If you want a less informal, modern look to your window treatments then tab tops are the answer. This type of heading is hung from a curtain pole and can be added to lined or unlined curtains. They can be made to match, contrast or co-ordinate with your curtain fabric. These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own tab top window treatments.

Make up lined curtains until you come to add the tape. 
Tabs are positioned at approx 8" (20cms) intervals along the top of the curtain, with one at each end (6 or 7 tabs per width of fabric ).

To make tabs:

For tabs which are 1.25" (3.2 cms) wide cut strips of fabric 3" (7.5cms) wide and twice the length required plus 4" (10cms) ( e.g. if the curtains are to hang 3" (7.5cms) below the pole, the tabs need to be cut 10" (25cms) long ).

Fold in half lengthways with right sides together and machine stitch 0.25" (6mm) in along the length.

Turn in right way and press.

To attach to lined curtains:

Turn 2" (5cms) of fabric in between curtain and lining and press.

Fold tabs in half to make loops and slip raw edges in between curtain and lining at approximately 8" (20cms) intervals with one tab at each end and at right angles to the top of the curtain.(See Figure below.)

Check length of curtain including tabs and machine stitch along top edge.

Tip:

A small square of cardboard can be used to ensure that the tabs are aligned vertically.