To make cafe curtains, you will need to know the measurements of your window. The total yardage you will need will depend on the width of the window, the length that you would like your curtains to be, the heading or top treatment, and the fullness or fullness ratio of the curtains.
For many cafe curtains, a heading of 2 to 3 inches is standard. To determine the yardage you will need for the heading, you will need to measure the width of your window and multiply by 2. So for a window that is 40 inches wide you would need 80 inches of fabric, which is 2 and a quarter yards.
Next, to determine the yardage for the body of the curtains, you will need to measure the length of the window’s sides and multiply the sum by the fullness ratio. For standard cafe curtains, the fullness ratio is generally between 1.5 and 2.
A fullness ratio of 1.5 will produce curtains that will just cover the window when closed. A fullness ratio of 2 will produce curtains that will appear slightly fuller when they are closed, while a fullness ratio of 3 or 4 will give a full and lush appearance.
Using the example above, let’s assume you want your curtains to be 30 inches long and you would like to use a fullness ratio of 1.75. This means you will need an additional 2.5 yards of fabric (30 inches times 1.75).
Therefore, for cafe curtains for a window that is 40 inches wide and 30 inches long with a fullness ratio of 1.75, you will need a total of 4.75 yards of fabric.
What length should cafe curtains be?
When selecting the perfect length for cafe curtains, there are a few factors to consider. The overall appearance of the curtains should be in harmony with the style of the room in terms of both the length and the fabric.
Additionally, the size of the window and the amount of light desired also play a major role in selecting the length of the cafe curtains.
Generally, cafe curtains should hang anywhere between a quarter and a half of the window height. This will provide a soft balance of privacy and light control in the room. The shorter the curtains, the more light can enter the room.
The longer the curtains, the more privacy the room offers yet less light enters.
The window and fabric choices will determine the exact length of the cafe curtains, as the size of the window must be taken into consideration. To get a tailored look, cafe curtains should reach the window sill or to the bottom of the window, or even hang just below it.
For a standard length, cafe curtains exceed the window height by around 4-6 inches. Finally, for a longer, more dramatic look, extra long cafe curtains can hang to the floor.
How do I calculate how much material I need for curtains?
Calculating how much material you need for curtains requires a few easy steps.
First, you need to measure the window or area you want to cover. To do this, consider the finished size of the curtains you want to hang, and take the measurements from there. Refer to a curtain size chart for reference.
Make sure to measure the full width (top rod to bottom rod) and length/height (top of rod to desired finished length).
Once you have your measurements, you will need to calculate how much fabric is needed. Essentially, take the width measurement and multiply by two. For example, for a 50” window, you will need 100” of fabric, including a 4” hem all the way around the sides and a 4” hem at the bottom.
Then, to add fullness, multiply the original window width by 1.5 to 2.5, depending on how full you like the curtains to be. For example, if we use the base measurement of 50” and multiply it by 2, a total of 100” of fabric is needed.
Finally, add the fullness of the curtain to the measurement of the rod. For example, if a rod measures 150”, add the fullness measurement of 100” for a total of 250” of fabric.
To be on the safe side, always account for extra fabric, especially if you want to be sure to have matching patterns. If this is the case, add an extra 20” to the total in order to give yourself the ability to match patterns on both the panels.
Following these simple steps will allow you to easily calculate how much fabric you need for your curtains.
How are cafe nets measured?
Cafe nets are generally measured by three different dimensions – length, width, and height. Length is measured from one corner of the opening to the other corner and can range anywhere from 1 meter to 10 meters.
Width is measured from side to side across the entire netted area including the edges and can range anywhere from 1 meter to 10 meters. Lastly, height is measured from the top of the net to the ground and can range anywhere from 1 meter to 5 meters.
Together, these three dimensions will determine the total size of the cafe net. Additionally, cafe nets are designed to fit standard table sizes, so they are also labeled with their compatible table size.
For example, a 6-seater cafe net is designed to fit a 6-seater table, and so on.
How much wider should curtains be than the opening?
The width of the curtains should be at least double the width of the opening. This is because when the curtains are open, they will be bunched up on either side of the window. To ensure that the curtains still provide ample coverage for privacy, the the fabric should extend beyond the edges of the window.
It’s a good idea to measure the window opening before buying the curtains and buy the curtains that are twice as wide as the window opening. Having curtains that are too narrow won’t provide adequate coverage when open and may look disproportionate to the window opening.
How much of the window should a cafe curtain cover?
The amount of window coverage a cafe curtain should provide varies depending on preference, but typically they are hung so that they cover the lower half of the window or two-thirds of the window. Cafe curtains are often hung right on the window frame, but they can also be mounted on a rod slightly above the window.
A good rule of thumb is to hang them as far back on the rod as possible without obscuring any of the window sash. This can be adjusted to hang as long or as short as desired. For instance, hanging the curtains higher up on the rod to let in more natural light may be desired.
Consideration should also be given to the furnishing of the room, as cafe curtains can provide a nice contrast when coordinating with other colors, such as wall and furniture colors.
How do you cut curtains that are too long?
Cutting curtains that are too long requires only a few simple steps. First, make sure the curtains fully hang on the window. Measure the length from the top of your window to the floor or the bottom of the sill, depending on the desired length.
Lay the curtains flat on a surface and use the measurement as the guide for where to cut them. You will want to make sure that you are cutting straight and accurate. Additionally, it may be necessary to hem the ends of the curtains after you have cut them.
To accomplish this, use an iron and some hem tape to secure the fabric. If a pattern exists on the curtains, make sure to cut in a straight line along the pattern. Once finished, hang the curtains and enjoy the beautiful new look!.
How can I cut my curtains without cutting them?
If you don’t want to cut your curtains, there are a few alternatives that you can try to achieve a similar effect. One option might be to use a fabric seam ripper or craft knife to remove only certain parts of the curtain.
This approach allows you to take out, for example, strings or threads that keep the panels together while leaving the fabric intact. However, it will still require some work and may not be suitable for all fabrics.
Another option might be to use adhesive tape to hem the curtains. This method requires you to use an adhesive that is specifically made for fabrics and to apply it in such a way that it does not damage the fabric.
You may also want to use a heat gun or an iron to reinforce the adhesive.
Lastly, you might want to consider using tailor’s tacks. This method involves taking small stitches with a needle and thread for creating pleats and gathering and can be used for altering the length if needed.
This requires a bit of skill and it is important to note that it may not be suitable for all fabrics.
