Master the Art of Lining: A Guide on How To Sew Lined Drapes

Are you tired of plain, boring curtains in your home? Do you want to upgrade your window treatments with elegant lined drapes that add both style and function? Look no further, because in this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to sew lined drapes. Whether you are a novice or an experienced seamstress, we have tips and techniques to help you create beautiful and professional-looking lined drapes for any room in your home. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to transform your windows with this easy-to-follow tutorial on sewing lined drapes.

What Are Lined Drapes?

Lined drapes, also known as lined curtains, are a type of window treatment that consist of two layers of fabric sewn together. The front layer is typically made of a decorative or functional fabric, while the back layer is a lining fabric that serves several purposes. Lining can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blackout material.

The main purpose of lining in drapes is to provide privacy and control the amount of light that enters a room. Lining can also help insulate windows and reduce outside noise. Additionally, it can protect the front fabric from sunlight damage, making your drapes last longer.

Types of Lining Materials

As mentioned before, there are different materials that can be used for lining drapes. The most common types include cotton, polyester, and blackout material. Each has its own benefits and it’s important to consider which one will best suit your needs.

Cotton lining is a popular choice because it’s natural and breathable. It allows light to filter through while still providing privacy. However, it may not be effective in blocking out sunlight completely.

Polyester lining is more durable than cotton and usually has a higher thread count. This makes it less prone to wrinkles and shrinkage. It also offers better insulation and noise reduction compared to cotton lining.

Blackout material is the most effective at blocking out light since it’s specifically designed to do so. It’s typically made from multiple layers of tightly woven fabrics with an acrylic coating on one side. This type of lining is great for bedrooms or home theaters where you want complete darkness.

How To Sew Lined Drapes

If you’re looking to update your window treatments with lined drapes, here are some steps to guide you:

1. Measure Your Windows

The first step is to measure your windows to determine how much fabric and lining material you will need. Measure the width and length of your window, adding a few inches for seam allowance and fullness. It’s always better to have extra fabric than not enough.

2. Choose Your Fabric

Select a suitable fabric for the front layer of your drapes. Consider the style and color scheme of the room you’ll be hanging them in. You can also opt for a patterned or printed fabric to add visual interest.

3. Cut Out Your Fabric and Lining

Using your measurements, cut out the front fabric and lining fabric accordingly. Make sure they are both cut to the same dimensions.

4. Sew the Side Seams

Place the front fabric and lining right sides together and sew along both side seams, leaving the top and bottom edges unfinished for now.

5. Sew the Bottom Hem

Fold up about 1-2 inches of fabric from the bottom edge of your drape, iron it flat, then fold it over again to create a double hem. Pin in place and sew across to secure.

6. Sew Rod Pocket

Determine where you want your rod pocket to be on top of your drape (usually about 4-6 inches from the top edge) and fold down about an inch of fabric from that point. Iron it flat then fold it over again, pin, and sew across.

7 . Attach Lining To Front Fabric

With both fabrics still right sides together, attach them at the top edge by sewing across with a straight stitch. Be sure not to catch any of the rod pocket in this seam.

8 . Turn & Iron

Carefully turn your drape right side out through one of the side seams. Use an iron to press the seams and make sure everything is smooth and neat.

9 . Sew the Top Hem

Now that your drape has been turned the right way, fold in the top unfinished edge and sew across to create a finished top hem.

10 . Hang Your Drapes

Finally, insert your curtain rod through the rod pocket and hang up your beautiful new lined drapes!

Tips & Tricks

-Pre-wash your fabric and lining material before sewing to prevent shrinking later on.
-Always use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors for precise cuts.
-To ensure even and secure stitches, use a walking foot on your sewing machine.
-When attaching the lining to the front fabric, leave a small opening at the bottom of one side seam so you can turn the drape right side out later.
-If using blackout material for lining, consider doubling it up for maximum light-blocking effect.
-Carefully trim off any excess threads or fabric after sewing each step to keep your work clean and professional-looking.

Conclusion

Sewing lined drapes may seem like a daunting task but with the right materials and some basic sewing skills, it can be done easily. Remember to take accurate

Sewing lined drapes is an essential skill for any experienced seamstress or DIY enthusiast. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of practice and patience, you can easily create beautiful and functional drapes that will elevate the look of any room. In this guide, we will break down the steps to sewing lined drapes, from selecting the right fabric to adding decorative details. Whether you are making drapes for your home or as a gift, follow these tips and tricks to create professional-looking results.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The first step to sewing lined drapes is selecting the right fabric. When choosing fabrics, it is important to consider both aesthetic and functional factors. For instance, you may want a lightweight and flowy fabric for a formal living room drape or a heavy-duty fabric for a bedroom drape that offers privacy and blocks sunlight.

There are endless options when it comes to fabrics for lined drapes. Some popular choices include silk, velvet, linen, cotton, and polyester. Make sure to choose fabrics that are easy to work with and can withstand frequent washing. You should also consider the color and pattern of your chosen fabric as it will have a significant impact on the overall look of your drapes.

Measuring and Cutting Fabric

Once you have selected your fabric, it is time to measure and cut it according to your desired drape size. Measure both the width and length of your window, adding an extra two inches on all sides for seam allowances. If you are making floor-length drapes, make sure to add some extra length as well.

To achieve straight edges while cutting your fabric, use a rotary cutter or sharp scissors along with a self-healing mat. This will help prevent fraying and ensure accurate cuts.

Create Lining Panels

Next, you will need to cut your lining fabric according to the measurements of your main fabric panels. Lining fabric should be slightly smaller than your main fabric panels, so they don’t show through the drapes. Depending on the type of lining fabric you are using, you may also need to prewash it before cutting to prevent shrinking in the future.

Adding Details

Now that you have your main and lining fabric panels ready, it is time to add any decorative details if desired. This could include adding a contrasting border, trim, or stitching details. Make sure to attach these details before sewing the main and lining panels together.

Sewing Panels Together

The next step is sewing the main and lining panels together. Place the right sides of both fabrics together and sew along the edges using a 5/8-inch seam allowance. Leave an opening along one long edge of the panel for turning later.

Once you have sewn all panels together, trim any excess fabric along the seams and corners to reduce bulkiness when turning.

Turning and Pressing

Before turning your drape, make small cuts along rounded edges without cutting through the stitches. This will help your drape lay flat when turned inside out. Once turned, press along all edges with an iron to create crisp lines and smooth out any wrinkles.

Finishing Touches

To complete your lined drapes, sew closed the opening left for turning by hand or with a topstitch on your sewing machine. You can also add curtain rings or clips at this stage for easy hanging on a rod.

Finally, take a step back and admire your beautiful new lined drapes! With practice, you can experiment with different fabrics, styles, patterns, and weights to create perfect drapes for every room in your home.

Caring for Lined Drapes

To ensure your lined drapes stay in top condition, make sure to follow the care instructions for your chosen fabrics. Some may require hand washing while others can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. You may also want to consider investing in a clothes steamer to remove wrinkles and refresh your drapes without damaging the fabric.

Learning how to sew lined drapes is a valuable skill that can add both beauty and functionality to your home. By choosing the right fabrics, measuring and cutting accurately, adding decorative details, sewing panels together, and finishing with care, you can create professional-looking drapes that will elevate any room. With time and practice, you can perfect your craft and confidently take on more challenging drape projects. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating perfectly lined drapes for your home.

1. What materials do I need to sew lined drapes?
– To sew lined drapes, you will need fabric for the drapes (preferably a heavier weight such as velvet, canvas, or linen), lining fabric, sewing machine, thread, fabric scissors, measuring tape, pins, iron and ironing board.

2. What type of lining fabric should I use for my drapes?
– For lined drapes, it is recommended to use a lightweight lining fabric such as cotton or polyester. You can also opt for blackout lining if you want to block out light and noise in your room.

3. Do I need any special sewing techniques to make lined drapes?
– Sewing lined drapes does not require any special techniques, but basic sewing skills are necessary. You should know how to take accurate measurements, sew straight lines and properly press your seams for a polished finished look.

4. Can I make adjustments to the length or width of my finished lined drapes?
– Yes, you can make adjustments to the length or width of your lined drapes by following the same steps used during the initial construction process. Just be sure to take accurate measurements and sew carefully to ensure the new size fits properly.

5. How can I attach the lining fabric to my drape fabric?
– There are two ways you can attach the lining fabric to your drape fabric: sewing them right sides together and flipping them inside out or using a French seam technique. Both methods will create a clean finish without any visible raw edges.

6. Is there any special care needed for lined drapes?
– Lined drapes should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned when necessary. If needed, you can also gently hand wash them with mild soap and air dry them on a flat surface before ironing on a low setting. This will help protect the lining and preserve the shape and look of your drapes.

In summary, creating lined drapes through sewing is a skill that requires practice and patience. By following the right steps and utilizing necessary tools and materials, anyone can achieve professional-looking lined drapes for their home. It is important to properly measure, cut, and sew the fabric to ensure a precise fit and smooth finish. Additionally, paying attention to details such as hemming, pressing, and adding pleats or embellishments can elevate the overall look of the drapes. Overall, sewing lined drapes is a satisfying DIY project that allows for personalization and cost-saving while adding a touch of elegance to any room. With the right knowledge and techniques, anyone can learn how to sew lined drapes and create beautiful window treatments that will enhance their living space for years to come.

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.