How To Measure Curtain Fabric

Accurate curtain fabric measurement is key to creating beautiful, custom window treatments. Whether you’re buying fabric for the first time or planning a DIY project, this guide will help you calculate the right amount of fabric to ensure your curtains have the perfect fullness and length.

What You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Calculator or phone for calculations
• Notepad to record measurements

Step 1: Measure the Window Width

1. Measure the width of your window or curtain rod.
2. Multiply this by the fullness factor (usually between 1.5 to 2.5) depending on how gathered you want your curtains.

Step 2: Determine Fabric Width

• Check the width of the fabric roll you plan to buy (standard widths are 110 cm or 140 cm).
• Decide how many widths you’ll need to cover your window fully.

Step 3: Measure the Length of the Curtains

1. Measure from the curtain rod (or top of the fabric if making tab-top or pencil pleat curtains) to the desired curtain length.
2. Add extra fabric (usually 20–30 cm) for hems and headings.

Step 4: Calculate Fabric Needed

• Multiply the number of widths by the length per panel to get the total fabric length.
• Add a small allowance for shrinkage and mistakes.

Tips for Fabric Measurement

• Always purchase a bit more fabric than your calculation to avoid shortages.
• If using patterned fabric, consider extra for pattern matching.