I have 3 large windows, about 6 ft long, 3 1/2- 4 ft wide. How many yards of fabric to cover them?

Question

I sleep during the day, so I am looking to drape some heavy fabric over my windows to block the sunlight. They are about 6 ft long, 3 1/2 ft wide. I do know the conversions from yards to feet, but I don't know anything about fabric, how it is cut, ect. How many yards will I need for the three windows? Also, does anyone have a suggestion as to what kind of fabric I could get that would be good at blocking sunlight? Thanks!

Answer 1

You do not need to get custom made curtains for this . Many stores sell ready made liners or drapes with liners that block out the light.
JC Penny has a great selection of this type of ready made curtain. They also have a section in their stores, on line and in their catalog where you can get made to order (custom curtains). They will take you step by step on how to order on line with some fabric choices. if you want different fabric your best bet is to go to a local store and go to the window department.
Penny's prices are very reasonable and the quality is great.

Their catalog has a "blackout liner' that you can use behind your existing curtains or drapes.It comes in various sizes. There are other options on the Penny's website such as thermal curtains that have the liners built in. Check out this site

http://www4.jcpenney.com

Click on the "window" tab then on the side list click on "drapes'

or you can go to the "made to order" department on the site.

Answer 2

Okay. First of all, if you are talking about making curtains,and want two panels for each window, then if it is your average 44-45 inch wide fabric, then you would need 15 yards of fabric, two and a half for each panel, to allow for cutting top and bottom even and for hemming. When they are closed they will gather nicely and the inside edges will overlap or close tight to prevent light from entering. You can get some Drapery heavy weight fabric in this width, but go with a dark plain or dark with print. Test by holding the fabric up to the ceiling lights in the store and see how much light shines through. If most of the light is cut off, but not quite enough to suit you, then you can always get the same amount of fabric in a dark cotton to use as lining. But to save time ,labor and money, you can buy Drapery weight lined fabric or Upholstery weight fabric, in a 58-60 inch width and would only need 7 1/2 yards , cut it into 3, 2 1/2 yard lengths. Then take each piece and measure 78 1/2 inches (72 for the length,plus 6 1/2 for a 3inch hem at each end)and cut. Cut each of those lengths right down the middle of the width ,and you have your two panels per window, of course you would hem the inside (cut edge) and the outside, (salvage edge ) of the fabric. Sew a 3 inch hem at each end, put pressing cloth or piece of cotton cloth over fabric and press hems flat to give a nice sharp edge. On the top end of each panel ,sew across one inch below the top. This gives you the lower tube of 1 1/2 inches to slide your curtain rod through,and an inch of fabric above the rod to make a nice gathered look when opened. You should have enough fabric left from each piece of fabric to make tiebacks, which is a simple tube made by hemming each end, then put right sides together ,stitch across 1/4 inch from cut edges, turn inside out, press flat with the seam in the center of the back side and then stitch across top and bottom ,1/4 inch from pressed edges to give a nice tailored look and keep tieback flat. Enjoy!

Answer 3

A drape of at least 1 1/2 is used for draperies. A more generous 2 inch drape can be used, it would also be better at blocking the light. There are books on this, check them out at Barnes & Noble (free read at the coffee shop) It is a matter of calculating width of fabric and hem allowance. I think an upholstery weight cotton would be nice.

Answer 4

Talk to a professional..my brain's worn out today!