What Tie-Up Curtains Are
Tie-up curtains are simple panels that hang from a rod and are gathered up with ties, usually ribbons or fabric strips, to let in light. The look is relaxed, and the sewing is mostly straight seams, so they suit beginners. A related style, the tie-up shade, uses two pieces so the lower section can be folded up and tied.
This guide gives a general pattern you can adapt to any window, rather than a single fixed size.
Materials and Tools
- Fabric (see the fabric section below)
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine, iron, pins or clips
- Scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, and measuring tape
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Ribbon, twill tape, or extra fabric for ties
- A curtain rod or tension rod
Planning Your Measurements
- Decide where the curtain will hang and measure the width and finished length from the rod to where you want the hem.
- Cut width: window or rod width, times a fullness factor if you want gathers. A factor of about 1.5 is a common starting point for a relaxed look; use less for a flatter one. Add side hem allowances (for a double 1/2 inch hem, about 1 inch per side).
- Cut length: finished length, plus a rod pocket allowance, plus a bottom hem allowance. A rod pocket needs enough fabric to fold over and surround the rod; some tutorials use a pocket about 3 inches deep, but size it to your rod.
- Ties: make them long enough to wrap the bunched curtain and tie a bow. A strip about 2 to 4 inches wide is typical for fabric ties, and the length depends on how high you want to lift the curtain.
If you use a tablecloth as the fabric source, one finished edge may already be hemmed, which saves sewing. Our guide to fabric for tablecloths covers what to look for.
Sewing Tie-Up Curtains Step by Step
- Cut the panel to your calculated size.
- Press the side hems: fold about 1/2 inch, press, and fold again. Pressing first makes sewing easier and gives cleaner edges.
- Stitch the side hems close to the inner fold.
- Hem the bottom the same way.
- Make the rod pocket. Fold the top edge down 1/2 inch, press, then fold down the pocket depth, press, and stitch along the lower edge of the fold.
- Add the ties (see below) either inside the pocket or sewn on afterward.
- Hang the panel and tie it up.
Making the Ties
Fabric Ties
Cut strips, fold them lengthwise with right sides together, and sew along the long edge. Turn right side out, press, and tuck in the ends. A turning tool or safety pin can make long strips easier to turn.
Ribbon Ties
Ribbon needs no sewing of its own and works well if your fabric is patterned. Cut lengths long enough to wrap and tie, and stitch or tie them on.
Placing the Ties
One method is to sandwich the ties in the rod pocket fold before stitching it shut, so the stitching secures them. Space them in thirds or toward each side, with one tie in front and one behind at each position so they can wrap around. Another is to hand-sew or tie them on after hanging, which lets you adjust the height. Whichever you use, keep the bows at the same height on both sides.
Hanging and Tying
Slide the rod through the pocket and hang the curtain. Lift the lower hem to the height you want, wrap the ties around the bunched fabric, and tie bows. For a shallow window recess, a tension rod works well.
Tie-Up Shade Variation
For a tie-up shade, make two pieces: a shorter top piece that holds the rod and a longer lower piece that bunches when tied. Hem the sides of both pieces, join them at the top, and add ties to the lower piece. Some makers split the window roughly one third to two thirds between the pieces for balanced proportions, but adjust to your window and how much you want to raise it.
Simple Tieback Ideas
If you would rather keep standard curtains, tiebacks hold them to the side:
- Fabric band: a strip with a loop around a hook.
- Rope or cord: quick, requires no sewing.
- Ribbon bow: matches a lighter look.
- Tassel or knot: adds decoration.
- Hook-and-loop strip: keeps a clean line.
Hang the hook at a consistent height on both sides of the window.
Fabric Choices
Light to medium weight cotton, linen, or linen blends are good for bunching and tying. Very stiff or heavy fabrics are harder to gather. Prewash the fabric so it does not shrink after you have hemmed it. Lightweight fabric lets in light and is suited to window coverings with a casual look.
Tips and FAQ
How do I make my own tie-up curtains?
Cut a panel, hem the sides and bottom, sew a rod pocket at the top, add ties, hang it on a rod, and tie it up.
What are current curtain trends?
Trends change, and tie-up styles are casual and flexible. Choose a fabric and color that suit your room rather than following a trend.
How do I keep the ties even?
Measure and mark the tie positions before sewing, and tie both sides at the same height.