How to Use Transparent Header Tape to Make a Curtain

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Technique Tutorial
How to Use Transparent Header Tape to Make a Curtain
Transparent Header Tape offers the support required when using sheer fabric for curtains.
Use it for any style – from pleated or tab top styles to curtains with clip rings or grommets.
And it is invisible when stitched! All the details follow for quick and easy insertion!
© Prym Consumer USA
Instructions
How to Use Transparent Header Tape to Make a Curtain (continued)
$ Dritz® Transparent Header Tape, 44498
$ Fabric (See Step 2)
$ Thread to match fabric
• Scissors
•
•
•
•
Straight Pins
Measuring Tape
Sewing Machine
$ shopping list
•
basic tools and supplies
Iron and Ironing Surface
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These instructions are for the tape insertion in one curtain panel. The curtain style is up to you.
1. Plan your finished curtain panel size. Standard curtains are about 2 1/2 times the width of the window. Sheers
often have more fullness. Divide the width by 2 to obtain the finished width of each panel (two panels per
window). Design styles such as pinch pleats require a specific amount per pleat. Be sure to figure this into
your calculations.
Fabric width varies. To obtain the finished width required, you will most likely need to sew fabric pieces together.
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2. To determine the amount of fabric required, you must know the cut size of each panel. To figure this, add 4”
to the finished width for side hems, and 18” to the finished length (6” for the top hem, and 12” for the bottom
hem). Divide this required cut width by the actual fabric width to determine the number of pieces needed to
create the panel. Multiply this measurement by the required cut length to determine how much fabric to
purchase for each panel.
Example: Finished width is 72” + 4” = Cut width of 76”, divided by 45” wide fabric width = 2 pieces of fabric
for each panel. Finished length is 84” + 18” = 102” Cut length. 2 pieces x 102“ = 204” (5 5/8 yds.) of fabric for
one curtain panel at a finished size of 72” W x 84” L.
Tip: SELVAGES
Always trim off the selvage edge. It often
binds and will draw up your curtain seam,
creating puckers.
3. Join pieces: Cut fabric to the calculated length.
Place fabric pieces right sides together. Sew with a 1/2”
seam allowance. Press the seam open. Measure the
joined fabric from one lengthwise edge and cut the fabric
to the required cut width.
Wrong side of Curtain panel
12”
4. Bottom hem: Press the bottom edge 12“ toward the
wrong side. Press the cut edge under again to meet
the fold for a 6”deep finished hem. Stitch.
© Prym Consumer USA
Instructions
How to Use Transparent Header Tape to Make a Curtain (continued)
An� n�� ��� t��� ...
5. Cut the Header Tape to the finished width of the curtain.
Pin it to the wrong side of the top edge of the curtain so
it is 2” in from each side edge.
2”
Align top edges
2”
Header Tape
Curtain panel
6. Fold the top edge with the tape down 3“ and press.
Baste this folded edge (Tape is folded inside).
3”
Header Tape
Curtain panel
7. Fold the top edge down 3“ again and press.
Stitch the hemmed edge. Remove basting along top
edge.
3”
Top of curtain
with 3” double hem
encasing the header tape
Curtain panel
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8. Press one side edge 2” toward the wrong side. Press
the cut edge under again to meet the fold. Stitch.
9. Press the finished hems when complete.
Wrong side of Curtain panel
Tip:
DRAPERY WEIGHTS
Slide a drapery weight into the bottom
of the side hem and hand stitch. The added
weight will help the curtain hang better.
© Prym Consumer USA