What size curtains?

la_farfallina

I want to buy some heavy curtains for my large window. The curtain pole above the window measures 100 inches. What width do I need to buy?
I don't want to spend a lot of money, only to find the curtains do not fit.

Thanks,
Farf x

walmerstores

Hi it depends how much gather you want they normaly say 2 times the width so you need 90 inch wide but if they are heavy fabric you can get away with 66 inches if you aren't bothered about too much gathering don't forget if you get them to the floor it also stops the draft coming in under the curtain

~Yorkshire_Belle~

Can't help I'm afraid but as we're on curtains I have a similar q. Does anyone have a link as to how much fabric is needed to make them! I want to make a simple curtain for the front door but can't remember how many times to multiply the width by.
thanks
Belle
Sorry to hijack thread but I suspect it's the same sort of q!:D

shellsuit

My curtain track is 100" and I buy 90" wide curtains.

walmerstores

basic door curtain you can get away with 1 width of fabric and add about 4 inches to the length for 1 inch turnover for the top and 3 inches for hem 1 inch fold then 2 inch hem
Hope this helps

~Yorkshire_Belle~

Brilliant, thanks. Next q - what sort of fabric is best. I have quite a tall hall (!) so don't want anything too heavy!
Thanks
Belle

la_farfallina

Thank you for your replies....I think I will get the 90inch ones and have plenty of gather.

shellsuit

~Yorkshire_Belle~ wrote: »

Brilliant, thanks. Next q - what sort of fabric is best. I have quite a tall hall (!) so don't want anything too heavy!
Thanks
Belle

Is it just to decorate the door or it is to keep the heat in/draught out?

nannaC

~Yorkshire_Belle~ wrote: »

Brilliant, thanks. Next q - what sort of fabric is best. I have quite a tall hall (!) so don't want anything too heavy!
Thanks
Belle

Hi, your choice of fabric depends on the style you have decorated you hall in. If it is traditional then a damask, linen fabric would look good, or a plain heavy cotton fro a more contempory look. Jumble sales and boot fairs are a fantastic way to pick up great curtains, dont worry if they are too long/wide enough you can always use a contrasting fabric to make a border. I think this months Homes and Antiques has a feature on making curtains. I am lucky as near to where I live there is a fantastic mill shop that stocks amazing fabrics [have gone there for years] I picked up some really heavy out of this world gold chinoiserie damask the other week for £9.99 per metre

Barneysmom

hi also buy man made fabric if you can, so you can bung into the washing machine without worrying too much about them shrinking.
Heavy tapestry ones, look fabulous and help keep the heat in, I just made some for the bedroom, but they have to be dry cleaned.

For ordinary window curtains, try and get double the width at least for a full gather with less heat escaping.
The length of shop made curtains is always a nightmare for me, as the bay is 69 inch drop and the nearest to buy is 72 inch, so I have to turn them up. That's why I decided I'd always make my own.
Good luck

nannaC

Barneysmom wrote: »

The length of shop made curtains is always a nightmare for me, as the bay is 69 inch drop and the nearest to buy is 72 inch, so I have to turn them up. That's why I decided I'd always make my own.
Good luck

you are lucky my shortest window is 84inch drop and the longest is 110inch and all need 66-90 inch width. One tip if you are hanging heavy curtains it really pays to get a proper metal track. Harrison drape do one that is very neat to look at but really takes the weight. Have tried using heavy weight plastic ones but the curtains stick and don't glide properly.