How Do You Measure Fabric For Curtains? (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

measure-curtain-fabric

Hey, gorgeous! Are you ready to make your own curtains and give your windows a makeover? Well, you’re in luck, because I have the perfect guide for you: how to measure fabric for curtains! Trust me, this is a super fun and easy DIY project that will save you money and let you express your creativity. In this blog post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about measuring fabric for curtains, including what tools you need, what steps to follow, and what tips and tricks to remember. Let’s get started!

To measure fabric for curtains, you need a tape measure, a calculator, a pencil, and a paper.

What Tools Do You Need to Measure Fabric for Curtains?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of measuring fabric for curtains, let’s make sure we have all the tools we need. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A tape measure. This is essential for taking accurate measurements of your window and your fabric. Make sure it’s long enough to cover the width and length of your window.
  • A calculator. This is handy for doing some simple math and converting inches to yards. You can also use your phone or computer for this.
  • A pencil. This is useful for marking your fabric and writing down your measurements.
  • A paper. This is where you’ll write down your measurements and calculations.

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Let’s Measure Up?

Now that we have all the tools we need, let’s get down to business and measure our fabric for curtains. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Step 1: Measure your window. You need to measure the width and length of your window from the inside of the frame. Write down these measurements in inches on your paper.
  • Step 2: Decide how full you want your curtains to be. You need to multiply your window width by a fullness factor, which is how many times you want your fabric to fold or pleat when it hangs. For example, if you want a standard fullness, you can use a factor of 2. If you want a more luxurious fullness, you can use a factor of 3. Write down the result on your paper.
  • Step 3: Decide how long you want your curtains to be. You need to add some extra inches to your window length depending on how much hemming and heading allowance you want. For example, if you want a 4-inch hem and a 3-inch heading, you need to add 7 inches to your window length. Write down the result on your paper.
  • Step 4: Calculate how much fabric you need. You need to divide your width result by 36 (the number of inches in a yard) and round up to the nearest whole number. This is how many yards of fabric you need per panel. Then, you need to multiply this number by 2 (the number of panels) and round up again. This is how many yards of fabric you need in total. Write down the result on your paper.

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Bonus: Curtain Measurement Table

The fullness factor is a number that determines how much fabric you need to cover your window with folds or pleats. The higher the fullness factor, the more fabric you need and the more folds or pleats you get. The lower the fullness factor, the less fabric you need and the fewer folds or pleats you get.

A standard fullness factor is 2, which means that your fabric width is twice as much as your window width. This gives you a moderate amount of folds or pleats that look neat and elegant.

A luxurious fullness factor is 3, which means that your fabric width is three times as much as your window width. This gives you a lot of folds or pleats that look rich and opulent.

A minimal fullness factor is 1, which means that your fabric width is the same as your window width. This gives you no folds or pleats, just a flat and smooth curtain.

You can choose the fullness factor that suits your style and preference. There is no right or wrong answer, just different effects and looks.

Window Width (inches) Fullness Factor Width Result (inches) Width Result (yards)
36 2 72 2
48 2 96 2.67
60 2 120 3.33
72 2 144 4
36 3 108 3
48 3 144 4
60 3 180 5
72 3 216 6

To find the total yards of fabric you need, multiply the width result in yards by 2 and round up to the nearest whole number. For example, if your window width is 48 inches and your fullness factor is 2, you need (2.67 x 2) = 5.34 yards of fabric per panel, and (5.34 x 2) = 10.68 yards of fabric in total. Round up to get 11 yards of fabric in total.

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Tips and Tricks

Measuring fabric for curtains is not rocket science, but there are some tips and tricks that can make it easier and more accurate. Here are some of them:

  • Use a metal tape measure instead of a cloth one, as it won’t stretch or bend.
  • Measure twice and cut once, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Add some extra inches or yards to your fabric measurement, as it’s better to have more than less.
  • Choose a fabric that suits your style and function, such as cotton, linen, velvet, or voile.
  • Have fun and enjoy the process!

Wrap Up

Measuring fabric for curtains is a breeze when you know what tools to use, what steps to follow, and what tips and tricks to remember. It’s also a great way to unleash your inner designer and customize your windows with your own flair and personality. I hope this blog post has helped you understand how to measure fabric for curtains and how to do it effectively. Now go ahead and get yourself some fabric, you deserve it!

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