Are the IKEA drapes similar in weight and feel to the ones you are making? If so, I would go with a proven thing, and duplicate the method.

I also have drapes with fabric loops on the back. They really do fall into nice folds that way, and you don't have to fuss with them like you would with rings. Are these drapes going to be stationary panels or will you need to open and close them? It might be easier to open and close drapes on rings.

I prefer the more formal look of rings and hooks for a living room. Tab tops always look more casual to me.

Back tabs are more difficult to open/close. If these are floor to ceiling drapes, I would use rings.

I love the look of the back tab curtains. You could use them in the living room, or on drapes with rings. Like Annie mentioned above about tab tops. I agree. I think they make a room look more casual too.
I'm making tab tops for my family room sliding glass door but I'm using a thick gimp for the tabs, not curtain material. I just hope it slides well.

Good luck!

Good point, they will need to be opened and closed every day, and the rings cause less wear and tear to the fabric. Guess I'll go with rings.

I made it even easier on myself on the drapes in the study....i used the clip rings ... the way the folds nest back, you really don't notice them. Then I made triangles of coordinating fabric with tassels on them to make them more decorative.

Very pretty!

I fell in love with back tabs the first time I saw them on JCP.com. I've made many for clients too and they are always amazed at how great they look. So I'd say go with the back tabs.

Justgot- do you use buckram when making back tabs? My drapes will be mid weight fabric, with lining.

I have back tabs in my bedroom and it has recently dawned on my that they are more difficult to open and close. Maybe if the rod was smaller it wouldn't be an issue. My dining area and exercise room have clip rings that I love. My guest room has grommets and I have no complaints with those although I don't close them as often as I do the DR and exercise room. When I actually get bedding and new curtains for the master I'll go with grommets or clip rings just to make it easier to open and close.

No I do not sonicmom. The top hem and lining (which I put up to the fold under the hem) add enough body when using midweight fabric.

I am making panels for my MBR right now, and I've only got one panel up, but I used the method linked to make a 'wave' heading. I really like it on the one panel that's up. I think it requires less fussing to get them to look nice when stacked to the sides, and it's really easy to get them to look nice when covering the window. This method requires at least 2x width, probably a minimum of 2.5x would be better.

I did use buckram (my fabric is on the heavy side and the panels are lined).

Here is a link that might be useful: wave heading instructions

I agree that tab tops are more difficult to open/close than rings. But I do love the clean look of tab tops depending on your decor.

I sewed a pair for my own living room - thought I would post the link in case anyone wants to see one method for making them.

http://mochihome.com/general/real-life-makeover-diy-hidden-tab-top-curtains/

Here is a link that might be useful: Hidden Tab Top Curtain

Love that wave heading...I hadn't seen that before and so simple (or as Matt and Sherri used to say....sew simple!)