Swag Curtain
How to hang a swag curtain

Swag curtains are a beautiful and elegant way to add style to any room. They are perfect for adding a touch of drama to a window or doorway, and they can also be used to create a more intimate setting. However, hanging a swag curtain can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. But do not worry, it is actually quite easy to do with a little bit of planning and preparation.

First, you need to decide where you want to hang your swag curtain. Once you have chosen a location, you need to measure the width of the window or doorway. This will tell you how long your swag curtain needs to be. Next, you need to purchase a swag curtain rod and brackets. The rod should be long enough to extend beyond the width of the window or doorway by at least 6 inches on each side. The brackets will be used to mount the rod to the wall.

Once you have all of your supplies, you are ready to begin hanging your swag curtain. Start by mounting the brackets to the wall. The brackets should be placed at the same height on each side of the window or doorway. Once the brackets are mounted, you can hang the rod from the brackets. Next, you need to attach the swag curtain to the rod. The curtain should be gathered in the middle and then attached to the rod using curtain clips or rings. Once the curtain is attached, you can adjust the gathers to create the desired look.

Gather Your Materials

To successfully hang a swag curtain, you will need the following materials:

Curtain: Choose a fabric that is lightweight and drapes well, such as chiffon, gauze, or velvet.
Curtain rod: This can be a decorative rod or a simple tension rod that fits the width of your window or wall space.
Swag holders: These are decorative brackets that will hold the curtain in place on the wall or ceiling.
Measuring tape: This is essential for determining the placement of the swag holders and the length of the curtain.
Level: This will help you ensure that the swag holders and curtain rod are hung straight.
Screws or nails: These will be used to secure the swag holders to the wall or ceiling.
Cord or ribbon (optional): This can be used to tie back the curtain and create a more gathered effect.

Measuring and Marking

Before installing the swag holders, you need to determine the correct placement. Measure the length of the window or wall where the curtain will be hung and divide it in half. This will be the center point of the swag. Mark this point on the wall or ceiling with a pencil.

Next, measure the distance from the top of the window or wall to where you want the swag to hang. This will be the height of the swag holders. Mark this point on the wall or ceiling, making sure it is level.

Material	Quantity	Notes
Curtain	1	Choose a fabric that is lightweight and drapes well.
Curtain rod	1	Can be a decorative rod or a simple tension rod.
Swag holders	2	Decorative brackets that will hold the curtain in place.
Measuring tape	1	For measuring the placement of the swag holders and the length of the curtain.
Level	1	For ensuring that the swag holders and curtain rod are hung straight.
Screws or nails	4-8	For securing the swag holders to the wall or ceiling.
Cord or ribbon (optional)	1	For tying back the curtain and creating a more gathered effect.

Measure and Mark the Curtain Rod Placement

Before you begin hanging your swag curtains, it’s crucial to determine the optimal placement for the curtain rod. This decision will impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of your window treatment.

Calculating the Rod Height and Length

To determine the height of the rod, measure from the top of the window frame to the desired height of the curtain. Typically, the rod is placed 4-8 inches above the window frame to allow ample space for the fabric to gather.

Next, measure the length of the rod. This measurement should be wider than the window by 12-18 inches on each side to create a graceful swag effect. The exact length will depend on the fullness you desire for your curtains.

Marking the Position

Once the height and length have been determined, mark the exact position of the rod on the wall using a level. Ensure that the marks are level and at the desired height. To avoid any errors, use a tape measure and a pencil to create accurate markings.

Measurement	Instructions
Rod Height	Measure from the top of the window frame to the desired curtain height.
Rod Length	Measure the width of the window and add 12-18 inches to each side for the swag effect.

Install the Curtain Rod

Before installing your swag curtain rod, consider the following:

The rod should be mounted 6-8 inches above the top of the window frame.
The rod should extend at least 6 inches beyond the window frame on each side.
If you are hanging two curtains, the rod should be twice the width of the window.

To install the curtain rod:

Mark the location of the rod brackets on the wall.
Drill pilot holes for the screws.
Attach the rod brackets to the wall.
Slide the curtain rod onto the brackets.
Level the curtain rod and tighten the screws.

Attaching the Brackets to the Wall

The type of brackets you need will depend on the type of curtain rod you have. Some rods come with brackets that mount directly to the wall, while others require you to use a separate bracket system.

If you are using brackets that mount directly to the wall, simply follow the instructions that came with the rod.

If you are using a separate bracket system, you will need to install the brackets on the wall first. To do this, follow these steps:

Determine the location of the brackets on the wall.
Mark the location of the holes for the screws.
Drill pilot holes for the screws.
Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them.
Attach the brackets to the screws.

Once the brackets are attached to the wall, you can slide the curtain rod onto the brackets and level it. Then, tighten the screws to secure the rod in place.

Prepare the Swag Fabric

Swags are a beautiful and elegant way to add a touch of style to any room. They can be made from a variety of fabrics, and the type of fabric you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you’re using a lightweight fabric, such as voile or organza, you may need to line the fabric to give it more body. You can also use a heavier fabric, such as velvet or brocade, which will add a more luxurious look to your swag.

Once you have chosen your fabric, you need to prepare it for hanging. The first step is to hem the edges of the fabric. This will help to keep the fabric from fraying and give it a more finished look. You can hem the fabric by hand or by machine. If you’re hemming the fabric by hand, use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the fabric. If you’re hemming the fabric by machine, use a small stitch length and a zigzag stitch.

Once you have hemmed the fabric, you need to create the swag. To do this, you will need to gather the fabric at the center and then pin it in place. You can use a variety of methods to gather the fabric, such as using a gathering stitch or using a gathering foot on your sewing machine. Once you have gathered the fabric, you can pin it in place and then sew it down.

Calculating the Amount of Fabric Needed for a Swag

To calculate the amount of fabric needed for a swag, you need to know the width of the window and the desired length of the swag. The width of the fabric should be at least twice the width of the window. The length of the fabric should be at least 2 1/2 times the desired length of the swag.


Width of Window	60 inches
Desired Length of Swag	30 inches
Amount of Fabric Needed	150 inches (60 inches x 2.5)

Attach the Swag Fabric to the Curtain Rod

1. Measure and Mark the Fabric

Determine the desired height and width of the swag. Add 2 inches to each measurement for hemming. Mark the fabric accordingly.

2. Sew the Hems

Fold the raw edges of the fabric over by 1 inch twice. Press and stitch the hems in place.

3. Create the Rod Pocket

Fold the top edge of the fabric over by 4 inches. Press and stitch a 2-inch-wide rod pocket.

4. Gather the Fabric

Distribute gathers evenly along the rod pocket by stitching a series of parallel rows of basting stitches. Pull the threads to create the desired fullness.

5. Attach the Swag to the Curtain Rod

Steps	Instructions
a. Align the Hem with the Curtain Rod	Slip the curtain rod through the rod pocket of the swag fabric, ensuring that the hem is flush with the top of the rod.
b. Secure the Swag with Hooks or Clips	Use swag hooks or curtain clips to secure the swag to the curtain rod at each end.
c. Adjust the fullness	Adjust the gathers and the placement of the hooks or clips to create the desired shape and fullness of the swag.
d. Secure the Ends	Tie the ends of the swag together or use a curtain tassel to secure them.

Create the Drapes

The first step in creating a swag curtain is to measure the width and length of the window where you want to hang it. You will need to add 12 inches to the width for the extra fabric that will be used to create the swag and tails. The length of the curtain should be long enough to reach the desired height, plus an additional 6 inches for the hem.

Once you have determined the measurements, you can choose the fabric for your curtain. A lightweight fabric, such as voile or organza, will work well for sheer curtains, while a heavier fabric, such as velvet or brocade, will be more suited for blackout curtains.

To create the fabric panels, cut two pieces of fabric to the desired measurements. Hem the edges of the fabric using a sewing machine or by hand. If you are using a lightweight fabric, you may want to use a fusible hem tape to keep the hem in place.

To create the swag, gather the top edge of one of the fabric panels and sew it to the top edge of the other fabric panel. The width of the swag will depend on the size of your window and the desired look. Repeat this step to create multiple swags if needed.

To create the tails, gather the bottom edge of each fabric panel and sew it to the bottom of theswag. Leave a few inches of fabric hanging below the swag for the tails.

To create the swag curtain, drape the fabric panels over a curtain rod. Adjust the position of the swags and tails to achieve the desired look. Secure the curtain rod to the wall using brackets.

Once the swag curtain is hung, you can add additional embellishments, such as trim, fringe, or tassels, to complete the look.

Measuring the Fabric for the Drapes


Width of Window	Add 12″
Length of Window	Add 6″

Hang the Drapes

Once the curtain rod is in place, it’s time to hang the drapes. For most swag curtains, the easiest way to do this is to use a pinch pleat technique. This technique creates soft, even folds in the fabric and can be used with any type of curtain rod.

To pinch pleat the drapes, hold the top of the curtain up to the rod and pinch the fabric about 4 inches from the edge. Bring the pinch together and secure it with a safety pin.

Continue pinching and pinning the fabric along the length of the rod, spacing the pleats evenly. Once you’ve finished, you can remove the safety pins and allow the drapes to hang naturally.

If you’re using a swag rod, you’ll need to hook the curtain rings onto the rod in addition to pleating the fabric. To do this, simply slide the ring onto the rod and then hook it into the loop at the top of the curtain.

Once the drapes are hung, you can adjust the pleats and swag to create the desired look. You may also want to add a tieback or holdback to keep the drapes in place.

Additional Tips for Hanging Swag Curtains

Here are a few additional tips to help you hang swag curtains beautifully:

* Use a level to make sure that the curtain rod is hung evenly.
* Measure the distance between the ceiling and the floor before you cut the fabric for the drapes. This will ensure that the drapes are the correct length.
* If you’re using a swag rod, be sure to choose one that is the right size for the width of your window.
* Experiment with different pleating techniques to create the desired look.
* Be patient! Hanging swag curtains can take some time and effort, but the results are worth it.

How To Put Up A Swag Curtain

Style the Swag

Proper Placement:

For a dramatic effect, place the swag high on the wall, about 12 inches above the window frame. If you want a more relaxed look, hang it closer to the window, about 6-8 inches above the frame.

Choose the Right Fabric:

The fabric you choose will impact the overall style of the swag. Sheer fabrics like organza or voile will create a light and airy look, while heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade will add drama and elegance.

Create the Perfect Shape:

The shape of the swag is up to you. You can create a simple rounded swag, a more elaborate pointed swag, or anything in between. Use pins or chalk to mark the desired shape on the fabric before cutting.

Create the Gatherings:

Once you have cut out the fabric, gather it along the top edge. You can do this by hand or use a gathering stitch on your sewing machine. The amount of gathering will determine how full the swag is.

Attach the Swag to the Curtain Rod:

Use curtain hooks or rings to attach the swag to the curtain rod. Space the hooks or rings evenly along the top edge of the swag.

Adjust the Swag:

Once the swag is attached to the rod, adjust it until you are happy with the look. You can make small adjustments to the gathering or the placement of the hooks or rings to fine-tune the appearance.

Finish the Swag:

To finish the swag, you can add decorative trim or tassels to the edges. You can also use a tieback to hold the swag in place.

Deciding the Drape:

The drape of the swag is a matter of personal preference. You can choose to let the swag hang loosely, or you can use a tieback to create a more gathered, tailored look. Experiment with different options to find the look that best suits your taste and the overall style of your room.

Fabric	Effect
Sheer fabrics (organza, voile)	Light and airy
Heavy fabrics (velvet, brocade)	Dramatic and elegant
Medium-weight fabrics (linen, cotton)	Versatile and adaptable

Finishing Touches

Once the swag curtain is hung, there are a few finishing touches that can be added to complete the look.

Styling the Swag

The swag can be styled in various ways to create different effects. The most common styling techniques include:

Soft swag: The swag is gently draped over the curtain rod, creating a soft and relaxed look.
Hard swag: The swag is tightly pulled up and pinned in place, creating a more formal look.
Double swag: Two swags are hung one above the other, creating a more dramatic look.

Adding Decorative Elements

Decorative elements can be added to the swag to enhance its appearance and make it a focal point in the room. These elements can include:

Tassels: Tassels can be added to the ends of the swag or along the bottom edge, adding a touch of elegance.
Fringes: Fringes can be added to the bottom edge of the swag, creating a more elaborate look.
Trims: Trims, such as ribbons or cords, can be added along the edges of the swag, adding a touch of detail.

Positioning and Adjusting

Once the swag is styled and decorated, it may need to be positioned and adjusted to ensure it hangs properly. This may involve adjusting the height of the curtain rod or moving the swag slightly to the left or right. It is important to take the time to position and adjust the swag until it looks balanced and symmetrical.

Table: Common Drapery Fabrics

Fabric	Characteristics
Velvet	Luxurious and heavy, providing excellent insulation and light blockage
Linen	Natural and breathable, with a casual and relaxed appearance
Silk	Elegant and luxurious, providing excellent light filtration and drape
Cotton	Versatile and affordable, available in a wide range of colors and patterns
Polyester	Wrinkle-resistant and durable, suitable for high-traffic areas

How to Hang a Swag Curtain

Swag curtains are a beautiful and elegant addition to any room. They can add a touch of sophistication to a living room, bedroom, or even a kitchen. But if you’ve never installed swag curtains before, the process can seem a bit daunting.

Fortunately, it’s actually quite easy to put up a swag curtain. Follow these steps and you’ll have your new curtain hanging in no time.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few materials. These include:

* A swag curtain rod
* Two swag curtain brackets
* Two screws
* A screwdriver
* A level
* A tape measure

2. Measure and Mark the Location of the Brackets

The first step is to measure and mark the location of the swag curtain brackets. The brackets should be placed at the same height on the wall, and they should be far enough apart to support the weight of the curtain.

To determine the height of the brackets, measure the length of the swag curtain from the top of the rod to the bottom of the fabric. Then, divide that number by two and add 6 inches. This will be the height of the brackets.

To determine the distance between the brackets, measure the width of the window. Then, divide that number by two and subtract 6 inches. This will be the distance between the brackets.

3. Install the Brackets

Once you’ve marked the location of the brackets, it’s time to install them. To do this, hold the bracket against the wall and insert a screw through the hole in the bracket. Tighten the screw until the bracket is secure.

4. Hang the Swag Curtain Rod

Now it’s time to hang the swag curtain rod. To do this, simply place the rod on the brackets and tighten the screws. Make sure that the rod is level.

5. Arrange the Swag Curtain

The final step is to arrange the swag curtain. To do this, simply drape the curtain over the rod and adjust it until it looks the way you want it to.

Enjoy Your New Swag Curtain

Congratulations! You’ve now successfully installed your swag curtain. Enjoy the beautiful and elegant addition to your home.