How To Interline Your Drapes and Curtains

Interlining your drapery panels can make all the difference between sewn drapes and custom, professional drapes. Interlining is a layer of thin batting that is sewn in-between the fabric and lining of your drapery panels.

Interlining adds body and insulation to your drapery panels… and it protects your fabric from the harsh sunlight and cold.

Plus, if you’re making silk drapery panels… interlining will make your silk look wonderful! There’s no question… if you’re sewing silk curtains, you must interline them for the absolute best effect.

Interlining drapery panels are very easy and I’m going to show you exactly how to do this. Plus, I’m going to give you some critical tips that will save you frustration in the long term.

I’m going to try to generalize these instructions so that you can apply these instructions to any style drapery panel… flat or pleated.

Step 1. Plan the cut length of your fabric, lining and interlining.
You need to cut your fabric to the finished length of the drapery panel plus the amount fabric needed for your bottom hem plus 4" for the top of your drape. This 4" measurement is a rule of thumb, but can be changed to your design. If you plan on a 3" heading, then change 4" to 3".

Example of cut fabric length
Finished drapery length = 60"
Heading width = 4"
Fabric for hem = 8" (for a 4" double hem)
Cut fabric length = 60" + 8" + 4" = 72"
I will cut my fabric so that it is 72" long.

You will cut your lining and interlining to the finished length of the drapery panel less 1" plus 4" for the bottom hem.

Example of cut lining and interlining length
Finished drapery length = 60"
Hem = 4" (for a 2" double hem)
Cut lining length = 60" + 4" = 64"
Cut interlining length = 60" + 4" = 64"

Step 2. Hem Your Fabric as instructed

Step 3. Sew and overlock stitch across the top edge of your fabric to keep it from unraveling and fraying.

Step 4. Hem Your Lining and Interlining

1. Fold up the bottom edge 2" and press. Then 2" again and press. Sew along the folded edge to secure the hem.

2. Repeat for the interlining.

3. Lay the RIGHT side of the interlining against the WRONG side of the lining. Aligning all edges.

4. Pin in several places to keep these pieces from slipping apart.

5. Treat this as your lining panel for your drapery instructions.

Your Drapery Heading

Your instructions may tell you to fold the top of your drapery down twice. In the case of interlining, this will be too thick.

Instead, you’re going to fold the top edge of your drape down once… so that the top edge of your interlining is against the inside of the top fold of your panel.

If you’re sewing flat panel drapes, then sew the bottom overlocked fabric edge in place… you can do this by sewing a blind hem stitch, hand whipstitching or sewing a straight stitch across your drapery panel.

If you are pleating your heading, then follow your instructions to pleat your drapery panel.

You will not need buckram or crinoline to stiffen your drapery heading.

How To Sew Pleated Drapes
Learn how to sew pinch pleated drapes step-by-step.