Hey everyone. Today we're sewing a pair of velvet curtains that make a plain window feel finished.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is the "Darling" Velvet Fabric from Belagio Enterprises.
It is part of the Darling Collection.
And y'all, this one is all about the hand.
It has an exceptionally soft, short-nap pile.
That pile feels smooth and buttery to the touch.
It also carries a subtle, sophisticated sheen.
Just enough luster to catch the light.
Not too shiny, not too flat.
The description calls that a "matte-plus" finish.
It is less reflective than a high-shine velvet.
But it still shows the depth of the color.
Really really pretty, folks.
It is made from 100 percent polyester.
That gives it strong resistance to crushing and marking.
It also resists wear better than natural fiber velvets.
It is rated for heavy-duty upholstery.
So this is no delicate, fuss-over-it fabric.
It is a mid-to-heavyweight textile.
That weight is exactly what a curtain wants.
It comes 56 inches wide.
One width makes one generous panel.
No piecing, no center seam in your panel.
Its dense, uniform pile is easy to work with.
It sews well by machine and by hand.
That is good news for long curtain seams.
The project: a pair of curtains
We are making two rod-pocket panels.
Each panel finishes about 52 inches wide.
Each panel finishes about 84 inches long.
That fits a standard window nicely.
Hang them on one rod, side by side.
Why does this fabric suit curtains?
First, that substantial weight gives a structured drape.
These panels hang straight and stay put.
Second, velvet softens a room like nothing else.
The light moves across that short nap.
Third, the durability earns its keep here.
Curtains get opened, closed, and handled daily.
This fabric is built for frequent use.
Super duper elegant, and practical too.
Materials
- 5 1/4 yards of "Darling" Velvet Fabric, for two panels
- All-purpose thread to match your fabric
- A size 90/14 needle, for the heavier layers
- A walking foot, if you have one
- Clips, a long ruler, and a marking tool
- A curtain rod and mounting hardware
- A press cloth and your iron
- Optional: drapery weights for the bottom corners
Brief steps
First, decide your finished length.
Ours is 84 inches, rod to hem.
Measure your own window before you cut.
Completely up to you how low they hang.
Next, cut two panels.
Cut each one the full 56-inch width.
Cut each one 92 inches long.
Keep the nap running the same direction.
Mark the top of each panel with a clip.
Velvet cut two ways looks like two colors.
Now hem the sides.
Fold each side edge under 1 inch, twice.
Stitch close to the fold, slowly.
Slow down along those long edges, folks.
Velvet layers like to creep under the foot.
A walking foot really helps here.
Next, form the rod pocket at the top.
Fold the top edge down 4 inches.
Stitch across, 3 inches down from the fold.
That leaves a 1-inch header above the pocket.
It gives you a pretty little ruffle on top.
Then hem the bottom.
Fold the bottom edge up 2 inches, twice.
Try hanging the panel before that final stitch.
Check the length against your floor or sill.
Then stitch the hem in place.
Just like that, one panel is done.
Repeat everything for panel number two.
Slide both panels onto your rod.
Arrange the folds evenly with your hands.
Then step back and enjoy that drape.
Practical tips
Test your stitch on a scrap first.
I like a stitch length of about 3.0 millimeters.
Check your tension on that scrap, too.
Press from the wrong side only.
Use a press cloth and a light touch.
Never park a hot iron on that pile.
You can flatten the nap if you do.
Use clips instead of pins where you can.
Clips hold without leaving marks in the velvet.
I once cut one panel with the nap reversed.
It looked like a totally different fabric.
We laughed, flipped it, and cut again.
Nobody ever knew but us.
That is your permission beat, folks.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
Take your time.
It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
We are just giving one beautiful velvet a window to dress.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the "Darling" Velvet Fabric at Linda's Electric Quilters.
