Can you tell me how much fabric for curtains?

[LindaLaHughes]

Ok, this is all new to me, but I'd like to make a pair of curtains for DD's room, but I've no idea how much fabric I need. Do I measure the window frame so I get the widest measurement and then multiply by 1.5 or 2 or even 3?

Also, I'm liking some Cath Kidston fabrics, are these expensive as fabrics go? Are there cheaper alternatives?

Any advice or assistance will be most greatly appreciated

think its x1.5 width for heavy curtains and 3x for nets

So measure width of window. divide by 2 (one curtain) and add another half on again.

I've always gone to a fabric shop and asked there - they generally know

Depending on how full you want them, you will need either 1.5 or 2 widths in each curtain.

Cath Kiston fabrics are expensive - there are lots of other alternatives out there.

You also need to factor in the cost of lining. How old is your dd? Will you be using black-out linings?

Thanks for your quick responses. DD is 3 and I would probably be using black out lining or at least a heavy lining.

LittleMissNorty I would feel a little intimidated going into a fabric shop as I know absolutely nothing and would feel like a prize twit!

Littlefish any suggestions then for fabric in Cath Kidston style?

Cath Kidston webiste has reduced fabric. I'd try a big market though, our local one (Barnsley) has lots of textiles, with many "designer" roll ends.

How to measure for curtains.

thanks BikeRunSki

Echo the above, either 1.5 or 2 widths per curtain.

Dunelm mill has some spots and florals which are Cath Kidston-like.

I can recommend their bonded interlining, it's a lining and interlining in one which is not 100% blackout but very close and wonderfully cosy.

I always do the tube method of making curtains (google it) which is fast and very neat and tidy.

How big is your window? I'm happy to advise you on 1.5 or 2 widths if you can provide your measurements.

Aw thanks Fanjolina. Had a wee look at Dunelm Mill last night while I was bleary eyed, will have another wee look. I will google the 'tube method' and I may very well come back to you for a wee bit of advice on the widths.

Fanjolina - when you do the tube method, do you make the interlining/lining narrower than the fabric so that the fabric turns over onto the back?

Yes, it needs to be narrower by about 1.5 - 2 inches on both sides which makes the curtain fabric roll/fold the edge of the bonded interlining giving a very nice finish. So about 3-4 inches overall off the interlining.

Thanks Fanj. I've always done the lining separately, and then hand stitched it in afterwards, but I can see that doing a tube would give it a sharp finish.

I've only recently started making curtains and my very good seamstress friend told me about the tube method! It's great and pretty quick and the sides do look v professional.

Don't look too closely at my hems and corners though!!

When wanting nice expensive fabric just use a section of it and plain fabric for the rest.

You can either use a strip at the base or at the top. If you are confident you could run a strip through the middle.

make tie backs - if wanted in the pretty fabric and cushions one sided.

I would highly recommend a company called Merric & Day. They are on the web. The books are brilliant and I refer to them for the exact measurement and tips.