Darker evenings, chilly mornings and that bright streetlight outside the bedroom window: autumn is the perfect time to give your curtains a lining. A good blackout lining helps block out light, adds body so your curtains hang beautifully, and gives the fabric a little extra protection from the sun. The best part? Lining a pair of curtains is a very manageable sewing project, even if you are fairly new to it.
Here is our simple step-by-step guide, plus a few fabric suggestions from our current stock.
Why Line Your Curtains?
- Block out light: a blackout lining is ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and anyone who works night shifts.
- Better drape: lining adds weight, so curtains fall in fuller, neater folds.
- Protect your fabric: the lining takes the brunt of the sunlight, helping your main fabric keep its colour for longer.
- A neat finish from outside: every window looks tidy and consistent from the street.
What You Will Need
- Your main curtain fabric
- Blackout lining fabric
- Curtain heading tape (pencil pleat is the easiest for beginners)
- Matching thread, pins, fabric scissors and a tape measure
- An iron and ironing board
Our 3 Pass Blackout Curtain Lining Fabric is a supersoft thermal blackout in an 80% polyester, 20% cotton mix, 260gsm and 140cm wide, at £4.99 per metre. It is currently available in White, Ivory and Grey. Choose white or ivory for a classic finish behind lighter fabrics, or grey to sit discreetly behind darker colours.
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Measure the width of your curtain track or pole and the drop from the track to where you want the curtain to finish. For a pencil pleat heading, you will usually want a finished curtain width of around two times the track width, split across the pair. Add allowances for the top hem and bottom hem to your drop measurement.
Cut your main fabric to size first. Then cut the lining so it is slightly narrower than the main fabric (around 10cm less in width) and a few centimetres shorter. This means the main fabric wraps neatly around the sides and the lining stays hidden from the front. If you are not sure how many metres to order, our guide on how much fabric you need walks through the maths.
Step 2: Hem the Bottom Edges
Press up a double hem along the bottom of the main fabric and stitch it in place. Do the same on the lining, making its hem a little shorter so it finishes a couple of centimetres above the curtain hem. Hemming each layer separately keeps them hanging smoothly and stops the lining peeking out below.
Step 3: Join the Sides
Lay the main fabric face up and place the lining on top, face down, lining up the top edges. Because the lining is narrower, pull it across so one side edge meets the edge of the main fabric, pin, then do the same on the other side. Stitch both side seams, leaving the top and bottom open.
Turn the curtain right side out. The main fabric will fold around to the back on both edges, creating neat side borders. Centre the lining so the borders are even, then press everything flat.
Step 4: Add the Heading Tape
Fold the top edge of both layers over together to the back, press, and pin your heading tape across the top, just below the fold. Tuck under the raw ends of the tape and pull the cords free at the ends before you sew. Stitch along the top and bottom edges of the tape, sewing both lines in the same direction to avoid puckering. Then pull the cords to gather the curtain to the width you need and tie them off neatly.
Step 5: Hang and Dress
Insert your hooks, hang the curtains and gently arrange the folds. For a really crisp look, tie the curtains loosely in their folds for a day or two so they "train" into shape.
Curtain Fabrics to Pair with Your Lining
Looking for a main fabric? These in-stock options work well with a blackout lining:
- Vintage Mirage Damask Striped Curtain Brocade Fabric: a medium weight, reversible curtain brocade in red, green and blue, 140cm wide. Now £5.99 per metre (was £14.99), with limited metres left.
- Plain Streak Upholstery Furnishing Fabric: a woven tapestry brocade with a subtle streaked effect, in Cream or Wine at £5.99 per metre. An easy coordinating plain for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Plain Voile Draping Fabric, Ivory/Cream: a lightweight sheer voile, 150cm wide, now £4.99 per metre (was £6.99). Hang it on a separate track behind your lined curtains for soft daytime privacy.
Quick Tips for a Professional Finish
- Press at every stage: it makes a huge difference to the final look.
- Check your iron setting on a scrap of lining first.
- Order your main fabric and lining in one go so everything arrives together. All our fabrics are cut off the roll and sent in one continuous length, so there are no unwanted joins.
Ready to Get Started?
Lined curtains make any room feel cosier, darker at night and more finished. Pick up your blackout lining, choose a main fabric you love, and you could have your new curtains up by the weekend. Browse more curtain and furnishing fabrics at Bull Ring Fabrics, and happy sewing!
