Summer breezes are the perfect foil for sheers. Ours are made with Wrights^® Goblet Magic Curtain Tape, which makes them formal and decorative at the top. No need for any trims, valances or cornices. The curtain alone is all you need, and with the goblets for pleats, you can be sure all eyes will go directly up.

Sew the tape further down and the "bowl" gets larger. Stuff them with tissue paper or cotton and they will stand out even more.

(Click on image for larger view)

Measuring
Accurate measurements are essential for a professional look. You will need to measure the exact area that the window treatment will cover. This could be floor to ceiling, wall to wall; or from just above the window frame to just below the sill with the width just outside the window frame. These are personal decisions determined by the look you want to achieve with your window treatment. Decide on where you want the top of the curtain to be and measure down to the desired length of the finished curtain. Most window treatments will look best with at least a double 3" bottom hem, and a double 4" header at the top. To determine the cutting length of each panel add 6" for the bottom hem and 8" for the header to the desired finished length of your curtain (see illustration 1).
For example:
Window length is (40") + double 3" hem (6") + double 4" hem (8") = 54" Length of Panel.
Curtain fullness is determined by your tape. Different Wrights^® Magic Curtain Tapes produce custom fullnesses. Each tape is designed to give a specific fullness when the cords are drawn. The Wrights Magic Goblet Tape has a fullness of 2 1/2 to 1. To determine the width of fabric for the panel, take the finished window width (including the rod returns and/or overlaps) and multiply by the fullness of the tape, then add 4" for a double 1" hem on either side of the panel.
For example:
Window treatment width is 36"
Curtain tape is 2 1/2 to 1 fullness
36" X 2.5 = 90" + 4" (for side hems) = 94" needed for width of fabric for single panel treatment such as a valance or a one way draw curtain.

For center draw curtains, the same procedure would apply, but a total of 8" would be added for the side hems (double 1" hem each side of both panels). The fabric width measurement that you have determined will be the measurement you will use for purchasing the curtain tape that you will need. Always buy a little extra, so that you can lay out your pleats symmetrically, i.e. pleats begin and end at edge of panels. Unless absolutely unavoidable, you do not want to have half a pleat at the opening edge of your curtain, for instance.

Assembly of curtains made with Wrights^® Magic Curtain Tapes

1. Cut and piece fabric to achieve the measurements that you have worked out. Remember to trim off fabric selvages.
2. Press to WRONG side 1", then over 1" again on the LENGTH of each side of panel to form 1" double side hem. Stitch.
3. Press to WRONG side 4", then over 4" again on TOP of curtain to form a 4" double header and pin in place.
4. Place Wrights^® Magic Curtain Tape, with the pastel marking line VISIBLE ON THE FACE, AND AT THE TOP EDGE OF THE TAPE, on your header. Fold under raw edge on starting end and secure draw cords with knots to prevent cords from being pulled out when you are forming the pleats.
5. Pin end even with the side hem on the WRONG side of the curtain and down from the top of the header the desired distance (see illustration 2).
6. On the other side edge, fold under about 1" of the Curtain Tape and stitch down, to prevent fraying, being careful not to catch the draw cords in your stitching.
7. Pin Curtain Tape in place along the length of the header to keep it from shifting when you sew.
8. Stitch the Curtain Tape to the header along the top of tape being careful not to catch the draw cords in your stitching. Stitch again along the bottom edge, always stitching in the same direction. You may want to add additional stitching lines in the body of the tape. This will depend on the design of the tape, the weight of your fabric, and the look you are trying to achieve (see illustration 3).
9. To achieve the best results when drawing the cords, use a "third hand" or someone's assistance to keep the fabric taut while you draw the cords. Hold the cords in one hand, while you move the fabric along the cords. DO NOT FORCE the pleats. The Curtain Tape forms the pleat (see illustration 4). When the cords that sit on the surface of the Tape disappear into the pleat without puckering, you have successfully attained the perfect pleat. Knot the cords securely, close to the last pleat, and either cut off the excess cord or wrap it, so that you can release the knots later for ease in laundering.
10. Insert your hooks into the tapes and hang your curtains.
11. Always pin the hem of your curtains after they are hung to ensure that the hem will be even and the length will be perfect. Remember that you have allowed for a double 3" hem (an extra 6")
12. Remove curtains from rods, stitch hem and rehang.

Fill the "bowl" (upper part of the pleat) with tissue paper or fibre fill to assure it will look as interesting as it should!