Materials:
Butterick pattern
two coordinating Waverly fabrics (cottons, linens or blends )
metal measuring tape
pins
rod and brackets
toggle bolt
standard wall anchor
finials
ribbon
Windows with Style pp. 70-72, pp. 73-77 , pp. 81-83
Steps:
1. Measure the width of your bed. For this project the bed width measured 58-59 inches. Make two panels for the headboard; each panel measures the full width of the bed.
2. Determine the curtain length. Take a measurement from the bottom of the rod to the desired length. Add 2 inches for the rod pocket and 2 inches for the header (ruffle). Include a 1/2-inch seam allowance for each end.
3. Cut two lengths of contrasting fabrics for each curtain panel and position the contrasting panels right sides together (figure A). Pin and stitch using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Stitch the sides and the lower edges together, leaving a 2-inch rod opening along the top edges of the panel. Mark rod pocket opening on the panels and reinforce the rod pocket opening by backstitching.
4. Leave an opening on the lower edge to turn the curtain inside out. Trim the corners to reduce fabric bulk and turn the panel right side out and carefully press the seam allowances to one side. Pin and slipstitch the lower opening closed.
5. To form the casing and the header (ruffle): Stitch across the panel 2 inches from the top to form the header (stitch on the right side of the panel and mark with a water-soluble pen as necessary). Then drop down 2 more inches and sew a parallel line of stitches across (figure B). Reinforce the rod pocket by backstitching . Tip: Stitch the parallel lines in the same direction for better fabric control.
6. For the buttonhole placement, measure up approximately 14 inches from the curtain bottom and make one buttonhole along the inner edge for both panels. Run a ribbon through the buttonhole on each side; turn the curtain up like a tent flap, revealing the coordinating fabric underneath, and tie the ribbon around the finial on each side. If desired, add a button to the other side of the panel to keep it in place by buttoning it.
Hanging tips:
- To hang the rod for the curtains over the bed, measure how far up the rod is to be placed, place the brackets a little outside the measurement for the width of the bed, and screw the brackets into the wall.
- If you are using a heavy fabric, consider either finding a stud to screw the brackets into or use a wall anchor, like a toggle bolt. Using a standard wall anchor anyway is not a bad idea, no matter what the weight of your fabric is.
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