How to Make Wave Curtains: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Wave Curtains: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wave curtains are a stylish and practical choice for modern interiors. Their elegant, flowing design adds a touch of sophistication to any room, making them a popular option for home decorators and interior designers alike. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making wave curtains, explaining the materials needed and offering tips for ensuring a perfect finish.

✏️ Note: In our software InterioApp you can easy quote wave curtains and with a click of a button generate a Workshop for your curtain makers. Curtain makers, decorators and retailers are using our software for curtains, window blinds quoting, project creations and management, invoicing and even product ordering. You no need prior knawladge in the industry, join for a free demo and we will guide you on how to enter the market and earn a better living.

Understanding Wave Curtains

Wave curtains create a smooth, continuous wave-like effect when hung. This is achieved through the use of specialised curtain tracks, gliders, and wave curtain tape. Unlike traditional pleated curtains, wave curtains don’t require hooks and rings to create folds, offering a more streamlined and uniform appearance.

✏️ Note: What I meant by saying “wave curtains don’t require hooks and rings to create folds” was that wave curtains achieve their smooth, continuous wave-like appearance with the help of wave curtain tape and gliders, rather than the traditional hooks-and-rings system used in pleated curtains. However, this doesn’t mean hooks aren’t used at all in wave curtains.

Wave curtain

Materials Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary materials. These include:

Fabric: Choose a fabric that suits the style of your room. The quantity of fabric will depend on the window width, the fullness ratio you desire, and any pattern repeats in the fabric.
Wave Curtain Tape: This special tape is sewn onto the back of the curtain to help create and maintain the wave effect.
Gliders: These are essential for holding the curtain onto the track and ensuring the wave pattern is maintained evenly across the curtain.
Hooks: To attach the fabric to the gliders.
Curtain Rods or Tracks: Opt for tracks specifically designed for wave curtains. These usually come with pre-installed gliders that slide smoothly along the track.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wave Curtains

    1. Calculating Fabric Requirements

    To make wave curtains, you need to calculate how much fabric is required, which depends on the fullness of the waves and the width of the window.

    Fullness Ratio: This determines how full your curtains will be. A ratio of 2 to 2.8 is common, meaning you’ll need 2 to 2.8 times the width of your window in fabric.
    Pattern Repeat: If your fabric has a pattern, account for this to ensure the design matches up across the width of the curtains.
    Seam Allowance: Always add extra fabric for hemming. A standard allowance is 2.5 cm on each side.

    🧮 Example Calculation:

    Interio app Sfotware

    For a window that is 100 cm wide, with a fullness ratio of 2.5 and a pattern repeat of 30 cm:

    Width: 100 cm
    Fullness: 100 cm × 2.5 = 250 cm
    Pattern repeat: Add 30 cm
    Seam allowance: Add 5 cm (2.5 cm on each side)
    Total fabric needed: 285 cm

     

    2. Cutting and Preparing the Fabric

    Once you have calculated the fabric required, it’s time to prepare it:

    Cut the fabric to the required length, ensuring you have allowed for the fullness ratio, pattern repeat, and seam allowance.
    Sew the side hems, leaving a neat 2 cm hem on both sides.

    3. Attaching the Wave Curtain Tape

    The wave effect is created by sewing wave curtain tape to the top edge of the fabric. Here’s how:

    Lay the wave tape along the top edge of the curtain fabric. Make sure it is positioned straight and even.
    Sew the tape in place, following any guidelines provided on the tape for creating the wave pattern.

     

    4. Installing Gliders and Hooks

    Inserting the hooks: Once the tape is attached, insert curtain hooks into the tape loops. Space the hooks evenly to maintain the wave shape when the curtains are hung.
    Attaching the gliders: After you’ve attached the hooks, slide the gliders onto the curtain track or rod. The gliders play a crucial role in ensuring the curtain waves remain consistent across the entire length of the curtain.

     

    5. Hanging the Curtains

    Finally, hang the curtains by attaching the hooks to the gliders. Adjust the spacing if necessary to ensure the wave effect is smooth and even.

    ✏️ Note: If this process sounds too complex, don’t worry! With our InterioApp, you can quote not just a curtain but the entire project in minutes. Our app makes it easy to manage everything from fabric selection to installation, saving you time and effort.

      Additional Tips for Perfect Wave Curtains

      Choosing the right gliders and tracks: Make sure to select tracks that are specifically designed for wave curtains. These tracks often come with the gliders already installed and spaced correctly to maintain the wave pattern.
      Hook spacing: Proper hook spacing is essential to maintaining an even wave. Measure carefully to ensure uniformity.
      Use a professional tool: If you’re working on a larger project or are in the soft furnishings industry, consider using software like InterioApp, which simplifies quoting and managing orders for custom-made curtains. It can also help calculate fabric needs and automate work orders.

      Conclusion

      Wave curtains are a beautiful and modern window treatment option that can enhance any space. By following these steps and ensuring you have the right materials — including gliders, hooks, and wave curtain tape — you can achieve a professional-looking result, whether you’re making curtains for your home or for a client.

      If you’re new to curtain making, don’t hesitate to explore tools that can help simplify the process, like InterioApp, which offers features for quoting, order management, and project planning. Happy sewing!




        3 comments


        • Liam p

          hmm interesting! First impression of the work order which was placed in the beggining of the article was like, somehitng mixed the images and article. But after reading the first part I understood and even keen to grab a free trial of this interioapp software for curtains. Thanks and Great job guys!!


        • Vlad

          Thanks for the tips. Very helpful.


        • Astyork

          Thank you for this detailed and easy-to-follow guide on making wave curtains! The step-by-step instructions and visual aids make it so much simpler for beginners like me. I can’t wait to try this technique and give my space a stylish upgrade!


        Leave a comment

        Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

        This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


        Team Team Team

        Contact us

        Get a Free Demo

        Interested in our services for the Curtain and Blind industry? Book a demo call or Start a Free Trial and see the InterioApp in action.

        Online Calculators In-house Software