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Banded Blackout Curtains

7/17/2016

2 Comments

 
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​I have learned that babies like to sleep in dark rooms – no, not just dark, pitch black, without even a sliver of light. For a while we had a sheet up over the window, (functional yes, stylish no) but I really like natural light when baby is not sleeping (I guess not so functional after all). Thus, the blackout curtain was a must.
 
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
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​Made from some reused material and organic eco twill

Materials
  • Fabric for front (medium to heavy weight) – 2 or 3 coordinating colours
  • Blackout Fabric (heavy weight) – the darker the better
  • Thread
  • Curtain rod
 
How to Guide
 
Measure up
  • Width and Length: take measurements of your window from the outer edge of the frame.
  • Adjusted Width: using your window width, multiply by 1.5. Then, divide by 2 (for 2 panels).
  • Adjusted Front Length: using your window length, add 16 inches (this will result in about 2 inches above and 6 inches below window frame - not floor length).
  • Adjusted Back Length: using your window length, add 8 inches.
  • Top Band Length: using your Adjusted Front Length, multiply by 0.6 (or 60%).
  • Mid Band Length: using your Adjusted Front Length, multiply by 0.2 (or 20%).
  • Bottom Band Length: using your Adjusted Front Length, multiply by 0.2 (or 20%).
 
Example sizing:
Based on window size: 50” wide by 42” length. 
  • Top Band: 37.5” wide by 35” length.
  • Mid Band: 37.5” wide by 12” length.
  • Bottom Band: 37.5” wide by 12” length.
  • Backing: 37.5” wide by 50” length.
 
Cut it out
  • Measure and cut out 2 top panels, Adjusted Width by Top Band Height.
  • Measure and cut out 2 mid panels, Adjusted Width by Mid Band Height.
  • Measure and cut out 2 bottom panels, Adjusted Width by Mid Band Height.
  • Measure and cut out 2 back panels, Adjusted Width by Adjusted Back Height.
 
Press!
  • Press all panels so that they are smooth and wrinkle free.
 
First Band
  • Lay your top band out on a hard smooth surface right side up.
  • Lay your mid band face down on your top band, lining up the widths edge and pin in place.
  • Sew together along the width edge.
  • Repeat for second panel. 
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Press!
  • Press out the seams so that they lay flat.
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Second Band
  • Lay your piece out again on a hard smooth surface right side up.
  • Lay your bottom band face down on your mid band, lining up the widths edge and pin in place.
  • Sew together along the width edge.
  • Repeat for second panel. 
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Press!
  • Press out the seams so that they lay flat.
  • Press full piece.
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Back it up
  • Lay your piece out on a hard smooth surface right side down.
  • Place your blackout piece 1.5” from the bottom and line up the side edges.
  • Smooth out any wrinkles. 
  • Pin in place.
  • Baste together along the length edge.
  • Repeat for second panel. 
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Bottom Hem
  • Lay your piece out on an ironing board, blackout fabric side up.
  • At the bottom edge where the front fabric hangs below blackout fabric, fold the front fabric over so that the salvage edge of the blackout sits in the crease.
  • Press!
  • Fold under the salvage edge of the front fabric so that you have a 1” hem.
  • Pin and press.
  • Sew hem closed.
  • Repeat for second panel.
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Side Hems
  • Lay your piece out on an ironing board, blackout fabric side up.
  • Starting with one side edge, fold the front fabric over 1.5”
  • Press!
  • Fold under the salvage edge of the front fabric so that you have a 1” hem.
  • Pin and press.
  • Sew hem closed.
  • Repeat for second side.
  • Repeat for second panel.
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Double check!
  • Measure the lengths and widths of you panels to make sure they are even.
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Top Hem
  • Lay your piece out on an ironing board, blackout fabric side up.
  • At the top edge where the front fabric hangs above blackout fabric, fold the front fabric over so that it overlaps the salvage edge of the blackout by about 1”.
  • Press!
  • Fold under the salvage edge of the front fabric so that you have a 2.5” hem.
  • Pin and press.
  • Sew hem closed.
  • Repeat for second panel.

*Tip - Measure the completed panel's length and use this as a guide when completing the top hem of your second so that they are finished at the same length. 
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Prep for hanging
  • Press panels so that they are smooth and wrinkle free.
  • Feed the curtain rod through the top opening. 
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​Hang it up!
2 Comments
Lillian link
4/7/2017 05:38:53 pm

I am happy to read your article.
Thanks for share the article.
I look forward to your next post.

Reply
Houston Caulking link
8/27/2022 04:47:33 pm

Thankss for this

Reply



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