I realize that I'm quite a bit over my head in the project of making drapes.  I may have prematurely purchased 14.3 yards of beautiful 100% cotton fabric that I fell in love with and wanted to pleat (undecided on double or triple & french or pinch).  The fabric has a large print and I think I may not have 2.5 x the fabric.

So, I've read that the rods should be hung before measuring vertically.  My 2 windows are arched and is only 3 5/8 inches from the moulding.  So my question is, is that 3 5/8" enough room to actually hang normal rods or will sun peek through?

My second question is how many inches to add on either side of the actual window measurement for my finished width.  I've read that 5 inches is the minimum, is that right? 

My window openings are 31" and I'm concerned that I don't have enough material for any sort of pleats.  My plan was to make 4 panels, 2 for each window using only one width of fabric which is 56".  But, my calculations show I have too little.  Per panel I think I need 15.5" (half the window) + 5" extra to hang over the window edge + 4" (2" for the center and 2" for the edge.)  This is 24.5" and I'm not sure how much fabric will be used for the edges…so I'm sure I'm not even left with 2x the finished width. 

The finished curtain length will need to be 96" – 98" depending on exactly where I hang my curtain rods. 

If I don't have enough to pinch pleat, what are other good options for a beautiful, tailored drape.  Do double pleats require less fabric?

So sorry for all of the questions, I really should have found your site before I bought the fabric. 

Ruthanne

btw – I also have a somewhat thick liner, about 14 yards.