Tab headed curtains are quick, easy and economical to make and lend themselves to formal and informal styles of décor. This version, made with contrast borders and tabs, has immediate impact.
Tab headed curtains are suspended from a pole by loops of fabric set at regular intervals along the top edge. They are not as expensive to make as conventional curtains with gathered headings because they use far less fabric, but they will still cover the window fully when drawn.
The tabs can be made in the same or a contrasting fabric, and can be any width. Ensure there are enough tabs to support the curtain, a space of two tab widths between each tab is suggested, and match the width of the tab to the weight of the fabric and the pole size.
Whether looped on to a thick wood pole with carved finials or hung from a slim wrought iron one, tab headed curtains look great in a variety of different rooms. This lined version features a border and tabs made from a contrasting fabric of similar weight.
Tab headed curtains hang slightly below the pole, so make sure your pole is at least 2 inches (5cm) above the top of the window, or light and drafts will come though the gap between the pole and top of the curtain.
To calculate the length of the actual curtain measure from a point 2 inches (5cm) below the base of the pole to the floor or, just below the window as preferred.
The width depends on how full you want the curtains to look when drawn. For curtains which lie flat against the window, you will only need fabric the width of the window, plus extra for seams. For a fuller effect, add half or a whole fabric width to each curtain.
These curtains are made with a 2 inch (5cm) border and tabs. Seams of 5/8 inch (1.5cm) are included throughout.
Bordered tab headed curtains also make beautiful bed drapes, with their loops threaded over the metal frame of a four poster.
To make your bordered tab headed curtains you will need:
- Curtain fabric
- Contrast border fabric
- Iron-on interfacing for borders and tabs
- Lining fabric
- Sewing thread
- Tape measure.
1. Cutting the curtains and lining:
Work out the curtain width and length. To allow for the border subtract 1 3/8 inches (3.5cm) from the outer edge – this leaves 5/8 inch (1.5cm) for seams. Cut out the main fabric and lining to this size, joining the widths where necessary.
2. Cutting the borders:
Cut two side borders of contrast fabric 5 ¼ inches (13cm) wide by the curtain length. Cut a hem border of 5 ¼ inches (13cm) wide by the curtain width plus 5 /14 inches (13cm). Cut two heading borders 3 ¼ inches (8cm) wide by the curtain width plus 5 ¼ inches (13cm). Cut interfacing to match. Fuse to the wrong side.
3. Cutting tabs:
Each finished tab should be the same width as the border – 2 inches (5cm). Measure the curtain top for the number of tabs. Allow a space of two widths between each one. Cut a 9 x 3 inch (23 c 13cm) strip from the contrast fabric and interfacing for each. For thick poles cut tabs longer, testing the length.
4. Making the tabs:
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of each tab. With right sides together, fold each tab in half lengthways and stitch the long edge. Turn the tabs right side out, center seam with allowances open, then press.
5. Joining side borders and lining:
With the wrong sides together, press the side borders in half lengthwise. Position a border to each edge of the right side of the curtain, matching raw edges. Tack in place. Position the lining, right sides together, to the curtain. Stitch outer edges. Turn the curtain to the right side and press.
6. Adding the hem border:
With right sides together, stitch the hem border to the lower edge of the curtain/lining sandwich. Press seams to border, then press under 5/8 inch (1.5cm) hem on remaining raw edge and each short end. With right sides together, press the border in half and stitch across the short ends taking care not to catch the main fabric. Clip the corners and turn the border to the right side. Hand or machine stitch loose edge down.
7. Adding heading border and tabs:
Rights sides together, position one border to the top edge of the curtain and stitch taking a 5/8 inch (1/5cm) seam. Press seams to the border. Fold each tab in half with the seam to the inside and, matching raw edges, position to top edge of heading border. Space evenly and stitch.
8. Adding border facing:
Press under 5/8 inch (1.5cm) hem on one long raw edge of remaining border. Position it, right sides together and matching raw edges, over tabs. Stitch short ends and across top. Clip across corners and turn to right side. Machine or hand stitch raw edge down.
