Enhance your panels with a decorative band using the “burrito” sewing method.

That’s right we said burrito. We’re referring to a stitching method used to add an accent band or cuff to curtain panels. This method gives the band a clean finish with all the seams fully encased within the band – no hemming is needed. For the burrito sewing method, fabric is rolled up like a burrito and the accent band is wrapped around the “burrito” so seam edges can be aligned or stitched. After stitching, the rolled fabric is pulled out of the side of the band. Seam allowances are now enclosed within the band with no external stitches or hand sewing required. Finish your panel with Dritz® grommets and you’re good to go. Ready to see how?

Materials:
Grommet kit, brass
Shower curtain rings
Drapery hem gauge
Zinc drapery weights
Tape measure
Tailor’s marking set
Curtain rod – 1” diameter or smaller
Lower panel fabric – determine cut length before buying yardage
Decorative band fabric – determine cut length before buying yardage
Basic sewing supplies
Sewing machine
Iron and pressing surface
Omnigrid® ruler

Makes 1 curtain panel. Double yardage for a second curtain panel.

Directions:

Home décor sewing usually involves some math before starting the sewing process. However, once you get started it is just simple straight line stitching to complete the project. Use our worksheet to help you determine all the right measurements for your curtain panel.

Before purchasing fabric, hang curtain rod at desired height. Measure from bottom of rod to floor for finished curtain length. Generally, curtain panel are made using the full width of the fabric so you do not have to determine a finished width.

Determine the desired finished length of the decorative band. Subtract this amount from the finished length to determine the finish length of the lower panel.

To determine cut length of the lower panel, add 8” (4” double fold hem) ½” (top seam allowance) lower panel finish length = lower panel cut length. Cut lower panel fabric to this length.

To determine cut length of decorative band, double the decorative band finished length and add 1” for seam allowances. Cut decorative band to this length and the same width as the lower panel.

With right sides together, stitch decorative band to lower panel with a ¼” seam allowance.

With wrong side of lower panel facing up (and decorative band under panel), roll up lower panel like a burrito to about ½ way up the decorative band.

Wrap decorative band around lower panel “burrito” and match long edges. Decorative band edges will be right sides together with the rolled lower panel sandwiched in the middle. Stitch together with ½” seam allowance.

Reach into decorative band at one end and pull out the lower panel “burrito.” This step may be a little challenging depending on the size of your band but all the seams will be encased within the band with no raw edges exposed. Worth the effort!

Press the seams of the decorative band on both sides so everything is flat. Even up side edges if necessary.

At bottom of lower panel, use drapery hem gauge to press up an 8” hem to wrong side.

Open hem and fold raw edge in to meet fold. Press. Fold hem up again to original fold and stitch hem with straight or blind hem stitch.

For side hems, press sides in 2” to wrong side. Open hem and fold raw edge in ½”. Press.

At each bottom corner, open hem and stitch a drapery weight to side hem. The weight should be about 1/2” up from bottom hem and near the 2″ fold (we added a gray line to show you the fold). Fold side hems back into place and stitch closed with straight or blind hem stitch.

Determine the placement of the grommets. See our How to Measure for Grommets tutorial for more information. You will want an even number of grommets positioned 6” to 8” apart.

At both top edge corners of curtain panel, mark grommet position 1” in and 1” down from corners. An Omnigrid® ruler makes this step much easier.

Measure the distance between the two end marks and divide by desired number of grommets minus 1. This will be the distance between the centers of each grommet.

Starting at first mark, measure determined distance between grommets and mark that distance 1” down from top of curtain panel. Continue to mark grommet positions across top of curtain panel until you reach last mark.

Following package instructions, apply a grommet at each mark.

To match our grommets, we decided to paint our shower curtain hooks with brass paint. You can also used mixed metals, or change the color of the hooks altogether for a fun contrast, or to pick up other colors in your fabric or room décor.

Insert shower curtain hooks through grommets.

Hang on rod!

Get creative when it comes to choosing the material for your curtain rod, too. We really like this combination of wood and brass.

Dritz Home Refresh Lookbook

‘Tis the season to start thinking home refresh! Check out our Home Refresh lookbook and see more about these curtains, plus other easy ways to add quick updates to your space.

We’ve got plenty of curtain inspiration and DIY home decorating ideas for you on our blog, too. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram – we’re having lots of fun there each and every day!

We are one of the China curtain rod supplier, welcome to your come and purchase!