Wandle Wilde fabric made into curtains by Country Furnishings and photographed by Chris Snook for a private client.

How to measure for curtains? Whether you are making curtains yourself or have found a curtain-maker; every project begins with some basic measurements. These are vital to ensure that you order enough fabric for your project. 

MAKING MEASUREMENTS

1. Ideally you would install the curtain pole first. Your curtain maker needs to know the width and length of the area that the curtains will cover and the pole decides this.
   
   
2. The first measurement is the overall width. This is the width of your curtain pole, excluding finials. A pole should always be wider than the window so that open curtains lie against the wall either side of the window and don't block the light coming in, or the view looking out. 
   
   
3. The next measurement you need is the length. This is the distance from the pole or track, down to the floor, or windowsill - wherever you want the curtain to finish.
   
   Once your maker has these two measurements they will calculate the total fabric required, alowing them to make seams, pleats, headers, frills and so forth. You don't need to worry about that! But you will need to make some style decisions to help them make their calculations.
   
   The style of curtain decides the quantity of fabric, so it is important. 
   

CHOOSING A CURTAIN STYLE

There are all kinds of styles for curtains and blinds but for this guide I'll explain the most classic British styles.

1. Firstly choose a style of gathering, a simple browse of images will show you the visual difference between 'pencil pleat' and 'pinch pleat' - the two most classic styles. Pencil pleat gives a continuous gather, whereas pinch pleat has additional, double or triple pleats at regular intervals.
   
   
2. Next choose the style for the top of the curtain. For a cottage curtain, you might like a 'flop over' or frill top - or stick to simplicity and go without.
   
   
3. Your curtain maker will need to know if you have chosen a track or a pole and the size of the curtain rings.
4. Last but not at all least, your maker will ask what fabric you have chosen. This is because the pattern scale can alter the amount of fabric they'll need to match up the repeat.

Once you and your maker have decided all this information, you are ready to order fabric (and any linings and trims). Then the process of making your new curtains can begin! 

As you may be thinking, there are quite a few considerations and that is why working with an interior designer, or professional curtain maker in person can make things easier. They may also offer to visit your home and help you to make measurements and choices if you are are unsure. 

FIND A MAKER

If you are wondering where to find help, you may find our made to measure curtains page useful.