Do I Need to Allow Extra Width for Curtain Fullness?
This is another question I regularly get asked by customers ordering made-to-measure curtains online.
The simple answer is no.
If the curtain maker asks you to enter your curtain track width, enter the actual width of your track. You don’t need to add anything for the gathers, pleats or fullness of your finished curtains.
A quick note: We don’t sell curtains ourselves, but customers buying our made-to-measure tracks often ask me these questions when ordering their curtains online.
What Does Curtain Fullness Mean?
Your finished curtains need more fabric than the width of the curtain track they’re going to cover.
That additional fabric creates the gathers or pleats you see when the curtains are hanging at the window.
For example, a pair of pencil pleat curtains needs enough additional fabric to create the gathered appearance. Pinch pleat curtains also need additional fabric, which is used to form the individual pleats.
This additional fabric is generally referred to as curtain fullness.
Do I Need to Calculate the Fullness Myself?
No. If the curtain maker’s order form asks for your track width, that’s the measurement you should give them.
The curtain maker then uses that measurement to calculate how much fabric is needed for the curtain heading you’ve chosen.
So if your curtain track measures 300cm, don’t double it and enter 600cm because you think the curtains need twice as much fabric.
Enter 300cm.
The curtain maker makes the fullness allowance when calculating and making your curtains.
Different Curtain Headings Need Different Amounts of Fabric
The amount of fullness used isn’t necessarily the same for every curtain heading.
Pencil pleat, pinch pleat and other heading styles are made differently, so the curtain maker will normally have a set fullness allowance for each style they offer.
That’s another reason not to try to calculate the finished curtain width yourself. Choose the heading you want, give the curtain maker the track measurement they’re asking for, and let them calculate the fabric required.
It’s Worth Asking How Much Fullness They Use
If you’ve looked through the different heading styles on a curtain maker’s website and found one you like, there’s nothing wrong with asking how much fullness they normally use for that heading.
This can be particularly useful if the website doesn’t explain it.
As a very rough rule of thumb, I like to see around twice the track width or more being used in the fabric for conventionally gathered or pleated curtains.
If I was told considerably less than twice the track width was being used, I’d want to understand why before placing the order.
Too little fullness can leave you with curtains that look rather skimpy when they’re hanging and closed across the window.
Don’t Confuse Track Width With Fabric Width
This is really where most of the confusion comes from.
Your track width is the measurement the curtain maker needs from you.
The fabric width is something the curtain maker calculates.
You don’t need to turn one into the other before completing the order form.
Need to Check Your Curtain Track Width?
If you’re not sure which measurement to enter for your curtain track, I’ve covered that separately.
What Curtain Width Should I Enter When Ordering Made-to-Measure Curtains? →
If your curtain track overlaps in the middle, there’s one additional measurement you may need to allow for.
The Simple Answer
If the curtain maker asks for your track width, give them your actual track width.
Don’t add anything for curtain fullness, gathers or pleats.
The curtain maker uses the track measurement you provide to calculate the amount of fabric needed for your chosen curtain heading.
Still Choosing a Track for Your Bay Window?
If you haven’t chosen your curtain track yet, take a look at our made-to-measure bay tracks. Each one is made to the measurements and shape of your bay, so it arrives ready to fit.
