How to Measure & Sew Cascade Curtains

Measure the length of your windows from the curtain rod to the area you want the drapes to end. If you want your drapes to puddle or pool on the floor, for example, then measure from the curtain rod to the floor and then add 2 or 3 inches for pooling. Add an extra 4 to 6 inches for hemming and casing. Measure the width of your windows or across the area you want to cover. For full curtains, double the width measurement. Estimate the amount of fabric needed for one window by adding the window width to twice its length. Divide by 36 for the number of yards needed for one window.

Cut fabric with sharp scissors to the desired length determined during measuring. Press, or iron, a 1-inch hem under to the wrong side of fabric on all four sides. Pin the hem in place. Stitch along the unfinished edge with a sewing machine. Use 10 to 12 stitches per 1 inch of fabric.

Fold to the wrong side 2 to 3 inches along one edge of each piece for the casing. Stitch across the open edge, not the folded edge. Leave ends open for placing the curtain on curtain rods.

Turn up about 2 to 3 inches at the curtain bottom for the hem. Stitch the hem in place the same as you did for the casing. Do this task for both pieces of one curtain's fabric. Place the finished curtains on a curtain rod, and hang them in place.