Looking for a Straight Panel Curtain Pattern

**warramra** · 06-23-2009, 02:55 PM

We are getting ready to finally finish dd9's new bedroom. I have been hunting for reasonably priced curtains and/or flat sheets that would match her chosen decor, but have been unsuccessful. I've decided that I will need to make her curtains. In her room she will a large double window, and I have used 4 panels of 84" curtains on it in the past.

I'm looking for a simple, easy to sew straight panel curtains. Something basic. Does anyone know a good source for a free pattern like this or could explain how to do it. I don't think it would be too hard.

Also, dd has picked out a material she likes, but it is acetate which I have never worked with before. Are there any issues with sewing on acetate I should be aware of?

TIA

**craftypam** · 06-23-2009, 03:35 PM

acetate is not a good material for much of anything; my opinion. You cannot wash it or dry it. Are you just trying to make a casing and put it on a rod?

**frugalwarrior** · 06-23-2009, 03:37 PM

Don't really know why a pattern? Double the width of the window depending on how much gather you want. Add a few inches for side seam allowances. Bottoms usually about 1/4 " fold over then 1/2' press. Top depends on how much you want above the rod. So 1/4 " over,1/2 " plus width of rod,length of above ( guessing about 4 3/4" on top). So 4 3/4 plus curtain length plus 3/4". Made drapes/curtains from sheets many times. Wash first.

**frugalwarrior** · 06-23-2009, 03:38 PM

Oh yeah. lose the acetate. Can't wash/dry/not durable for kids/hard sewing.IMHO.

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-23-2009, 03:39 PM

I made mine by measuring the length of the window and then adding 1" of seam allowance at the bottom (1/2" folded over twice) and about 4-5" at the top for folding over and making a casing for the rod. If you want the curtain to lay flat you can use just one width of fabric. If you want it to be bunched up and full, use two widths and make two panels.

Remember to make the rod pocket big enough. If you have a 1/2" rod your pocket needs to be 1" wide, which means at least 2" of fabric plus seam allowance folded over.

**warramra** · 06-23-2009, 04:14 PM

Thanks everybody, I thought it would be as easy as making the seam allowances. I am just looking for a flat, straight, plain panel curtain. Nothing fancy here. I had thought about making them from top sheets too, but so far have not found anything we like that is affordable to make into curtains.

Dd and I will keep shopping for fabric. I wasn't keen on the acetate, even though the pattern on it was nice.

**JessieMom** · 06-23-2009, 07:21 PM

My daughters curtains are fabric shower curtains, they were sooo cute I picked them up & hoped they would work. They are perfect for long windows & you can't even tell they are supposed to be for the shower

**Brat** · 06-23-2009, 08:16 PM

I usually use 1 and 1/2 the width of the window + 4 inches for the rod to wall,if I am not going to line them per panel. I use the rule for side hem I turn under 1 inch,press and then turn that over 1 inch and hem. I use the machine but you can do it by hand if you want. The top if I want to put on a standard rod I turn under 1/4 inch at top. Then I use 1 1/2 inch for rod pocket and if I want 1 inch header or 2 inch header. I will measure the window to how long I want them from the top of the rod to finished length..take that number add for 1 inch header I add 2 inches for front and back and 1 1/2 inch for rod pocker and 1/4 inch turn under. I ususally press the 1/4 inch under then measure up 1 1/2 + 1 inch+2 1/2 inches and fold it down and press and pen..all across this gives me a stiching line at the edge of what was turned down and then I get this sewed then I move up 1 1/2 inch and make another line of stitches.. For the bottom of the curtian I usually allow 6 inches for the hem. 3 inch turned up and then 3 inches over that..makeing a double fold..This makes them hang a lot better... If the material is real thin or if I want them really full I will use double..If I am makeing 2 panels I will take the width of the window divide it by 2. I use a lot of sheets.. They hold up good and you can dye them any color that you want...

**frugalwarrior** · 06-23-2009, 09:34 PM

i was just thinking (always dangerous) our Salvation Army is near Walmart so they get new fabric,shower curtains,top sheets/sets and sometimes have them 33% off. i have also seen great curtains and draperies. Ya might wanna check before you haul out the machine and pins??

**Domestic Gal** · 06-26-2009, 12:44 PM

I made my DD's curtains out of some new table clothes that I picked up for a couple of bucks a piece. They are plain colored but are the heavier material so they block out the light and cold.
Only have to sew the part for the rod to go through as everything else had a hem.