One of the great pleasures of sewing is shopping for the perfect fabric and lining. We always go with a 54″ decorator fabric, but choose what works best for you and transform your space with this lined drapery panel.
Lined Drapery Panels
We will show you step-by-step instructions on how to make this lined drapery panel. Let’s get started!
Basic Sewing tools:
- fine point mechanical pencil or fabric chalk
- Sewing machine
- measuring tape
- transparent ruler
- Iron & ironing board
- Seam gauge
- scissors
- thread
- fabric
- liner
- pins
1. Calculate the finished size of your fabric panel.
There are many resources out there to help you calculate yardage if you need some assistance. Books available on “window treatments” (OUR FAVORITE
Remember: The preparation you do before scissors meet fabric-the designing, fabric & hardware selection, measuring, and planning can easily take as much time as the actual sewing. By spending this time, you will ensure that the stitching goes smoothly and yields terrific results. (our experience has proven this to be very true!)
2. After determining the desired length add 5″ before buying fabric/Lining
After determining the desired length of your drape, you will need to add 5″ for this particular style panel. For instance, if you want a 96″ size panel, add 5″ for the top facing and hem, ending up with 101″ of fabric.
Similarly, remember the lining is 1/2″ shorter in length and 7 1/2″ more narrow than the drape fabric.
Measure again 🙂 then cut!!!!
3. Marking Top & Bottom Hem Lines & side facings on fabric
& Marking top & bottom hem lines on lining
We used a fine tip mechanical pencil (you can use a fabric chalk roller if preferred). If you use a pencil make sure you use tiny marks; they will be hidden once you start pressing and putting the panel together.
(Example of what your finished fabric & lining will look like after marked)
Marking Fabric:
This style of panel is especially easy because all four sides have the same measurements.
To start measure & mark 2 1/2″ from the edge on all sides of the fabric.
Then go back and mark & measure 1/2″ from the edge on all sides of the fabric.
Marking, pressing, & sewing bottom of Lining:
Only top and bottom are marked at 2 1/2″. Sides will be sewn with a 1/2″ seam to fabric panel.
Turn under and press at 1/2″ mark at bottom of the lining.
Then turn under and press at 2 1/2″ mark at the bottom of lining – pin in place.
Sew ONLY the bottom of the lining at this time and then set aside.
4. Pressing the Fabric & making the mitered corners before sewing
Press bottom hem up at 2 1/2″ and press sides at 2 1/2″.
At the bottom of panel – Make the Mitered Corners
Tip: Correct Measurements & pressing make the corners perfect and beautiful.
Carefully fold in bottom corner and press. Where the two marks cross is the edge of the fold. The pencil mark should line up and all edges even at the pressed crease.
Do both corners an then turn under and press the 1/2″ edge. Start at edges and work to the center of the fabric pinning and pressing hemline.
Press and then sew ONLY the hemline of fabric.
This is what it should look like at this point.
5. Put the fabric & liner together using right sides
At this time lay fabric flat right sides together in a large area.
(A) Make sure top edges are even then pin
(B) Lining hem is 1/2″ shorter than fabric panel
(C) Make sure side edges are even then pin
Remember that the fabric is 7 1/2″ wider than the lining, so don’t worry when you see the excess fabric after pinning.
Keeping edges even, carefully sew 1/2″ side seam. An accurate 1/2″ seam makes mitered corners perfect!
Press 1/2″ side seam open.
(D) It will look like a giant tube at this point
6. Turn panels right side out
Carefully fold each side at 2″ mark along both sides.
Now press sides of fabric.
7. Even top edge of fabric (Iron & Sew)
Make sure top edge of the fabric is even with the top edge of lining.
Sometimes the lining will be uneven, and that is fine, it can be carefully trimmed off. 🙂
Press at 2 1/2″ at top of fabric.
Then press under 1/2″ edge. Pin & press as you turn under the edge.
Sew at the top of hem liner.
8. Hand Sew miter
Hand sew miter and last inch or so of the lining.
An excellent invisible stitch is called a ladder stitch, and we have attached a picture and video below on how to do this.
We hope this has been informative and you start filling your home with beautifully lined drapery panels! Remember to measure twice and cut once!
Once you finish your curtain panels, I share my easy way to hang them using clip rings HERE.
That is such a good tutorial. I think I can do it. Easy way to change up drapery if you get tired of yours
Thank you! I hope you find it informative. I love the mitered edges!
Excellent tutorial with great pictures, girls! Good job!
Thank you, Belva! We truly enjoyed putting this post together.
Your instructions are nice and clear thank you for taking the time to post this. I do have a query how do you straighten up the edges of your fabric, I may have a crooked eye because this is the most daunting part of a large piece of fabric.
Thank you
Ann
Hi Ann,
I am so glad you enjoyed my tutorial. I use a square and long ruler to straighten up my fabric before cutting it. I hope that helps! I could post a picture of how I do it, if that would help.
Do you wash your fabric prior to making the drapes?
Hello Mary, I do not wash my fabric prior to making the drapes.