Double-Duty Drapes

Two pairs of unlined draperies in coordinating fabrics join forces in a richly patterned window treatment that shows its stuff when buttoned back.

See instructions and tips below.

• 2 pairs of unlined drapery panels in coordinating patterns
• Contrasting fabric for the band
• 2 buttons

 

Open these curtains and show off
their beautiful other side.

1. If the panels are not the same size, trim them to match. With wrong sides facing, baste the panels together in pairs along the outer edges.

2. Cut 5-inch-wide binding strips for the sides and bottom of each panel, piecing as necessary.

3. Cut 5-inch-wide strips to form the panel casings. Add 1 inch hem allowances to the side of each casing.

4. Fold the binding in half, right sides out. Open out the binding and press under 1/2 inch on one long edge. Sew the remaining edge to the front of the panel, right sides facing. Miter the corners. Turn the binding to the back, encasing the raw edges. Turn under the raw edges at the top. Slip-stitch the mitered corners closed.

5. Hem the short ends of each top casing. Sew the casing strips to the top of each panel in the same manner as the binding strips, leaving the ends open to insert the curtain rods.

6. Hang the curtains. Sew a button to the outside edge at the same height as the windowsill. Take down the curtain and make a buttonhole directly opposite the button. Rehang the curtain. To open the curtain, button the inner edge to the outer edge.