Be Crafty.
Technique Tutorial
How to Use Rod Loop Tape to Make a Curtain
This inventive tape allows you to create beautiful curtains with soft even folds.
Just slide the rod through tabs in the back. And you can use it with a round or flat rod.
So much versatility! All the details follow for quick and easy construction!
© Prym Consumer USA
Instructions
How to Use Rod Loop Tape to Make a Curtain (continued)
$ Dritz® Rod Loop Tape, 44500
$ Fabric (See Step 2)
$ Thread to match fabric
• Scissors
•
•
•
•
Straight Pins
Measuring Tape
Sewing Machine
$ shopping list
•
basic tools and supplies
Iron and Ironing Surface
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These instructions are for the tape insertion in one curtain panel.
1. Plan your finished curtain panel size. Standard curtains are 2 1/2 times the width of the window. Divide
the width by 2 to obtain the finished width of each panel. (Two panels per window).
Fabric width varies. To obtain the finished curtain width required, you will most likely need to sew fabric
pieces together.
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2. To determine the amount of fabric required, you must know the cut size of each panel. To figure this, add 4”
to the finished width for side hems, and 16” to the finished length (8” for the top hem, and 8” for the bottom
hem). Divide this required cut width by the actual fabric width to determine the number of pieces needed to
create the panel. Multiply this measurement by the required cut length to determine how much fabric to
purchase for each panel.
Example:
Finished width is 72” + 4” = Cut width of 76”, divided by 45” wide fabric width = 2 pieces of fabric for each panel.
Finished length is 84” + 16” = 100” Cut length.
2 pieces x 100“ = 200” (5 5/8 yds.) of fabric for one curtain panel at a finished size of 72” W x 84” L.
Tips & Techniques:
Lining
Lining adds body and longevity to your curtain.
Follow Step 2 to determine the amount to buy and the
cut size. Cut lining to the finished width size (It is tucked
under side hems). Finished length is one inch shorter
than the curtain. Top edges align; fold lining into top
hem with the tape.
Tips & Techniques:
Selvages
Always trim off the selvage edge. It often binds
and will draw up your curtain seam, creating puckers.
© Prym Consumer USA
How to Use Rod Loop Tape to Make a Curtain (continued)
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3. Join pieces: Cut fabric to the calculated length. Place fabric pieces right sides together. Sew with a
1/2” seam allowance. Press the seam open. Measure the joined fabric from one lengthwise edge and cut
the fabric to the required cut width.
4. Bottom hem: Press the bottom edge 8” toward the
wrong side. Press the cut edge under again to meet
the fold for a 4” deep finished hem. Stitch.
Wrong side of curtain panel
8”
2”
5. Side hems: Press the side edges of the curtain 2”
toward the wrong side. Press the cut edge under
again to meet the fold. Stitch.
Wrong side of curtain panel
Bottom hem of curtain
6. Top hem: Press the top edge 8“ toward the wrong
side. Press the cut edge under again to meet the fold
for a 4” deep finished hem. Do not stitch yet.
Top edge of curtain
8”
Wrong side of curtain panel
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7. Cut the Rod Loop Tape 7 1/2” longer than the finished
width of the curtain. Pin it to the pressed top edge of the
curtain so the first tab is about 1” from the left edge.
When you reach the opposite side edge, the last tab
should be within 2 1/2” of the hemmed edge. If it is not,
unpin and fold the tape into pleats between tabs
removing ease until tape fits correctly.
1” from edge
Trim
to
1”
1–2 1/2”
from edge
Wrong side of curtain panel
© Prym Consumer USA
How to Use Rod Loop Tape to Make a Curtain (continued)
8. Trim the tape 1” beyond each side edge.
Stitch
ends
9. Fold under the ends. Stitch along the top and
bottom edges of the tape, catching the pressed hem
in the process. Stitch the side edges.
Stitch edges
Wrong side of curtain panel
10. Slide your rod through the tabs. Adjust the fullness
by hand for soft even folds.
FLAT ROD
DECORATOR
ROD
Tips & Techniques:
Drapery Weights
Slide a drapery weight into the bottom of the
side hem and hand stitch. The added weight
will help the curtain hang better.
© Prym Consumer USA