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How can I make two 54' wide curtain panels work on 70' window?

14 years ago

Today's burning question: How can I make two 54" curtain panels look full and pretty on a 70" window? I can't afford custom drapes in my remodel. I found curtains I love at Target (Waverly black & white damask) but they are only 54" wide. My window is 70" wide. Of course, I don't sew...as that would be too easy. :-) I know you are supposed to have at least twice the width to make the curtains look full and pretty...but I'm hoping someone has a great suggestion on how to make this not look skimpy and obvious. Thanks so much in advance.

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Comments (9)

megsy
14 years ago
Buy two more panels?
Use the two as flanks and hang a shade in the window?
User
14 years ago
I had that same issue in our master bedroom. I ended up buying two more panels and doubling them up. Looks much better when they're full.
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Sadie, I went and looked at my curtains. I see now that I actually used 2 panels on each side. Each panel is 54 inches wide. More width than I needed but I guess now that I didn't want to cut one panel into two widths. My panels are not lined. I just opened up the opposing side hems and sewed them together with a very narrow seam and then overcast the edge. I have no problem drawing the curtains across except for getting the folds to look "perfect"- that's partly because I have all that extra fabric width. I used to close the curtains everyday because the door faces south and the sun could be too much, but we have replaced the original door and now have blinds between the glass. Now I only close the curtains at night if we have guests for dinner and I want it to look a little fancier in the room.
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Vidy, I am such a beginner when it comes to sewing and I did it. It is VERY easy. If you know someone w/even basic skills, they can do this. Then you can save you $ for something else that's more fun. Do you have a machine? Here is a link that might be useful: French Seam
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I would think removing the tab, and using rings as you suggest would give you the least width for the panel when pushed back. I just bought tab top curtains/drapes and the tab is 1 1/4" wide. Find the narrowest ring which I think would be around 1/4". For example, if there are 10 tabs to the panel, by removing them and using rings you would eliminate 10 inches, and the rings would take up 2 1/2". These amounts are approx. since the material pushed together might take up a little more room. You could also use grommets which would work on the same premise. Good luck. Jane
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Wow, that's a great cheap, quick and reversible solution. Thanks for the idea! (And, I've got lots of pins already). Are the pins strong enough with the pulling back and forth to open and close the curtains? I was thinking of sewing rods at the open/close edge of the curtains similar to hotel curtains. I'm taking down wood-slat blinds and can take the adjuster rods off of them. Then I can push to open or pull to close the curtains.
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lizziebethtx
Original Author
14 years ago
I could do that. I was just hoping to be able to open and close them. The late afternoon sun blazes through that window and I want to protect furniture, etc. Thanks for great suggestions.
lizziebethtx
Original Author
14 years ago
Is it possible to have a wood blind (shade) custom made that is 70" wide? I've never seen a blind that wide and wonder if some center support would be necessary? I think a custom-made shade would be way less expensive than custom made drapes. Tnx again.
suero
14 years ago
If you can't sew two panels together, put the adjacent sides of two panels on the same curtain hook.
lizziebethtx
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks. I hadn't thought of that.
megsy
14 years ago
Home Depot cuts down blinds for free and IIRC they have one that is 72" wide. There are bamboo shades that wide too because I was just looking at them.

Sorry about earlier. I didn't realize you wanted them to be functioning drapes.
andreadeg
14 years ago
A partial solution could be to attach flannel interlining between the drape and the lining. This will give the drape a fuller appearance. For a complete solution you could sew two panels together (or have someone do it for you) and then attach flannel interlining. I like the bamboo idea too, I think they look great! Depending on how much energy you want to invest, maybe combine both elements (blinds and interlined drapes).
lizziebethtx
Original Author
14 years ago
I think I like both ideas....bamboo and curtains. I also think I have to find somebody who sews. ha. Thanks everyone. I'll be sure to post finished pix. Thanks again. So appreciative.

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