How to Make Rod Pocket Curtains
- By Clara
- Beginner
- 45 minutes
Rod pocket curtains are the easiest style of curtain to make. It’s simply a panel of fabric with a tube at the top for the curtain rod.
This tutorial shows how to make an unlined rod pocket curtain, but a lining can be easily added. Cut the lining the same size as the finished curtain and tuck it under the hems and sides before sewing. See How to Sew Lined Tab Back Curtains for more details on adding a drapery lining.
If you want to learn how to make other styles of drapes see our Curtains and Window Treatments DIY Tutorials.
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Materials
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Instructions
Step 1: Measure & cut the fabric
If you want to add drapery lining, cut it to your desired finished dimensions. Center it on the back of the drapery fabric and pin together. Then when sewing the sides, top, and bottom, the drapery lining should be under the folded edges.
To determine the size to cut your fabric, take the dimensions you want your curtain panel to be and add 4” to the width and 12” to the height to account for the hems. To figure out what total width your curtains should be, multiply the width of the window (or the distance you want to cover if larger than the window) by 1.5 or 2, depending on how full you want the curtains to look.
(Finished width) + 4″ by (Finished height) + 12″
This curtain will be 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall when finished so I’m cutting the fabric 40” wide by 60” high.
Step 2: Sew the sides of the panel
First I’m going to hem the 2 sides of the panel. Fold the edge over 1 inch and press. Then fold it over another inch and iron it again.
Sew down the length of the panel ¾” from the edge of the fabric. Back stitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. Repeat this for the other side of the panel.
Step 3: Sew the top and bottom
The top hem forms the rod pocket, which should be at least twice the diameter of the curtain rod. For this curtain, I’m making a 3” double fold hem.
Fold the fabric over 3” and iron. Then fold it over another 3” and press again. Pin the fabric in place.
Sew along the bottom crease of the hem about ¼” from the edge to form the pocket.
The top can be done at this point, or you can choose to add a header, which will make the panel extend a little past the top of the curtain rod.
I’m sewing 1” from the top of the panel to form a 1” header.
To make the bottom of the curtain fall exactly where you want, hang the panel first to better judge how much to hem.
Finally, sew the bottom hem. For this curtain I’m ironing another 3” double fold, like for the top hem. Again sew ¼” from the crease.
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