The Sewing Place

Calculating for curtains

Ellabella

Calculating for curtains
« on: August 25, 2020, 16:42:34 PM »
Before I go mad can some one just confirm if I’m doing this right.

I need two curtains with a width and half in each curtain, so I need 3 x the overall length (curtain depth plus top and twice hem depth) plus two pattern repeats.

Puzzler

Re: Calculating for curtains
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2020, 16:55:17 PM »
I resorted to using an online calculator. Saves on madness.

https://www.sew-helpful.com/curtain-fabric-calculator.php

Greybird

Re: Calculating for curtains
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2020, 16:58:44 PM »
Looks good to me! Just Fabrics have a calculator on their website. I carefully worked out my daughter's fabric requirements for her curtains using my meagre maths skills and then their calculator confirmed I was right!

sewingj

Re: Calculating for curtains
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2020, 18:03:15 PM »
I have to draw diagrams with the number of widths and the lengths and possible repeats. I'm sure there's an easier way but that suits my brain!

BrendaP

Re: Calculating for curtains
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2020, 18:30:52 PM »
It depends where the pattern stops, how you want the pattern to line up with the top and bottom of the curtains. and even occasionally the length of the pattern repeat.  I'm with @sewingj on drawing diagrams.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Hummingbird

Re: Calculating for curtains
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2020, 08:33:36 AM »
And make sure it's not a dropping repeat, usually (but not always) a half drop. Sometimes not noted in the fabric description for online sellers, but usually on the manufacturer's details.