Airwick156

I am thinking about making my daughter some curtains with owls appliqued on for her bedroom. How would I measure the windows? I want them to be a few inches below the window sills. Thanks.

Tartan

It depends on how you want to hang them for the length. Are you doing a gusset for a rod, tabs with buttons, pleats and hooks or the curtain rings with the little teeth? It also depends on how far above the window the rod is.

cjsews

Also for fullness, 2 times the width for slight fullness. 3 times for lighter fabric that can take the extra bulk.

Airwick156

I think I may do tabs. And put the rod maybe 4 inches above the window. So do I measure inside the window frame or outside of it?

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I always measure from the rod to where I want the curtains to end. Then I add what I need for the hem and rod pocket. If you are making tabs, you'd have to allow for how long you want the tabs to be.

Airwick156

Tanks everyone you were all very helpful

Tartan

If you are doing tabs, you want the tabs to able to line up on the rod without them scrunching. Figure out how much "bump" you want between the tabs. Do you want a flat look (tabs spaced with the window curtain mostly flat) or do you want bumps or waves between the tabs? If you are doing appliqué I would keep the drape mostly flat so you can see the designs.
I like my drapes to go about 2-3 inches beyond the window frame. I like no light to come around the curtain edge. It's not morning, until I say it's morning!

barny

Also take the curtains down below the board under the window. 4 inches for the hem. [Double for a 2 inch hem]. I always add some to the length, so I can raise the curtain ABOVE the top of the window. If you aren't careful, you'll have light coming in around the tabs.

Jingle

I agree and don't forget to add 1" to length for the take up, otherwise they may end up too short. I have a curtain making book at home. I havent made any but sheers for several years. I would google how to make curtains, there are lots to learn.
Good luck.

mandyrose

try this she is great love her techniques http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KbshT5iynQ