Calculating Curtain Panel Yardage

Measure for Finished Length

Measure from the top of the rod or heading to the desired length (sill, apron, floor, or puddle).

Add hem allowances, casing measurements, heading, and pattern repeats if applicable. This is what is referred to as the finished cutting length.

• If using a casing but no heading, add 1/2" to the diameter of the rod for turning under and another 1/4" to 1" (depending on the thickness of the fabric) for ease in handling.
  
  
• For the bottom hems, add double the desired hem to the finished length. For sheer or lightweight fabrics, allow for a 5" to 6" double hem by adding 10" to 12" to the length. If making short curtain panels or a valance, allow for a 1" to 3" double hem by adding 2" to 6" to the length.
  
  
• If your fabric has a pattern repeat, measure the distance between motifs and add one repeat per cutting length.

Measure for Finished Width

Measure the rod width and add the two returns.

• Adjust for the desired fullness. This will depend on the weight of the fabric. For medium- to heavyweight fabrics, add 2 to 2-1/2 times the finished width. For sheer and lightweight fabrics, add 2-1/2 to 3 times the finished width.
  
  
• If the panels are not wider than the fabric, you don't need to add any extra for seam allowances. If there are multi-panels, add 1" for each seam.
  
  
• Add 4" per panel for side hems. This results in a 1" double-fold hem on each side of the panel.
  
  
• If the curtains are going to overlap, add extra.