It is acknowledged by homeowners and interior decorators alike that nothing can dress up a window like a stylish, curtain treatment and depending on the look desired for the room, the curtains may be functional, elegant, formal, minimalist or country style and casual. Speaking of which, brings us to the most easy going and popular style in window treatments for less formal rooms: Tab top curtains! These not only look attractive and are simple in construction, if sewing on your own, but also lend a modern touch to the window.

Features of Tab top curtain

Tab top curtains, as the name indicates, are window treatments that have a flap or a strip of fabric on the top of curtain and this pattern is repeated at equal intervals along the top edge of the curtain and are used to hang the curtain from the rod. They can be looked upon as 'fabric curtain hooks' as they serve the same purpose. These tabs can be made out of the same fabric as the curtains or be a complementary contrast color, to add a dash of the attraction of something different. Tab tops or flaps can be stitched over to the front of the curtain and buttons, ornamental designs, ribbon roses and cording put around them for a glamorous touch; alternately, the tabs can be separate strips of fabric on either edge of the curtain top and be used for tying into a bow over the curtain rods. The versatility of style and scope of materials that can be used for tab top curtains is immense and their popularity is maintained because they can be made out of materials of any weight, be it fine sheers, medium weave terry cotton, expensive silks with lining to hold down the look; to heavier fabrics like velvet and brocade, which add a touch of class and dignity to the window and the erstwhile casual style of Tab top curtains.

Measuring and sewing tips for Tab top curtain

These tab top curtains need a minimum of 1.5 times the width of the window to be dressed and the stack back width is the combined width of all tabs- be it simple, box-pleated or gathered curtains. The usual procedure is to position tabs at 8-inch intervals across the top of the curtain, with one flap at each end, so about 6-7 tabs can be fitted into normal width fabrics.