Tab top curtains

Posted by on May 24, 2007, 3:16 pm

I'm going to make tab top curtains for the first time. I need
suggestion on the length of the tab (please specify if this length is
after you fold the tab into half or before) and spacing between tabs.
The curtains are lined with block out fabric and are 7ft tall. So they
are quite bulky. The curtain and tab are the same design but
contrasting color.

Given these details how long should the tab be and how far apart. I'm
going to make the tabs tomorrow so I hope I'll get some suggestions.

Thanks.

Posted by Doreen on May 24, 2007, 4:42 pm

janesire@gmail.com wrote:
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Hi,

Length of the tabs depends on two things: thickness of the rod from
which they will hang, and how much space you'd like between the rod and
the top of the curtains. Quite a few variations are illustrated on this
page:
http://www.countrycurtains.com/sdx/H24692.jsp

The directions on this page:
http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/curtains/tab-curtains.htm
say to cut your tab strips 12 inches long. The illustration makes it
appear that the rod is hung quite some distance from the top of the
window, and the actual curtain begins not much about the window frame.
My preference would be for shorter tabs (less 'empty' space), but that's
something you need to decide according to what you like.

I would attach the tabs fairly close together, 4 or so apart maybe,
since your curtain panels are tall and bulky. I'd also interface the
top hem so that the folds would be less likely to droop between tabs.
However, I've never made full-length tab curtains so I hope someone with
more experience will offer advice.

Good luck!

Doreen in Alabama

Posted by Sarah Dale on May 24, 2007, 5:50 pm

janesire@gmail.com wrote:
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I'd say the tabs should be the size that (a) at LEAST fits your curtain
pole - remember to leave some slack - in terms of length and looks good,
(b) looks good in terms of width - I'd suggest 3 - 4 inches wide
(finished). Whatever you think looks best is good, as long as the
curtain pole fits them.

Now, if you are using block out fabric to block light into the room,
then, I'd suggest you go with a plain top finish - tabs will let *lots*
of light in........ If you're using it for some other reason - then
please ignore my comment.

HTH

Sarah (with TWO black out blinds PLUS black out curtains in DD's room in
an effort to cut out all light... and it still isn't perfect!)

Posted by Kate XXXXXX on May 24, 2007, 6:56 pm

janesire@gmail.com wrote:
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The length of the tab will depend entirely on how thick your pole is...
I's say try the circumference of the pole plus 2" plus seam allwances
for cutting length... And of it's thick heavy fabric, you may want to
use some canvas to strengthen them, and make them a bit longer...
Distance apart will be what looks good to you: there are no hard and
fast rules on this one!

--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

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