Short on fabric length for drapery panels. Best solution?

19 years ago

I miscalculated the length I need for my drapery panels. I figured a 90" cut length, but I would really like a finished length of at least 85". 86" would be ideal, but I don't think it's possible to pull that off at this point. The windows are at my vacation home and I didn't measure before I ordered the fabric; stupid, I know. I'm already beating myself up over that. The windows are standard height, but there is wood trim over the top which I would like the rods to clear that I didn't take into account.

I am making grommet panels using the grommet tape linked below. They only recommend a double 1/2 inch hem for the top because I am using the tape and because the thickness needs to be minimized for the grommets to work properly. The tape is supposed to give it the body it needs. I know I should have a double 3 inch hem for the bottom, so I really need a minimum 92" cut length.

I have already cut most of the panels 90" long. I am wondering what the best solution is? Can I sew an additional 2" piece along the bottom of the panels that would be concealed in the hem or should I just have a double 2 inch hem?

I am already regretting that I took this project on, but I can't throw in the towel because of the money invested.

Here is a link that might be useful: grommet tape

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Comments (7)

cowgirlprincess
19 years ago
i'd go with the smaller hem. there are worse errors to make and I have made them (grin)
kybell
19 years ago
I would use a coordinating fabric for the hem. That should get them to about the right length. You might also use a piece of coordinating fabric at the header, making it as wide as needed for it to look "planned" and not an after thought.
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Rene54
19 years ago
There are several types of interfacings, if you did a interfacing in your header, maybe one of the iron on type, I would first sew the interfacing and fabric together then adjust to the width needed to apply the grommets would that give you the extra fabric you need, plus the stability for the grommet hole? Rene
valleykat
Original Author
19 years ago
I'm sorry Rene, but I don't really follow what you are saying. I will only have a double 1/2 inch hem at the top per the instructions that came with the grommet tape. There is no interfacing. The tape gives it the stability for the grommets. Check out the link above. It's pretty cool stuff.

I am still trying to decide between just having a shorter hem or having an accent panel at the top or bottom or both. I am leaning toward the latter because I would have plenty of my main fabric to go around and I could achieve the length I really want, 86".

Thanks for your replies.
stitchntime9
19 years ago
Is there any law that says you can't have a 2" hem on the bottom and use a light interfacing in the hem or add a 2" band at the bottom. Unless you are using a sheer fabric, I don't think you would really need a double 4" hem.

Another option would to do a contrasting valance or order more fabric and use that for the valances. If this is a vacation home in a gated community, you might want to check what their rules are about window treatments and solid white showing to the street (condo associations will have rules like that, know mine does).

Are you going to line these panels which would give extra drape to the whole look.
valleykat
Original Author
19 years ago
Yes, I do plan on lining these. I went to the fabric store today and found a coordinating fabric that I really like. I am going to use it on the bottom with a piece of trim between the two fabrics. I played with alot of different options, but once I came across this one; there was nothing more to think about. I think I will like it better than the original plan. So, I'm out a little more money, but since I am saving such a bundle sewing them myself, I can live with that. This is my third thread since I started planning these. I'll no doubt be back again as my work progresses. Thanks for all the help.
stitchntime9
19 years ago
Isn't it wonderful when you can use your creativity to get a result you really like?