Updated at: 05-12-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Purchasing curtains from a store might be expensive and limit your options for personalization. They are pricey, might not go with your decor, and wouldn’t be as versatile if you built them yourself. Keep reading to find out the proper method for determining curtain yardage.

For instance, low ceilings are not common if the room has high ones. High-quality curtains can be sewn with ease because most patterns are uncomplicated. Curtains come in a wide selection of designs and fabrics.

What is the cost of the fabric for those pretty window curtains I want to make?

If you’ve ever pondered getting new curtains for your house, this may be the first thing that came to mind. It seems like you’ve been putting off getting started on this. This basic tutorial on using a curtain yardage calculator may be more reliable than any internet tool you find. Why? Reason being, you’ll be armed with so much data that guesswork will be rendered futile.

How to Measure Yardage for Curtains? 5 Simple Steps! - Krostrade

What you will learn is:

  • A curtain yardage calculator is a straightforward method for determining how much fabric is required.
  • For what reason should you not hang the rods for the drapes until after you have hung the drapes?
  • You shouldn’t install the rods until you know where you want to hang the drapes.
  • Why is this extra information necessary?

8 Easy Steps to Calculate Draperies’ Yardage:

Step 1. Determine Rod Width (RW)

  • Choose from a 1, 2, or 3 inch diameter for the drapery rod.

Step 2. Mark the Finished Length ( FL)

Quantity at the End (FL)___

Tip:

To make care less cumbersome, trim the final length by half an inch to one inch. For a more understated look, say in the bedroom, an extra two or three inches of curtain length works wonders.

Step 3: Determine Returns (R)

Typically, drapes and curtains that wrap around a room are reattached to the wall on the other side of the room. Commonly, it measures between four and five and a half inches.

Tip:

The “return” of a curved curtain or drapery is the side that faces the wall. Commonly, it measures between four and five and a half inches.

Step 4. Determine the Finished Width (FW)

The rear of most draperies and curtains that wrap around a room is fastened to the wall. The typical measurement is 4.5 – 5.5 inches.

RW+R =FW

Tip:

Add 3.0′′ (1 12′′ multiplied) to each panel to account for the width of the hems on the side panels. For optimal privacy, overlap your drapes by 3 to 4 inches.

Step 5. Determine Cut length (CT)

Both the BH and TH of a garment are expected to be 8 inches in length (8 inches).

The whole length of a garment, including the hems, the top heading, and the bottom hem, is known as the cut length, or CT, and it is calculated as follows: (FL).

FL+BH+TH=CL

Tip:

Generously cut hems not only add bulk to the garment, but also lend it a more tailored and elegant air.

Step 6. Decide on the Fullness (F)

Finished Width (FW) Equals 2 times the Fullness (F) (Standard Fullness)

FW X 2 =F

Tip:

Increasing the Fullness by 2 1/2 to 3 times will produce even deeper wrinkles. Boost the print to 2X Fullness if you want to make a statement.

Step 7. Calculate the Number of Panels

Fabrics often come in widths of 54, 55, 60, or 118 inches. A panel’s width is typically 2 widths, or 1.5 times the breadth of the fabric.

Formula for Number of Panels (P) = Fullness (F) x Width (FW) x 54 (or fabric width).

(FW X F):54= P#

Step 8. Calculate Yardage You Need to Get

Yardage = 36 + Panel Count * Cut Length (Y)

(CL X P#):36=Y

You got it, no doubt about it!

How Much Fabric Do I Need for Curtains? [Fabric Calculator]

More Tips

It’s important to keep an eye on the vents and heaters below the window. For instance, if the sole vent is situated just below the window, blocking out the natural light and airflow would be counterproductive.

Fabric Cost

The price per yard of fabric is not consistent among brands, countries of origin, or types of materials used. Fabrics in the $15–$50 price range are readily available, whereas those in the $50–$100 range are considered posh, and those in the $100–$1000 range are considered couture or designer fabric.

Labor Cost

Brand, place of origin, and fabric type are just a few of the variables that affect the cost per yard of cloth. Fabrics used in haute couture and by independent designers can cost $100 and above, while more affordable fabrics can be purchased for $15 to $50.

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any questions or want anything clarified. In the United States, we are happy to help you order curtain fabric (sorry, our distributors are located within the US only). As always, your comments are very appreciated below.

This yardage calculator might be useful, too. The PPT presentation is available for download below.

Query away down below. I’d be happy to help in any way I can; just let me know.

Methods on Measuring Yardage for Curtains

Step #1: Measurements

Taking accurate measurements is the first step in calculating how much curtain fabric you will need. Make sure you measure the apertures before you start window shopping. Windows exist in so many various shapes and sizes that there is no standardization on their dimensions. The first step is to measure the width of the window from one side to the other with a metal tape measure. Identifying its height is the next step (in feet).

The Height

Variables such as these will determine the final curtain height. Make sure they reach the ground by adding four inches to the final measurement.

Whether you plan to put your curtain rod within or outside the window frame, you’ll need to take precise measurements and subtract 1 inch from the height above the sill.

The width

It is necessary to determine the extent. When figuring out how to install the rod inside the window frame, be careful not to make any extra allowances. When hanging it outside the window frame, however, you’ll need to figure out how far your curtains will hang on either side and add 8 inches to that amount (for example, 2 inches after 4).

Step #2: Measure the hemming

Eyelets are increased by a factor of 1.5, making the total

Flat = 1.0

The Pleated Wavelength is 2.2

Step #3: Calculate the Width and Height

Take out some paper and a pen and measure it.

Two panels measuring 27-1/4 inches in height (489=6+3) x 72-5/16 inches in length (369=4) would be required to cover a window measuring 48 inches wide by 36 inches tall with normal 4 inch, 1/2 inch, and fullness ratio values of 1.8 for each panel.

The following calculations show that in order to cover a 48-inch wide by 36-inch high window using the standard 4′′, 1/2′′, and fullness ratio values for panels of 1.8, you will need two panels that are 27-1/4 inches high (489=6+3) and 72-5/16 inches long (369=4).

The formula for doing so is shown below. The fullness ratio can be calculated by multiplying the desired length by 1.8 times the sum of two times the overlay (1).

As you consider how to secure the panels together, having an idea of the typical width of each panel will be helpful.

Step #4: Finding the Height of the Window

Simply add up the inches to get the finished window height. Simply add 36 (window) plus 4 (x 0.5) (hem) plus 4 (overlay). To obtain a precise approximation using the aforementioned formula, subtract six from twelve and divide the result by two hours and forty-eight inches.

The finished height of the window can be calculated using the total number of inches. Simply add 36 (window) plus 4 (x 0.5) (hem) plus 4 (overlay). To obtain a precise approximation using the aforementioned formula, subtract six from twelve and divide the result by two hours and forty-eight inches.

Step #5: Calculate Your Yardage

You should know that most fabric shops sell their textiles in “cut” rolls, so if you buy 3 meters but only need 2, you’ll end up wasting half of the cloth.

The width of the fabric you select should correspond to the width of the finished curtain panels. One with an inch or two on either side will do the trick beautifully. If not, get them close enough that you don’t have to cut too much away to fit seams.

Custom Window Coverings | Custom window coverings, Budget blinds, Custom drapes

Conclusion

I’m hoping this piece on measuring curtain yardage has been helpful. If you follow the steps in the above guide, you’ll discover that the entire procedure takes very little time and effort on your part.