How to Make Shirred Curtains

Creating shirred curtains

1. Measure the window where shirred curtains will hang. Double the width of the window to calculate the amount of fabric to purchase. Lengthwise, add sufficient fabric for a 4-inch hem for the bottom of the curtain, as well as 6 inches to the top to accommodate 1-inch ruffles and 2 inches to insert a curtain rod. It is better to purchase a little extra than not enough.

2. Using a sewing machine and with coordinated thread to the curtain fabric, sew a half-inch straight stitch seam along both lengths of the pair of curtains to be made, wrong side in. Press the seams flat with an iron on a setting appropriate to the type of fabric used.

3. Fold the top of each curtain panel, wrong side in, about 5 inches using a measuring tape and pin with straight pins where a straight stitch will be made. Press with an iron, then straight stitch across. Measure 2 inches below that for the opening for the curtain rod to be inserted to hang in the window. Pin with straight pins, folding in excess fabric for a neat finish and straight stitch the opening closed. Press with an iron.

4. Insert the tension spring curtain rod through the 2-inch opening at the top of the curtain, gathering the fabric for even distribution, and hang in the window to see how they will look. Using straight pins, pin the bottom hem of the curtains, folding in remaining fabric for a neat finish, so that there is about a half-inch space between the bottom of the curtains and the window sill, but below the window glass. Remove the rod and straight stitch the opening. Press with an iron. Rehang the curtains on the window rod, gathering the curtains so the two panels open at the center of the window opening.