Updated at: 10-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

We’ll go through how to measure curtain material in this article’s lesson. We’ll go over how to take accurate measurements of your window frames’ height and breadth. The type of curtain you desire will also influence the amount of cloth you’ll need.

Lined and unlined curtains are two of the most common types of curtains available on the market today. Unlined curtains lack the additional layer seen between the front and rear panels of linings. Keep reading because we’ll go into greater information about each of these types of materials in our upcoming section.

Things needed:

  • A tape measure or a yardstick
  • Chalk

Measure the height of your window frame as your first step. Once the curtain is drawn down, measure how high up it needs to go on a piece of string from where it will be pulled down (typically at eye level). A good rule of thumb is to average the window heights when sewing curtains for two adjacent windows.

How to Measure for Curtains

Step two is to determine the width of your window. For the best results, make sure to measure in inches only. To avoid exceeding or underestimating the amount of fabric required, we recommend measuring from the inner corner to the inside corner. In order to get an accurate height and breadth measurement, multiply each by two.

For a normal curtain rod rather than rings or hooks, subtract one inch from this amount. Because your curtains will need to be able to be pulled closed, you’ll need some extra space on either side. A window with no wall is the only place where this rule doesn’t apply.

Lastly, With that in mind, you’ll need to subtract an inch from the total to account for the width of the curtain rod or rings. The amount of material required for each panel will be the final measurement.

Why Should you Measure Materials for Curtains?

Before you begin cutting, measure the items you’ll need. If you underestimate or overestimate, you’ll end up with a product that doesn’t meet your needs.

It’s easy to make the measurements, but they can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. In the case of curtain rods, for example, if you’re using rings instead of hooks, you’ll need to measure the diameter of your rings.

What is the Best Curtain Material?

Your window, your taste, and your budget should all be taken into consideration when choosing a material. When it comes to fabric, there are so many varieties to choose from — linen, cotton voile, and polyester taffeta are just a few examples. Is there anything else I’ve forgotten? With dark windows, you’ll need to line the curtains if you’re using light fabric.

Where to Buy Curtain Materials?

A wide variety of curtain-making supplies can be found in fabric and home-goods stores, as well as on the web Budget-friendly window treatment options can be found at Bed Bath & Beyond and Pottery Barn. In the same way that big-name retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, and Lowe’s do it. Etsy is also a good place to look for hand-made curtains, of course!

Types of Curtain Material

A wide variety of curtain materials are available. Cotton, silk or polyester are all common materials for traditional curtains and can be obtained in a wide range of colors! For those hot summer nights when you need more darkness at night, you may want to consider blackout curtains. Panel curtains can also be used to split a room into two sections.

Types of curtains:

  • Lightweight cloth is used to make these curtains, which are available in any color you can think of.
  • Compared to regular curtains, blackout curtains provide more darkness for hot summer days by blocking out more sunlight.
  • Divide a large room into two distinct areas with the help of curtain panels.
  • A modest approach to filter light, sheer curtains are comprised of a thin, light-filtering material.
  • Thicker cloth with holes for a rod is commonly used to make Grommet Curtains.
  • Curtains with sleeves that fit over an existing curtain rod and close shut at each end allow for quick removal for cleaning and do not require drilling or the use of hooks.
  • A wonderful technique to keep the sun out of your home while allowing light to come in is to use window shades or blinds.
  • Although they’re not curtains, room dividers do the same thing as curtains without sacrificing any natural light.
  • If you’re looking for something that’s more visually appealing than room dividers, consider draperies or draperies or valances.
  • In terms of light management, Plantation Shutters are a more cost-effective solution than most curtains, but they also provide privacy.
  • Colors and patterns are numerous, so you’ll be able to find the perfect Roman Blinds to suit your home’s decor.

How do I Calculate How Much Fabric I Need for Curtains?

The next step is to decide whether or not the curtains will extend all the way to the floor. Take a reading from there. Once you’ve measured the length of your rod, move on to measuring the width of your curtains. To figure out how much fabric you need for your new curtains, there are numerous processes. Starting at the curtain rod location, measure the curtains’ exact height.

If your window is 36 inches wide, you’ll need two panels that measure 72 inches broad. Allow 1 inch for seams and 6 inches for length when calculating this sum. Two 37 by 90-inch panels of fabric are needed if the length is 84 inches.

In order to get the 5 yards of cloth needed to make the curtains, divide 180 by 36 and multiply that number by 5.

Fabric for Curtains Calculator

You’re in luck, because there are a number of online curtain fabric calculators that you may use at your convenience. Using these calculators eliminates the guesswork involved in figuring out how much material you need. When working with multiple window sizes, it is simple to adjust the dimensions.

Here you can find the first calculator and here you can find the second, while the third can be found at this link. Choose the one that is most convenient for you, or utilize all three at the same time to ensure that they are all accurate and deliver the desired outcomes.

Inches and centimeters are interchangeable for two of the three units.

How to Measure Fabric for Curtains

The rod must be used to begin and end all measurements. Generally speaking, it requires several inches of cloth above the window, and that excess fabric must be taken into account.

Then, when determining the rod’s breadth, simply repeat the process. Often, the curtains you have are longer than the window’s width, so you have to account for those additional inches.

Curtain fabrics available in a variety of widths, which is a good thing for you. As a result, you’re able to better organize your sewing time and lessen your overall workload. Make sure to include a seam or hem allowance while sewing.

Depending on the style of your curtains, these margins can range from 1 to 8 inches. Calculating the amount of cloth you’ll need is a breeze once you’ve taken your measurements.

Size Calculators | Curtains, Fabric, Unit Calculators | Terrys Fabrics

How Much Fabric for Curtains With Pinch Pleats

It is not necessary to measure the length of the finials when measuring the width unless there are return brackets. To account for the panel overlap in the window’s center, add 12 inches. However, there are a few nuances in the way you go about measuring for sheers compared to how you would for conventional curtains. Because the length is standard, you don’t have to worry about it at all. If you’re worried about anything, it’s the width.

Pinch pleat curtains require a certain amount of width, which you may calculate by multiplying your total by 2.25. then reduce that figure by the number of inches you have selected to utilize in the fabric you are using The breadth is 60 inches, thus you would divide the amount by 60 and round up to the nearest 60 inches if necessary.

The length of the curtains is multiplied by the total yardage needed, and then divided by 36.

Extra Fabric for Curtains

Using extra fabric may be necessary if you didn’t purchase enough fabric to make your new curtains. The hems and topping facings are the most common places for these bits of material.

To hide them, they might be embroidered into the fabric. In order to figure out how much more fabric you need, all you have to do is measure the area where this extra fabric will be placed. Make sure you have more than you think you’ll need, because you can always trim off the excess.

The extra fabric can be utilized to add length or width to a piece of clothing, as well.

How Much Fabric Eyelet Curtains

Measure the length of your eyelet curtain rod to acquire the curtain’s width. Keep in mind that if you don’t account for any drop in the eyelet’s inner border, your curtains may fall short.

Make sure to measure above the curtain rod the same number of inches as the curtain extends above the eyelets when it comes to length. Use a fabric calculator to determine how much fabric you will need for your project.

This is the quickest and most straightforward method of determining the appropriate yardage for eyelet curtains. There is also the option of multiplying a previously supplied formula by around 2 if you’re using pleats.

Fabric for Rod Pocket Curtains

A double-fold hem will require an additional 4 inches on each side, bringing the total to 215 inches. Now, multiply 215 by the width of your fabric (usually between 36 and 60 inches), in this case 54, to get a value of 3.98. This is a more complicated equation since you have to multiply the finished width (in this case, 100 inches) by the fullness (about two). As a result, the measurement should be 200 inches. Now add in the measurement for the returns which can be 3 1/2 inches on each side giving you a total of 207.

The final measurement is 215 inches, after which a double-fold hem of 4 inches on each side is added. Take 215 and round up to 4, then divide by your fabric’s width (usually between 36 and 60 inches), in this example 54. You’ll need to multiply the finished width (in this case, 100 inches) by the fullness (about 2), which is a more complicated equation. Thus, 200 inches should be the outcome. A total of 207 results when you include the return measurements of 3 1/2 inches on each side.

How Much Fabric for 84-inch Curtains

If that 84-inch value is the breadth or the length, the number of yards will be determined. If your fabric is 96 inches wide, you’ll need 7 yards to complete your project. However, this only applies if you’re just making plain curtains without pleats in them.

In that case, you’ll need 6 yards of fabric for the project if your curtains are 40 inches long. You will need to add additional material for pleats if your dress is longer or wider than the measurements shown here.

The lining measurement is not included in these instances, so keep that in mind. Adding lining will necessitate doubling the amount of fabric needed.

Fabric for 96-inch Curtains

Using the same calculator, a total of 312 inches of fabric is required for a project with a width of 36 inches and a length of 96 inches. Divide by four, and you’ll get four yards of fabric.

You’ll need 6 yards of material if the windows are 96 inches wide by 60 inches long, therefore you’ll need 204 inches of material. If you want to make curtains for your windows, you can use the online fabric yardage calculators that we provided before.

Make sure to include any extras like hems, tiebacks, and so on. To be safe, it’s a good idea to round up your amount by around ten percent just in case.

Fabric for 108-inch Curtains

When the measurements are adjusted to 108 inches in length and 48 inches in breadth, the final result is 348 inches and 10 yards of fabric. Add some pocket rods and eyelets to the mix, as well. We’ll use the identical methods as in the last two examples to demonstrate just how accurate those fabric calculators are. 6 yards of space is what you’re looking at if you have a 108-inch breadth and a 60-inch length.

The most common multipliers for customizing your curtains are 2 or 2 1/4. These calculators save a lot of time when it comes to calculating the totals, as you can see. Simply enter your digits and sit back and relax while they do the work.

How Much Fabric for Single Pleat Curtains

When it comes to curtain fabric, there is one thing to keep in mind. In terms of length, they are available in the following ranges: 36 to 45 inches; 54 to 60 inches; 75 to 90 inches; and 105 to 110 inches. There is no need to do a lot of math to achieve the width you want.

When calculating the fabric width, you’ll need to take into account the number of pleats you’ll be using and the size of each pleat. Then, subtract the hems and rod spacing from your total length.

You can then use one of the fabric calculators linked to above to determine the overall measurement. A person’s best option may not always be to manually calculate their overall yards. Math isn’t for everyone.

Double Pleat Curtains

The most important aspect of these measures is determining the exact width. Nothing else but the finished curtain width can be used for this measurement. A few extra inches are all that is needed to account for hems, seams, and rod needs.

The finished width measurement is the same for both a double pleat and a pinch pleat. A 40-inch window or rod needs to be multiplied by 2.25 to reach a total width of 100 inches. Add another 6 inches for seams and other considerations.

How To Measure Fabric For Curtains? In 3 Easy Steps! - Krostrade

If your fabric is 36 inches wide, then multiply that number by 106 to get your total length. In order to complete this curtain project, you should have enough fabric. If you’re unsure about how to make something, consult the pinch pleat section above.

Triple Pleat Curtains

Your total fabric quantity should be figured out in no time at all, so don’t worry. When increasing the previous amount of 40 by 2.5, you still get 100 inches. In the preceding example, we rounded up, but it isn’t necessary in this instance. The good news is that a triple-pleated curtain requires no more fabric than a double-pleated one. To calculate the fullness ratio you multiply by 2.50 instead of the standard 2.25%.

Using the pinch pleat example above, complete the rest of the equation. Pinch pleats and double pleats are the same thing, therefore you can apply that calculation.

Fabric for 90 x 90 Curtains

The computation will be much easier if the curtains of this size do not have pleats. Only six yards of material will be needed based on the fabric calculator linked to above. Extras like hems and other embellishments are not included in this figure.

Because the figure is larger than 6 yards but less than 7, you should round it up to 7 yards. You have to round up because fabric stores don’t offer fabric by the 1/8 of a yard, etc.

An added benefit of having more material than you need is that you may use it for decorative tie-downs and other small details that will enhance the appearance of your drapes.

Fabric to Puddle Curtains

To give them their name, puddle curtains have a puddle of fabric in the middle of them. You don’t have to worry as much about the breadth of the cloth as you do the length to get the amount of fabric needed for this form of curtain.

You can add up to 18 inches to the length of your curtains in order to get the estimate correct. It’s entirely up to you how much you want to include, as is the style of your house. You’ll need about 262 inches of cloth if you increase your length by about 18 inches and chose a 90-inch width and 123-inch length.

About 8 yards of material are needed. You should have plenty to puddle on the floor with that much more length. It’s possible that 18 inches is too long for your residence. If this occurs, simply trim your fabric to the proper length.

How to Cut Fabric for Curtains

An ironing sheet will keep the fabric looking its best. Make sure that the selvage edges are facing each other before taking your measurements. Using a carpenter’s square, ensure that the lines are straight and square. In order to begin cutting, it is necessary to wash the fabric you intend to use. This will reduce the size of the material, yet maintain your calculations accurate. The warp and weft threads will be more evenly distributed if you tug the fabric at the corners after it has been washed.

You’re done if you use a rotary cutter for the best cut.

Some Final Words

Calculating how many yards of fabric you will need is best done with a fabric calculator rather than doing the math yourself. With these calculators, you can achieve precise results while also saving a significant amount of paper and other resources.

The size of your windows will determine how much cloth you will need at any particular moment.