Determining how much Fabric you need when embarking on a do-it-yourself drapery makeover project can be daunting when you start to consider the amount of fabric needed to cover all the pleats, gathers, folds and swags your dressing may require. But bringing your vision to life doesn’t have to cause a pause in your plans or errors in your fabric yardage purchase when you know the steps to taking accurate measurements beforehand.

If it’s your first time adorning your window frames, using solid or textured mid-weight and/or decorative fabrics is a good place to start as prints and sheers require extra consideration and handling to match the design and manage the slippage that often occurs with lightweight fabric.

When considering your measuring tool(s), a yardstick with increments mirrored on both sides and 1/8″ scaled markings offers the greatest ease. 25′  nylon flexible rulers with metallic holding tips are an essential addition as they offer both pliability and firmness when measuring around valance corners and circular frames.

To figure out the best way to measure your windows to determine the proper amount of fabric yardage required, we sought out our own Summerdale Mill’s window treatment specialist and nationally known interior designer Jan Saunders Maresh for guidance. Here’s what the experts had to say.

How to measure for proper determination of drapery yardage:

1. When choosing rod length, measure from bracket to bracket.

2. Once your drapery rod is installed, measure the width of it in inches.

3. Multiply the width of your drapery rod by 2x. [exam: rod width 48" w x 2= 96" total]

4. Determine how many panels of fabric you will need by DIVIDING the number you get in STEP 2  by the width of your fabric. [exam: if the width of your fabric is 54", then divide by 96 to get your answer of 1.7 which you will round to 2 panels.]   

5. Measure from the top of the rod to the place you want your curtains or drapery to end. [Note: If your rod is a foot below the 8-ft high ceiling and you want the drapes to skim the floor, measure 84"]  

6. Add 6 inches to the measurement in STEP 4 for the double hems. [Exam: 84" l  + 6"=90" total length ]

7. Multiply the number you get in STEP 5 by the number of panels you need from STEP 3. This is the length of fabric you will need in inches.  [exam: 90" x 2 panels=180" fabric total]   

8. Divide the number you get in STEP 6 by 36. This is the length of fabric you will need in yards. [note: if buying lining as well, purchase the same amount ]  

9. Fabric should always be long enough to cover the baseboard.

10. To ensure minimum light gaps and maximum privacy, add 4″-5″ of fabric on both sides of the window

Note: Depending on your lifestyle, window treatment options can aid in creating an energy-efficient, sleep-friendly, and climate-controlled environment. If you’re someone who works at night or just needs to get some extra sleep during the day, blackout drapes might be the ideal window treatment for you. If you want to save some money on your energy bills, you may choose a set of insulated curtains that keep the warmth and chill out of your home. We carry both thermal and blackout lining to suit your needs.     

Once you’ve gotten the measuring down packed, now it’s time to really have some fun! With hundreds of window dressing prints, colors and designs to choose from, the world of creative possibilities is endless.

Jan Saunders Maresh is a nationally known sewing journalist, interior redesigner, and certified staging professional. After graduating from Adrian College in Michigan, she became the education director of one of the largest sewing machine companies in the country and then the director of consumer education for one of the largest fabric chains in the country. Both professional experiences give her a solid foundation in the home sewing industry, which she continues to serve with her many writing, marketing and industry consulting projects today.

Expert Measuring Advise For Your Next D.I.Y Drapery Makeover was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | https://www.jandofabrics.com/blog