure you know the style you want for your curtains, from the addition of a big header to the fabric allowance for pleats. Ideally, before buying your fabric. Here are the Best Linen Curtains that can Suit Every Home.

For Curtains Fitting Outside the Window Frame

Step 1

From one exterior edge to the other, measure the width of your window. Measure the curtain pole after that. The width of your curtains should match the length of the pole. Increase the width of your window by 6 inches if the pole sticks out 3 inches on either side of the window frame.

The width of the curtains should be at least twice as wide as your window to ensure fullness. To account for extra volume and errors, aim for 2.5 times larger than your actual window. Divide the overall measurement in half if you want two panels.

Step 2

From the curtain pole to the floor or the windowsill, measure the length of your curtains. Depending on how long you want the curtains to be, the final length will change. If the pole is already set up, this step is much simpler. If the pole hasn’t been fitted yet, start from that location.

The header’s size should be decided. Make sure to extend the length of your curtain by 6 inches if you choose a 3-inch header. This will give the fabric enough room on the back to fold into a sturdy band that can support curtain rings or tabs.

Step 3

Add additional material for hems and seams. Your bottom hemline should ideally be at least 6 inches long. The total length of your curtains should be increased by this amount.

For Curtains Fitting Inside the Window Frame

1. Step 1: The width of the window inside the casing should be measured from one side to the other. Depending on how full you want to feel, multiply this number by 1.5 to 2.5.
2. Step 2: Next, determine how far the casement’s top is from the sill. Extra space should be left over for hems and a header. The length must be increased by 6 inches to accommodate a 3-inch header. A 4-inch allowance is required for a 1-inch hem in a similar manner.

How to Calculate How Much Fabric I Need for Curtains?

Calculating the quantity of fabric you will need to make your new curtains involves several steps. The first step is to measure the exact height of the curtains and you need to start at the rod location.

Then you need to decide if the curtains are going to go all the way to the floor or stop somewhere in between. The next step is to measure the width of your curtains, and you should measure your rod once more to get the correct figure.

Next, you double the width measurement so if your window is 36 inches wide you go to 72 inches for 2 panels. For the length allowance, add six inches, and for the seam allowance, add one inch. Two panels of fabric measuring 37 by 90 inches are required if the length is 84 inches.

Since curtain fabric comes in panels that are 36 inches wide, you can divide 180 by 36 to get the total number of yards needed to make those curtains, which comes to 5 yards.

How to Measure for Pencil Pleat Curtains?

Measure from the top of the track if you decide to hang your pencil pleat curtains there. In order for your curtain to cover the track when drawn, do as such. Measuring from the curtain ring’s eye to the finished drop will help you decide which pole to use. After that, the pole will hold your curtains in place.

Measure from that point to your finished drop if you need your curtains to hang from a different spot on the track or pole.

How to Measure for Eyelet Curtains?

Measure your finished drop for eyelet curtains from the top of the pole and then add 5 cm. You must make room for this since eyelets are usually placed 5 cm from the top of the fabric.

If we are making your eyelet curtains, please make sure there is at least 5 cm of clearance above your curtain pole; if there isn’t, let us know in the comments section during checkout or contact us.

Make sure there will be enough room for free movement when opening and closing the curtains by measuring the diameter of the pole before selecting the proper size eyelets for your curtains.

How to Measure for Tab-top Curtains?

Simply measure the distance from the top of the pole to the desired drop for tab top or tie top curtains.

How Much Fabric for 84-inch Curtains?

Whether that 84-inch measurement is the width or the length will affect how many yards are needed. If it is the width and you have a 96-inch length, you will require a total of 7 yards of fabric. If you are simply making plain curtains without pleats, that is.

If that is the length of the curtains, you will need 6 yards of material to finish your project if the width is 40 inches. Since your length or width will vary and you’ll need to include extra material for pleats, these numbers are only approximate.

Remember that the lining measurement is not included in the examples throughout this article. You must double the number of yards required if you are adding a lining.

How Much Fabric for 96-inch Curtains?

Using the same calculator, you can see that if you choose a 36-inch width and a 96-inch length, you will need 312 inches of fabric in total. Divide and you should end up with 4 total yards of fabric

The total yardage you will need is 204 inches, or 6 yards if the windows are 96 inches wide and roughly 60 inches long. To determine how many total yards of fabric you’ll need to make your curtains for your windows, experiment with the calculators we previously linked to.

Include any extras, such as tiebacks, hems, etc. Since mistakes can happen at any time, it is sometimes a good idea to round up your total by about 10% just in case.

How Much Fabric for 108-inch Curtains?

The steps listed in the two prior examples will be followed, which will give you an idea of how accurate the fabric calculators are. You are looking at 204 inches, or 6 yards, with a 108-inch width and 60-inch length.

The total amount of fabric required to complete the project is 348 inches, or 10 yards if the figures are changed to 108 inches in length and 48 inches in width. You should also add some to accommodate a pocket rod, eyelet style, and other options.

When you want to give your curtains a unique appearance, 2 or 2 1/4 are typically the recommended multipliers. As you can see, using those calculators adds significantly to the time required to calculate the totals. Simply enter your numbers and let them do the calculations.

Conclusion: Fabric I Need for Curtains

There are numerous calculations involved in measuring curtain fabric. You must be aware of the width, length, and quantity of extra fabric required for fullness, header, hems, and seams.

To determine how many yards of material you will need if you are not good at math, it is best to use a fabric calculator. You can save a lot of time and money by using these calculators, which provide accurate results.

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