Tailored tab-top curtains are a classic window treatment. Sewing expert Linda Lee, owner of the Sewing Workshop in San Francisco, explains how to make them. Materials:
Finished curtain panel
Coordinating fabric and thread for tab tops
Sewing machine
Scissors
Tape measure
Seam stick
- Begin with a finished curtain panel. Solid-color tabs, with a finished measurement of 1 1/2" by 6", will be spaced about 2 1/2" apart along the top edge of the panel. Determine the number of tabs and desired spacing for your project.
- Cut a rectangle of fabric 3 3/4" wide by 6 1/4" long for each tab.
- To make the first tab, fold a rectangle of fabric lengthwise, right sides together, and sew a 3/8" seam along the long edge (figure A).
- Insert a pressing tool, or seam stick, into the tab, and press the seam flat (figure B). A seam stick, which looks like half a dowel rod, allows you to press a very crisp, flat seam without pressing areas you don't want creased.
- Remove the seam stick, and stitch a 1/4" seam along one end of the tab. Clip off the excess fabric very close to the seam.
- Turn the piece right side out. Use a tool -- such as the blunt point of a large knitting needle -- to work the tips of the corners out, and press flat.
- Stitch a line along the top of the curtain panel 1 1/2" down from the top to serve as a guideline for attaching the finished tabs (figure C).
- Pin one tab in place on the stitched guideline, with the finished end toward the front. Sew in place, following the edge of the tab to make a square and sewing from corner to corner to make a crisscross pattern.
- Add a decorative button to each tab top, if desired.
Tip: - For a beautifully finished project, Linda Lee stresses the use of high-quality sewing equipment. A top-of-the-line steam iron and good scissors are well worth the investment.
RESOURCES :
Linda Lee, sewing expert
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