Master the Foundations of Custom Drapery — One Panel at a Time
Instructor: Kari Culberson
Wednesday, April 28 – Thursday, April 29, 2027
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with a 1-hour lunch on your own
Class size: Limited to 8 students (minimum 3)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Sewing Soft Furnishings, or similar demonstrable experience
Build Real Drapery Skills, Start to Finish
Custom draperies are one of the most-requested workroom projects — and one of the best ways to build confidence with structured, tailored sewing. This in-person class with Kari Culberson walks you through three complete drapery styles from measuring to finished product, giving you a solid foundation you can apply to drapery orders right away.
Kari brings a workroom professional's eye for detail to every step, focusing not just on construction technique but on the proportion, hang, and finishing touches that separate handmade-looking work from professional-quality drapery.
What You'll Learn
- Measuring the window and pre-planning your project
- Calculating yardage for each drapery style
- Constructing a lined gathered drapery with your choice of rod pocket or gathering tape
- Building a blackout-lined grommet drapery
- Working with linings and interlinings on a pleated drapery
- Drapery headings, including popular pleat styles
- Hemming and finishing techniques for a polished result
- Dressing finished draperies like a pro
- Professional tips for pricing and taking on drapery work
What to Bring
Class work is conducted on industrial equipment provided in the classroom — each student gets their own worktable, industrial sewing machine, sewing kit, and iron. Bring your face fabric; linings and all other supplies are provided.
Who Should Take This Class
This class builds on foundational sewing skills. Students should have completed Introduction to Sewing Soft Furnishings, or have similar demonstrable sewing experience and practical knowledge. You'll leave with a repeatable process for gathered, grommet, and pleated draperies you can use immediately.
Seats are limited to 8 students to ensure hands-on instruction time with Kari. Reserve your spot today.
