How to join fabric panels together

You may find it necessary to join fabric panels together for a very wide window, or perhaps use an additional half width to get the correct fullness for your curtains. If using a half width, place this on the outside edge of the curtain.The seam will be less noticeable here. Always remember to pattern match if your fabric has a distinct print.

If you intend to line the curtains, then a straightforward flat seam made with right sides of the fabric together will work fine when joining panels. Simply stitch a seam about 1cm from the raw edge. Press open the seam. The raw edges of the seam allowance will then be hidden when you line the curtain.

However, if you are making unlined curtains, you need to finish your seams neatly with no raws edges showing on the wrong side of the fabric.The easiest and neatest way to do this is to create what we call a French seam. This will give you a neat, professional finish and strong seams.

The French Seam

The best seam to use when joining fabric panels together - especially if your curtains will be unlined - is using a french seam. It gives a wonderfully neat finish, all raw edges are hidden, it is easy to do, and no stitching is visible.