Made to measure curtains for bay window

[SkepticalCat]

I just want to get a very rough idea of how much new curtains for a bay window will cost.

There are currently four curtains hanging from a track in the bay window which were already in the house when I bought it.

For a made to measure quote, John Lewis is asking me to type in the length of the curtain track, the drop, and whether I want a single curtain or a pair...?

I don't. I want four curtains, but what information do I need to provide???? I'm so confused, which is why I think about curtains, get into the nitty gritty of measuring up, then running away.

John Lewis is also telling me that the length of the track exceeds the width of the material available, which kind of makes sense, as that is why four curtains are needed at this window, not a pair.

Help!!!

I have 4 bays and made my curtains.out of choice I made 4 separate curtains, but most companies will make a pair, with each pair comprising about 1.5 to 2 widths of fabric stitched together (or more if the bay is wide), John Lewis will expect you to request a pair. Their online calculator will therefore not work unless you divide the bay into two sections and input your measurements for half a bay. Then if you are happy with the quote, request a second pair the same at checkout.

The amount of fabric required is dependent on the length, and also how gathered you want the curtain to be. The heading type (pencil pleat, or pinch pleat, or eyelet holes) will also affect how much material is required.

Most fabric is 1.37m wide and 2 widths will be enough for a e.g. 1.5m side of a 3m track.

If you just need a rough idea you can estimate costs yourself.
If you have a track that is say, 3m wide, and your window drop is 2.5m you will therefore need at least 10m for your bay.
If the fabric is patterned, you will also need to allow for the pattern repeat, as you will use up more fabric to match the seams exactly. There are plenty of online calculators that will help and allow for pattern match
Try Jane Clayton www.janeclayton.co.uk/inspiration-advice/advice/quantity-calculators/
So for a rough estimate allowing for a small pattern repeat allow 12m at the cost of your chosen fabric.
You will also need 10m of lining and interlining if required.

Make up costs vary widely but depending on how pricey your fabric is you can easily add in the same cost again. (some companies discount the fabric a bit, or charge full price for the fabric but reduced makeup.)

Thank you so much for your reply and all this brilliant information, @whatashower. After I posted I had guessed that I'd probably need to input measurements for half a bay, but I dont think that was made clear anywhere on JL website.

Good point about the pattern; I think for the living room curtains I'm currently thinking about, I'll go for plain curtains, but bedroom which also has a bay, possibly patterned, so it's good to know to add a couple of metres of fabric to allow for the pattern repeat.

Thanks again.

@whatashower really good concise info. OP I've recently made curtains to your spec so if you you want to give me measurements I can advise too 😀