Sewing Custom Curtains & Draperies
Susan Woodcock
Class Preview
0:58
- In-depth Instruction; over 208 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Measuring & Choosing Fabric
18:37
Meet your instructor, custom drapery expert Susan Woodcock, and get a sneak peek at the gorgeous curtains you'll make over the course of this class. You'll get straight to work as you weigh the pros and cons of different fabric types and gain insight into Susan's efficient and easy methods for measuring fabric.
Designing Curtains
21:18
Learn a variety of approaches for creating draperies as you learn about fullness and how to match complex or simple patterns in your fabric. Susan shares tips for determining the direction of your fabric and how to align repeated sections, in addition to sharing easy math equations that will help you determine the exact fullness you need. You'll finish the lesson equipped to create a pair of matching, symmetrical draperies.
Making a Basic Panel
35:49
Sew alongside Susan as you begin work on your first basic panel. Start by cutting the fabric with neat, crisp lines before measuring your hems and employing professional hand-sewing methods to secure the sides and hems. Next, you'll learn the best ways to add lining to the panel for curtains that hang beautifully, block light and insulate your home.
Grommet Curtains
35:25
Turn your finished panels into a chic, modern, grommet-style curtain set. Susan shares some of her favorite tricks of the trade as she demonstrates measuring the proper yardage for each window, and helps you evenly space your grommets. Next, you'll cut out holes and fit the grommets before installing the curtain.
Gathered Curtain
27:44
Try your hand at a casual gathered curtain, with consideration to the extra fullness that's needed for gathered fabric. Susan shows you how to use a shirring tape that provides an easy and consistent way to gather your fabric. Next, she demonstrates how to easily add drapery pins and hang your gorgeous curtain from a rod, wrapping the ends around the window frame for a sophisticated finish.
Pleated Curtains
36:09
Tackle a third treatment with beautiful pleats. Susan shows you how to work with multiple widths of fabrics and add interlining. Next, you'll determine the placement and width of your pleats and spaces, drafting smaller or larger folds based on your preference and the size of your window.
Creating Pleats
32:49
Translate your pleated curtains from the page to your fabric as you apply the equations you learned in Lesson 6. Susan shows you how to measure, pin and sew your pleats with care, offering valuable troubleshooting tips along the way. You'll learn a wide variety of styles, including French, Goblet, Euro, Butterfly and Cartridge pleats, and learn to install on both traverse and decorative rods. You'll finish the class brimming with ideas for any window project in your home.
Create one-of-a-kind curtains with guidance from professional drapery expert Susan Woodcock! Find out how to select the right fabric for any project and get tips for quickly and easily measuring your window. Then, design your curtains, learn proper proportions and determine the direction of your fabric for perfectly aligned repeating motifs. Discover the secrets to panels that hang beautifully, block light and even insulate your home. Create stylish grommet curtains with evenly spaced rings. Sew a gorgeous gathered curtain and explore tools and techniques for gathering your fabric easily and consistently. Plus, stitch up a variety of pleated curtains, including French, Euro, Goblet and more. You’ll also learn to work with multiple fabric widths, add interlining and uncover the best way to hide seams in pleats!
Susan Woodcock
Susan Woodcock has owned her own custom drapery workroom for more than 25 years, offering sewing services, custom window treatments and interior design expertise. She's the author of the comprehensive how-to book "Singer Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades and Top Treatments," and shares her passion through Home Dec Gal, a home decorating website. Together with her husband, Rodger Walker, Susan also co-produces the Custom Workroom Conference, an educational event and trade show. Her latest venture is the Custom Workroom Technical Center, a hands-on training facility for custom window treatment and soft furnishings, in Tryon, North Carolina.
Bonus materials available after purchase