Tab top curtains are simple clean looking curtains. They can be used in any room in your home from the kitchen to the bathroom. They are the easiest curtains to make and require less fabric then normal curtains. If you make your own curtains you can choose fabrics that match you home décor.
How to make unlined Tab Top Curtains
Start by taking a series of measurements. First decide how long you want the curtain to be and how long you want the tabs to be. Measure the distance from the proposed location of the curtain rod to the length of curtain. Then add on 14 inches -- five inches for the hem and eight inches for the tabs. Then measure the proposed width of the window or area you want the curtains to cover and multiply this by 1.25. This will give you the width of the fabric that you need for one curtain per window. The fabric you choose is determined by your decorating style and the purpose of your curtains.
How to make Insulated tab top curtains
If you are making insulated tab top curtains, also known as thermal tab top curtains, purchase twice as much fabric as you measured and also some batting. Use your measurement for the original curtain to determine how much batting you should buy. Follow the instructions to make tab top curtains but instead layer the fabric with the batting in between the fabric layers.
How to make tab top panel curtains
For tab top panel curtains cut the fabric into panels and continue to sew as you would regular tab top curtains.
Making the tabs
Calculate how many tabs you will need for your curtain. You should have at most 5 inches between your tabs and there should be at least five tabs. Start by measuring the width of your curtain and calculate the number of tabs. To help speed the process along it is more efficient to make one long tab and cut it into individual tabs as needed. Make sure you secure the ends of the tabs if you decide to do it this way.
Fold and stitch a one inch hem on both sides. Hem the bottom using a double three inch hem. Turn the curtain so that the wrong side is facing you and hand fold a 3 inch hem on the top. Fold the tabs in half and lay them over the top folded hem and pin them down. Double check the curtain length at this point and adjust the tabs accordingly. Machine stitch the hem and tabs into place. Repeat this process for the remaining panels or curtains, double checking on the length as you go along.
Making lined tab top curtains
Making lined tab top curtains uses the same technique as making the unlined curtains. You will, however , need fabric for your lining-the same width but shorter in length since you don't need fabric for tabs. In this type of tab top curtain the tabs are stitched between the two layers of fabric.
You can finish off you tab top curtains by using ribbons, buttons, tassels or other decorative pieces. You could even add lace to the bottom of your tabs if that is your style.