Curtain Divider How-To

Blueprint, March/April 2007

Home editor Rebecca Robertson installed a sheer linen curtain with hospital tracking to hide the kitchen when not in use.

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Materials
Fabric for curtain
1 track  system (see source below)
2 end caps
Snap tape (one for every 4 inches of fabric)
Snap tabs (one for every 4 inches of fabric)

Curtain How-To
1. Measure for the track hardware.

2. Measure for the fabric and button tape. Multiply that number by 1.6 (allowing for 60 percent fabric fullness). This is the total width of fabric you will need for the divider (it is also the length of button tape you will need). You will also need to measure from the floor to the ceiling to get the length of the curtain you desire.

3. Take these numbers with you to the fabric store in order to get the right amount of fabric -- allow room in your dimensions for a hem. Remember to subtract about 1/2 inch from the length (to allow for the curtain hardware ). This prevents your curtain from dragging on the ground.

4. Sew a simple hem around every side of the your curtain. Then sew the button tape on the top back edge of the curtain about 1/2 inch down from the top.

5. Install the track by mounting hardware to your ceiling through holes in the track. (You may need to install anchors beforehand for strength.) Attach one of the end caps onto the track and then slip in all of the snap tabs. Put on the other end cap. Now you are ready to snap your curtain onto the track.

Helpful Tip:This process can seem daunting to the DIY novice; Rebecca suggests contacting the company you order from to get personal service and help.

We used the following items from Zarin fabrics for the pictured curtain:
1 Track  system 9046 $21 for 8ft.
2 end caps-item # 9682, $1.50 each
Snap tape-item #92145, $3.75 per yard
Snap tabs-item # 92121, $.50 each

Source: Zarin Fabrics and Home Furnishings sells the supplies for around $50 total; go to zarinfabrics.com or call 212-966-6690.