It can be really tough to find curtain panels that reflect your style AND your budget. In that case, making your own simple panels can lead to a much happier ending. We spotted these DIY instructions on Casa Sugar...
One of the tips in these instructions that intrigued us was the idea of politely asking the fabric store if they'll cut the strips (for your panels) for you instead of just giving you one piece of fabric. It's worth a shot.
For more photos and step by step instructions, click here.
(Image: Casa Sugar)
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If you don't have time/don't have a sewing machine, you could probably use Stitch Witchery or some other iron-set tape. For the hems, I definitely would go that route.
Oh good! I was wondering why it would take four hours. But, if that includes shopping, travel, washing, ironing, sewing and hanging the curtains, I can see why. The actual sewing should take about 15 minutes.
Michael Levine's in downtown LA's garment district would definitely cut the fabric panels for you if there wasn't a line behind you.
Katy
http://fengshuibyfishgirl.com
Fabric stores commonly cut multiple pieces of fabric, so it is no problem to ask them to cut them to specific lengths. However, most stores are used to cutting fabric in yard (or fraction of a yard) lengths. Since a yard is 36", you can help yourself and make things simple if you figure out what your lengths need to be in "yardage". For instance, 72" panels would be 2 yards, 50" panels would be 1 1/2 yards, etc. It will keep things moving faster in the cutting line. Also, if you know the total yardage that you need, the cutting person can usually tell you if there is enough on the bolt/roll before she starts cutting.
Before cutting, you need to remember that printed fabrics have a repeat - ie: the pattern above has a repeat that's probably every 6 inches, but more elaborately patterned fabrics could have a repeat that's 24 inches or more.
Why is this important? Because you don't want to go through the effort and expense of purchasing just enough fabric to create your own curtains and discover after hanging them at the windows that the patterns on the separate panels don't line up. Unless your cut panels (including hem & header allowances) are an exact multiple of the repeat, you'll need to purchase extra fabric and make your cuts to the pattern.
Glad you brought up that point bepsf. So many people are unaware how bad printed curtain panels can look without proper measuring and lining up.
Actually asking the fabric store associate to cut the panels is *not* a good idea. Often the associates at the larger chains like Joann's and Hancock are not very well trained and you'll find your yardage cut off grain, and, as bepsf pointed out, a pattern repeat can be way off. Off grain drapes won't hang as well.
The other consideration is if you intend to wash the curtains when they get dusty. Many fabrics shrink; it would be best to buy extra and pre-wash and dry before cutting.
--lin