How to Make Tab Top Curtains

Co-authored by Kanika Khurana

Last Updated: September 22, 2021 References

Tab top curtains have evenly spaced fabric tabs attached to the top, and these tabs are how the curtain attaches to the rod. As far as DIY projects are concerned, making tab top curtains is quite simple, and a basic set of curtains only requires the fabric and a sewing machine (or a needle and thread if you don’t have a machine). There are many materials you can use and a great number of patterns and designs to choose from, so you can make your curtains according to your taste and the décor of your home. There are some basic measurements and calculations you have to do before you can cut the fabric, but overall making your own tab top curtains is pretty straightforward!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Measuring and Cutting

1
Decide how many curtains you need. For a small window, you may only need one curtain to cover the whole thing. However, if you're covering a larger window, you may want two curtains that part in the middle. For an extra-large window, you may want to consider multiple curtain panels.
- When you're taking your widthwise measurements, be sure to divide the final number by the number of panels you want before cutting your fabric. For instance, if you need 30 feet (9.1 m) to cover a window and you want three separate panels, each panel must be 10 feet (3 m) wide (30 ÷ 3 = 10).
2
Choose a fabric. You have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing fabrics for curtains, but you should take into account what kind of effect you want to achieve. For instance:^{[1]
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- To add a bit of privacy without blocking out too much light, choose a lighter weight material that has some transparency, such as voile or linen.
- To block out light or drafts, choose a heavier material, such as velvet, corduroy, tapestry, or damask.
- For an ultra-lightweight curtain in areas where you don’t need privacy, try lace, chiffon, or organza.
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3
Measure and calculate the width of the fabric. Measure the width of the window you're covering from the outer edge of the frame on one side to the outer edge of the frame on the other side. Multiply that by two or 2.5, depending on how full you want the closed curtains to look. Then add another four inches (101 mm) for the side hem.^{[2]
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- If you are making multiple panels, add four inches (101 mm) to each panel for the side hem.
4
Measure the gap between the curtain rod and the window frame. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the very top of the window frame. This is important because you want to ensure your curtains completely cover the top of the window. Therefore, when hung over the curtain rod, the finished tabs must be shorter than this gap.
5
Measure and calculate the length of the fabric. First, measure the distance from the top of the curtain rod to the spot where you want the finished curtain to end.^{[3]
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- Right to the floor, which is for formal or classy rooms.
- To the floor plus an extra one to six inches (depending on taste), for a stylish and romantic effect.
- To the top of the bottom window sill, which is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- To the bottom of the window trim, which is also great for practical areas like kitchens.
6
Determine how many tabs you'll need. You need one tab at each end of the curtain, and then in between you should have a tab every five to eight inches. To figure out how many tabs you need, divide the finished width of your curtain by the spacing measurement of your tabs, then add one.
- For instance, if you have a finished curtain of 30 inches, and you want tabs spaced at every five inches, you need seven tabs for that curtain (30 ÷ 5 + 1 = 7).
7
Calculate the length of your tab facing. When you sew the tabs on your curtains, you'll be left with a raw edge that you'll cover with a piece of facing. To make this, cut out a piece of fabric that’s four inches (101 mm) wide and the length of your curtains plus two inches (51 mm).^{[6]
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8
Measure and cut your fabric. Once you have all your measurements and calculations, you can cut your fabric to those dimensions and begin sewing. Don’t forget to cut out the curtains, the tabs, and the tab facing.
- For a basic tab, cut out rectangles of fabric that are five inches by nine inches (127 mm by 228 mm). This will leave you with tabs that are two inches by eight inches (203 mm), and folded tabs that are four inches (101 mm) long.^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Sewing the Curtains

1
Sew the tabs. Fold each tab in half lengthwise so that the right sides (the good sides of the fabric) face each other. Pin the sides in place, and use the sewing machine to sew a straight stitch along the lengthwise edges of the fabric. Use a half-inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance, and don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of every new seam.^{[8]
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- Press the seam open with a hot iron, then turn the tab right-side out. Position the seam in the center and press the whole tab flat.
2
Hem the side seams. On each side of the curtain, fold the edge over (wrong sides together) one inch (2.5 cm) and press it in place. Fold this over another inch and press it again. Sew the hem at a three-quarter-inch (1.9 cm) seam allowance, and press it when you're finished.^{[9]
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3
Attach the tabs to the curtain. Measure out the desired spacing for your tabs, marking where the center of each tab will go with a fabric marker or chalk. Fold the tabs in half (with the seam on the inside) and place them upside down on the curtain, lining up the raw edges of each tab with the raw edge of the top of the curtain. Pin the tabs in place.
- Sew each tab to the top of the curtain using a half-inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance.
4
Prepare the facing. Fold the side (widthwise) edges of the facing over one inch (2.5 cm) and press them in place. Then fold up the bottom (lengthwise) edge one-half inch (1.27 cm) and press them.
5
Attach the facing to the top of the curtain. Lay the facing right-side down over the curtain top and the tabs, lining up the raw edges. Pin the facing in place and sew along the top at a half-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
- Open up the fabric at the seam and press the tabs and the facing upward. Then fold the facing piece down behind the curtain and press it again. Pin it in place, and top stitch around all the edges.^{[10]
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6
Hang the curtains to check the hem. At this point, it’s a good idea to hang the curtains in case you need to adjust the length of the hem at all. Take the curtains down when you have finished checking.^{[11]
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7
Sew the hem. Fold the hem up four inches and press it in place. Fold that up another four inches and press that too. Position the edge of the presser foot along the top edge of the fold and top stitch the hem.
8
Hang the curtains. Once you're happy with the finished product, you can get your curtains up and decorating your window!

Expert Q&A

Question

Should you try to match the width of your curtains to the width of your window?

Kanika Khurana
Interior Designer
Kanika Khurana is an Interior Designer and the Owner of Kanika Design. With over 12 years of experience, Kanika specializes in remodeling, refurnishing, and color consulting. Kanika holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University, a Redesign and Home Staging Certification, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Cañada College.

Kanika Khurana

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

The width of your curtain should be slightly bigger than the width of the window so that it covers the frame nicely.
Question

How do I take down tab top curtains?

Community Answer

There is usually a removable pole that is connected to the wall. Lift that off of the hook it is connected to and slide the curtain off the pole.
Question

How can I make the tab curtains run smoothly on the pole?

Community Answer

if you rub over the pole with a duster with a light spray of polish on it, this helps to make the curtains run smoothly over the pole.