What is the cost of pretty window curtains? This could be the first question that crossed your mind when you started dreaming about getting (or making) curtains for your home. So, you might have been putting this project away, right? Perhaps, this presentation will help you to move forward.

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2. • How to measure the rod or the pole
• Important terminology you need to
know
• What is all that extra fabric that you
have to add
• Formula for fabric yardage calculations
Important Note: all the calculations are in inches.
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3. Step1. Determine Rod Width (RW) and Mounting Height
• Determine the drapery rod to
be used, i.e. 1, 2 or 3 inches in
diameter.
• Allow the width of the rod (or
pole) to extend 2 inches or
more on each side.
Rod Width (RW)____
• Determine the height of the
rod or pole. It should be
mounted at least 4 inches
above the window.
Mounting Height (MH) ___
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4. Step 2. Mark the Finished Length (FL)
Finished Length
(FL) is the length
from the eye of the
ring to the floor.
Finished Length (FL)___
Tip: You can deduct 1/2 -1.0
inches from the finished length.
However, for a softer look, for
example, bedroom
draperies, add 2-3 inches to the
finished length.
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5. Step 3. Determine Returns (R)
Return (R) is the side of
the curtain or drapery that
is close to the wall. It is
usually 4-5 ½ inches on
each side.
Returns (RW)___
Tip: If you want to put the
cornice over the drapery,
use 3 ½ inches return. Do
not forget that your window
drapery will have 2 returns.
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6. Step 4. Determine the Finished Width (FW)
Rod Width (RW)___
(Step 1)
+Returns (R)___
(Step 3)
= Finished Width (FW)___
RW+R =FW
Tip:
Always add 3.0 inches on each
panel for side hems (1 ½” doubled).
For complete privacy, your curtains
should close in the middle or
overlap 3-4 inches.
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7. Step 5: Determine Cut Length (CT)
•Bottom Hem (BH) and Top Hem (TH)
are usually 4 inches doubled (8
inches).
Finished Length (FL)___
(Step 2)
+Bottom Hem (BH)___
+Top Heading (TH)___
=Cut Length (CT)___
FL+BH+TH=CL
Tip: Generous hems add weight and
look custom and more elegant.
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8. Step 6. Decide on the Fullness (F)
Finished Width (FW)___
(Step 4)
X 2 (Standard Fullness)
=
Fullness (F)___
FW X 2 = F
Tip: to get more folds, use 2 ½-3
times Fullness. To show off the
print, use 2 X Fullness.
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9. Step 7. Calculate the Number of Panels (P#)
• Most fabrics come in 54, 55, 60
or 118 inches fabric width.
Finished Width (FW)___
(Step 4)
X
Fullness (F)___
(Step 6)
:
54 (or fabric width) =
Number of Panels (P#) ___
( FW X F):54= P#
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10. Step 8. Calculate Yardage You Need to Get
Cut length (CL) ___
(Step 5)
X
Number of panels (P#)___
(Step 7)
=
Overall Number of Inches
(ONI)___
:
36 =Yardage (Y)
(CL X P#):36=Y
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11. General Tips
Pay attention to vents and heaters under the window
Before you start calculating the amount of yardage, look at the window and the
wall space around it. Pay attention to vents, radiators and electric outlets. For
example, if you have the only vent right below the window, you will not want to
block it with heavy draperies.
Fabric Cost
Fabric cost per yard varies depending on the brand, origin and material content.
It starts at $15-50 for low to mid range; $50-$100 for high end range, and $100
and up for couture and designers’ fabric.
Labor Cost
Labor also varies between $30-60 per one width of fabric drapery. This varies
depending on the reputation, experience and location of the workroom.
Please feel free to contact us for any questions, more information and custom
orders.
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