Making your own curtains can be a rewarding and creative process, but the terminology can sometimes be confusing! At Fabrics Galore, we want to make things easier for you, so we’ve put together this comprehensive glossary of curtain-making terms. Whether you’re an amateur sewer or an experienced home decorator, this guide will help you navigate the world of curtain-making with confidence.
Curtain Basics
Window recess
- Face fabric – The main decorative fabric used on the front (room-facing side) of the curtain.
- Finished length – The final length of a curtain, from the top of the heading to the hem.
- Made to Measure curtains – Custom-made curtains tailored to exact specifications.
- Ready-made – Pre-made curtains available in standard sizes.
- Recess (inside or outside the recess) – The space where a curtain or blind fits, either inside or outside a window recess.
- Stack back – The space at the side of the window or door required for curtains when they are fully open.
Curtain Measurements
- Cut Drop – The length of the curtain fabric before hemming.
- Heading – The top part of the curtain where it is attached to a rod or track.
- Hem – The bottom edge of the curtain, usually folded and sewn to give a neat finish.
- Hook to floor or sill – Measurement from the curtain hook to the floor or windowsill.
- Hook to hem – Measurement from the curtain hook to the hemline.
- Hook to top – Measurement from the hook position to the very top of the curtain.
Curtain Heading Styles
- Pinch pleat, French pleat or tailored pleats – Elegant pleated styles that create a structured drape.
- Box pleat or inverted box pleat – A pleat folded inwards to create a boxy, tailored look.
- Pencil pleat or gathered tape heading – A gathered heading style created with heading tape.
- Goblet Pleat – A decorative pleat shaped like a goblet, often used for formal settings.
- Eyelet curtains or Grommet curtains – Curtains with metal-rimmed holes that slide onto a pole.
- Smocked heading – A decorative pleated heading with stitched detailing.
- Tab top curtains – Curtains with fabric loops at the top for hanging on a rod.
Types of Curtains
Café curtains in red gingham
- Rod pocket curtains – Curtains with a sewn-in pocket for inserting a rod.
- Café curtains – Short curtains covering only the lower half of a window, these tend to be more lightweight and see-through.
- Net – Lightweight, sheer curtains.
Curtain Linings
- Blackout – A thick lining that blocks out light. Perfect for bedrooms and nurseries to help us all get our 8 hours' sleep.
- Thermal – A lining designed to insulate and retain heat, this is great for all curtains but is especially good for door curtains as it can act as a draft excluder.
- Interlining – An additional fabric layer between the face fabric and lining for extra insulation. Can be made of either cotton or polyester, both do the same job just as well as each other so the choice is down to personal preference.
Curtain Accessories & Hardware
- Brackets – Supports for curtain poles or tracks.
- Finials – Decorative end pieces for curtain poles.
- Curtain rings – Rings used to attach curtains to a pole.
- Curtain Hook - Made of either plastic or metal, they attach the rufflette tape to the curtain ring.
- Grommets – Metal-rimmed holes for eyelet curtains.
- Track/Rail – The mechanism that holds and moves curtains.
- Portiere rod – A rod used for door curtains.
- Rod and telescoping rod – Adjustable curtain rods.
- Utility curtain rod – A basic, functional rod for lightweight curtains, ideally used for café curtains.
- Wrap around curtain rod – A rod that curves at the ends to block out more light.
Curtain Fabric terms
Curtain Tie-Backs
- Back tabs – Fabric loops sewn at the back of a curtain heading for a tailored look.
- Colourway – The range of colours available in a fabric design.
- Contrast binding – A contrasting fabric trim along curtain edges.
- One-way design/Directional Print – A fabric pattern that only works in one direction.
- Pattern repeat – The vertical or horizontal repetition of the pattern on the fabric.
- Piping – Decorative trim along curtain edges.
- Pleat – A fold in fabric for shaping and structure.
- Selvedge – The finished edge of fabric that prevents fraying.
- Sheer – A light, see-through fabric.
- Stiffening/Buckram – A material used to reinforce pelmets or valances.
- Tie-back – A decorative band used to hold curtains open, usually at the side of the window.
Window Terms
- Architrave – Decorative moulding around a window or door.
- Bay window – A multi-angled window that extends outward.
- Flush window – A window that sits level with the wall.
- Recess (inside or outside the recess) – The space where a curtain or blind fits, either inside or outside a window recess
Additional Curtain Terms
- Face fix – Mounting hardware directly onto a surface.
- Leading edge – The inner vertical edge of a curtain.
- Outside edge – The outermost edge of a curtain.
- Overlap arms – The part of a track that allows curtains to overlap in the middle.
- Overlap allowance – Extra fabric to ensure complete coverage when curtains meet.
- Overlong – Curtains made longer than required to create pooling.
- Pelmet – A decorative fabric or wooden covering at the top of curtains.
- Pooling – Extra fabric at the bottom of a curtain that rests on the floor.
- Railroaded – Fabric designed to be used sideways to avoid seams.
- Top Fix – Fixing a curtain track to the ceiling, rather than the wall around the window.
- Valance – A short decorative curtain at the top of a window.
- Wall mount – Attaching a curtain track or pole to a wall.
Ready to Make Curtains?
We hope this curtain glossary helps you on your DIY curtain-making journey! Need high-quality curtain fabric? Visit Fabrics Galore for a wide selection of curtain materials perfect for your next project. Before committing to your fabric choice, why not order some samples so that you can see how they look in your home décor?
