Decorative glass buttons add
sparkle while securing the panels.

Over-the-Top Appeal

Two silk fabrics combine to make these panels, measuring 44 x 88 inches each. For the topper, quilted fabric folds over the rod.

• 4-1/3 yards checked silk fabric
• 5 yards drapery lining
• 3/4 yard quilted silk fabric
• Matching sewing threads
• 10 glass buttons

 

Glass buttons are easy to stitch
to the lining of your draperies.

1. Sew with right sides together, using 1/2-inch seam allowances, unless otherwise noted.

2. Cut two checked silk fabric pieces, each measuring 77-1/2 x 45 inches. Cut two corresponding lining pieces. Cut quilted fabric to make two 17 x 26-inch pieces. Cut two corresponding lining pieces.

3. For the quilted topper, pin a quilted fabric piece to corresponding lining. Sew around one short and both long sides. Turn right side out. Zigzag-stitch raw edge; topstitch along all edges.

4. Pin a checked silk piece to matching lining; sew together along sides and bottom edge. Turn right side out. Topstitch along sewn edges.

5. To make gathers along the top of checked panel, machine-baste through both layers 3/8 inch from the raw edge. Sew another basting line 1/4 inch from the first line. Pull threads of both basting lines to create gathers, pulling evenly along the fabric length until it fits the raw edge of quilted topper.

6. Lay checked panel flat with lining side up. Layer a quilted topper on top of the panel with the quilted side down, aligning raw edges. Pin and sew through all layers along raw edge; zigzag-stitch edge.

7. Fold the loose end of quilted topper to the front. Fold under end 1-1/2 inches; pin in place to cover the stitching line. Sew buttons through all thicknesses of fabric, spacing 3-1/2 inches apart. Hand-sew 2-3 inches up sides of quilted topper. Repeat steps for second panel. Hang curtains from a rod placed through the topper.

8. Even though the drapery lining adds to the cost of your project, we suggest that you line the panels. Linings block light and reduce fading -- so your curtains last longer. Linings also help regulate the temperature of a room, blocking out cool drafts in winter and warm sunlight in summer. Look for linings at fabrics stores; you can also use sheets.

If you're concerned with how the treatment will look from the back, consider lining it with an another decorator fabric. Test the fabrics together to make sure a pattern doesn't show through.