A coronet bed drape consists of a semi-circular board fixed to the wall at a convenient height above the bed from which lined curtains are hung to drape softly either side of the bed, held back with either tie backs or hold backs. An unlined curtain provides a backdrop to eliminate the need for a headboard, but this is optional. To complete this look, an unlined valance is added. The bottom edge of which is bound in a contrasting colour to enhance its shape.
These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own coronet bed drapes.

Requirements:

Curtain fabric.

Lining in a contrasting colour or design.

Pencil pleat curtain heading tape, enough for 3 widths of fabric.

Press n Drape heading tape, enough for 3 widths of fabric.

Pair of tie backs or hold backs.

Small tacks or pins.

Matching thread.

2 curtain rings.

Bias binding in a contrasting colour, enough for 3 widths of fabric.

Preparing the Board:

Lay the MDF on a flat surface with the longest side from left to right.

Measure halfway (10" or 25 cms) along the front edge and mark.

Measure 10" (25 cms) at right angles to this and mark.

Draw a curve from this point to the frontcorner on each side.(See Figure 2 below).

Cut round the curve.

Paint both sides of the board if required.

Insert screw eyes into the underside of the MDF around the curved edge. Space them about 2.5" (6 cms) apart. These will hold the side curtains. (See figure 3 below)

Attach the grip half of the Press n grip tape to front edge of MDF board.

Measuring:

Decide on the height of the coronet and mark the position on the wall.

For the back curtain, measure from the marked position on the wall to the floor or required length. Add 3" (7.5 cms) for hems. One width of fabric is sufficient for the width of the board.

For the side curtains, measure from the marked position on the wall to the floor allowing extra to drape over the sides of the bed and pattern matching. Add 1.5" (3.75 cms) for hems. 1.5 widths of fabric and lining are sufficient for each curtain to gather round the curved edge of the board.

For the valance, allow 3 widths of fabric each cut to a length of 12" (30 cms) including hems. Allow more for pattern matching.

Making the Coronet:

To make the back curtain: Turn in a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at each side edge and stitch.

Turn up a double 1" (2.5 cms) hem at bottom edge and stitch.

Turn down 1" (2.5 cms) at top edge and press.

Work 2 rows of gathering stitches through both thicknesses along top edge.

Pull up gathering threads so that curtain fits across the back of the MDF board and fasten ends securely. Adjust gathers evenly.

Attach the curtain to the back of the MDF board with the tacks or pins. Make sure that the right side of the fabric is facing the curved (front) edge of the board. (See figure 4 below)

To make the side curtains: Join a half width of fabric to the outside edge of each side curtain, pattern matching where required, using a flat seam.

Join a half width to the outside edge of each curtain lining using a flat seam.

Place fabric and lining, right sides together and matching raw edges. Pin and stitch down both sides and along the bottom edge 0.5" (12 mm) from raw edges.

Turn right side out and press.

Turn down 1" (2.5 cms) at top edge.

Knot cords at one end of the heading tape and free them at the other end.

Pin heading tape along top edge close to the fold turning under 1" (2.5 cms) at each end to neaten.

Stitch heading tape along both edges in the same direction to avoid puckering.

Pull up gathering cords so that curtain fits halfway round MDF board and adjust gathers evenly.

Insert curtain hooks to heading tape and hang from eyes in MDF board.

Hold back each side curtain and mark position of tie back or hold back.

Fix hook onto the wall at each marked position.

Attach a curtain hook to each edge of back curtain at a convenient height and slip onto tie back hook or hold back to spread back curtain.

Fasten tie backs around each curtain allowing them to drape softly back to frame the bed.

To make valance: Join widths of fabric using a French seam.

Attach bias binding to bottom edge to neaten.

Turn in a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at both sides and stitch.

Turn down 1" (2.5 cms) at top edge and press.

Knot cords at one end of Press n drape heading tape and free them at the other end.

Pin Press n drape heading tape along top edge close to fold turning under 1" (2.5 cms) at each end to neaten.

Stitch in place along both edges in the same direction to avoid puckering.

Pull up cords so that valance fits round semi-circle. Adjust gathers evenly.

Press onto MDF board.(See figure 5 below)