How to Sew a Continental or Cornice Rod Casing with a Heading

1) Measure window after rod has been installed to determine total length. Add 151/2′ (39.3 cm): 5/12′ (14 cm) for the casing and seam allowance, 8″ (20.5 cm) for the double-fold hem, and 2″ (5 cm) for I” (2.5 cm) heading. For a deeper heading, add twice the desired heading depth. 2) Turn under ½”’ (1.3 cm) on upper edge of curtain and press. Fold over again 6″ (15 cm) for casing and heading. Stitch 1″ (2.5 cm) from upper folded edge to form heading. Stitch close to folded edge to form casing.

3) Insert rod through casing and gather curtain evenly onto rod. Hang on installed brackets. For a wide heading, use two Continental or cornice rods, installed one above the other. Add 10″ (25.5 cm) for second casing.

How to Make a Shirred Pole Cover

1) Cut fabric two and one-half times the length of pole area to be covered; cut width equal to circumference of pole plus 1-1/2″ (3.8 cm). For pole cover with a heading, add amount equal to twice the heading depth.

2) Stitch ½” (1.3 cm) hems on short ends. Fold strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin long edges together. Stitch 1/2″ (1.3 cm) seam. Press seam open. Turn cover right side out.

3) Press cover so that seam is at back of pole. To form heading, stitch again at appropriate distance from upper folded edge. If desired, add narrow binding to upper edge, opposite. Gather pole cover onto rod between two curtain panels

{Credit} Singer Sewing for the Home Copyright 1984-1988