How to Sew Tab Top Curtains How to Sew Tab Top Curtains How to Sew Tab Top Curtains Tab top curtains are curtains that have decorative loops at the top to run the curtain rod through instead of a traditional pocket. The decorative loops or tabs of the curtain can be made from fabric or ribbon. These steps will allow you to create tab top curtains that add a homemade touch to your decor. The first step is to measure the window on which you will be hanging your tab top curtains. Measure the width of the window and add 4 inches to the total measurement. This will allow for a 2-inch seam on each side of the curtain. Next, measure the length of the window. Double the measurement so that you will be able to get the proper yardage of fabric. Add 4 inches to this measurement as well to allow for a 2-inch seam on both the top and bottom of the curtain. 2. Choosing Fabric and Tabs The second step to sewing tab top curtains is choosing the fabric. You must consider the color scheme in your room when choosing a patterned or solid fabric to make the curtains from.

Choose fabrics that are light weight and will flow well when hung. You must also choose a light-weight fabric to use as the lining of the curtain as well. Remember to have an extra yard of fabric cut if you are choosing a strip or patterned fabric to match the design. When choosing the material for the tabs consider the colors in the fabric you chose. If you are using the same fabric as in the curtain purchase an extra yard of the fabric. If you are going to use ribbon it is best to buy by the spool and make sure there is at least 9 feet of ribbon. 3. Sewing the Tab Top Curtains Have the measurements of the window handy when you begin. First fold the fabric for both the curtains and the lining in half and make a mark at the fold. Cut the fabric in half at the fold. This will create two separate curtain panels. Next, put one piece of the lining fabric and one piece of the curtain fabric and put it together with right sides facing. Sew 2 inches in from both sides and 2 inches in from the bottom of the fabric.

Do not sew the top of the curtain panel closed. Repeat this process for both curtain panels. Open the curtain panel and fold the top of the curtain fabric and lining in toward the center of the curtain 2 inches to form a hem. Sew the hem closed. To secure the tabs to the curtain make a mark every 2 inches on the fabric. Top Down Bottom Up Shades Without CordsCut the fabric pieces or ribbon into 5 inch strips. Wicker Furniture For Sale CheapSew the tabs every 2 inches apart to form a row for the curtain rod to be passed through.Dog Sofa Covers Uk Hang the curtain panels in the window. With these simple steps you are able to create tab top curtains that add a unique touch to your decor. For a bit of interest consider sewing multiple pairs of curtains to change with the seasons.

Have the measurements of the window handy when beginning the project. How to Sew Buttons onto Pants and ShirtsCurtains with tabs on the upper, back side can be hung at least two ways. You can slide the rod through the tabs, and in some cases you skip using the tabs and opt for rings with clips. Back tabs are strips of fabric which are sewn onto the curtains, creating a row of hidden loops. Rings clip to the top edge of the curtains, and the rings slide onto the rod. Curtain Length With back-tab curtains, the full length of the curtain fabric doesn’t hang below the rod. The rod slips through tabs across the upper, back side of the panels, and the top edge of the curtains stand proud above the rod by one or more inches. If the curtains are a bit too long for the window, or for the look you desire, and you don’t want to alter them, hanging them from the back tabs raises the hems a bit. With rings, the opposite is true. Rings have clips attached to the bottom, and the clips grasp the top edge of the curtains.

This arrangement lowers the hemline without altering the curtains, letting the full length of the curtains hang below the rod. Rod Style The style of curtain rod helps determine whether back tabs or rings are appropriate. Some rods are meant to be seen, others aren’t. Back-tab curtains conceal the rod, as the curtain fabric is on the front side, but they don't hang properly on a round rod. One with a flat instead of a curved profile helps keep the tabs straight. Curtain rings hide nothing, and are best used with fancy rods that you want to show off such as solid or expandable, pole-style rods and decorative dowels. Rings also let you try unusual alternatives to curtain rods such as branches, conduit or copper tubing. Room Decor Tabs on the back of the curtains let them hang and drape differently from the rod than with rings. Sliding the tabs onto the curtain rod causes the curtain fabric to form soft, vertical folds, similar to the way curtains look with a sliding track system traverse rod.

The folds resemble pleat-top curtains. Opening and closing tabbed curtains is a bit more difficult than with rings, as rings slide easily along the rod. With rings, the upper part of the window casing or trim is usually visible because they hang down from the rod. This is often a more casual look that lets in some light at the top of the window, unless you mount the rod higher on the wall. The curtains may drape less uniformly than with tabs, as rings tend to slide whenever you touch the curtains. Curtain Weight and Design Take the weight and design of the curtains into consideration when deciding whether to use tabs or rings. Tabs on the back side of heavier curtains are designed to support the the fabric, which lets the curtains hang properly without sagging or bowing. Hanging heavy curtains with rings can cause the clips to pull, snag or tear the top edge of the fabric. If there are ruffles or another type of trim across the top of the curtains, tabs expose the full decorative edge, whereas the clips on the rings can pinch ruffles and cover parts of the trim.