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Short answer
Choose a curtain maker who measures on site, shows you real fabric samples, explains fullness, lining and track in the quote, and has finished curtains you can inspect. Compare quotes line by line, not by the total, and look for straight hems, matched patterns, even pleats and weighted corners. Ask about lead time, installation and what happens if something is wrong.
Questions to ask
- Do you measure on site, and who installs the track and curtains?
- What fullness are you quoting for each window?
- Which fabric, lining, heading and track are included?
- Can I see samples of the fabric and of finished curtains?
- How are joins, pattern matching and hems finished?
- What is the lead time, and what happens if a curtain is too short or uneven?
Comparing quotes
Two quotes for the same windows can differ for good reasons. Compare them line by line:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Fabric | The exact collection and colour, width and quality |
| Fullness | About 2 times for S-fold, about 2.5 times for French pleat; less fullness looks thin |
| Lining | Included or not; standard, blackout or thermal |
| Heading | S-fold, French pleat or eyelet, and the tape or buckram used |
| Track or pole | Brand, type, ceiling or wall, single or double, manual or motorised |
| Installation | Included, and whether it covers the track and the curtains |
See Curtain Prices: What Affects the Cost.
Watch out
A much cheaper quote often uses less fullness, no lining, a lighter fabric or a basic track. Check each line before deciding.
Signs of good workmanship
- Straight, even hems with neat corners, often weighted so the curtain hangs straight.
- Matched patterns across joins and between a pair of curtains.
- Even pleats or waves that are the same across every curtain.
- Invisible or neat joins, pressed flat; on sheers, ideally no joins at all using wide fabric.
- Lining cut to the right length, so it does not show below the face fabric.
- Velvet pile running the same way on every width.
Measuring and installation
A good curtain maker measures the actual track or the agreed track position, checks the drop at several points, and asks where you want curtains to end. Installation should leave the track level and secure, and the curtains dressed into their folds. See How to Measure for Curtains.
Fabric from JOTEX
JOTEX supplies curtain and upholstery fabric to curtain makers, upholsterers and designers across Malaysia and Singapore. Ask your curtain maker for JOTEX collections by name; every collection's specification is public on this site. Alchemy Sewing, part of the Jotex Group, sews French pleat, ripple fold and eyelet curtains for dealers. To find a curtain maker who works with JOTEX fabric, contact the JOTEX team.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good curtain maker?
Choose one who measures on site, shows real samples and finished curtains, and itemises fabric, fullness, lining, heading, track and installation in the quote.
Why are curtain quotes so different?
Fabric, fullness, lining, heading, track and installation all vary. A cheaper quote often uses less fullness, no lining or a basic track. Compare line by line.
What are signs of good curtain workmanship?
Straight weighted hems, matched patterns, even pleats or waves, neat joins, lining that does not show, and velvet pile running the same way.
Should the curtain maker measure my windows?
Yes. A curtain maker who measures on site takes responsibility for the fit.
How can I find a curtain maker who uses JOTEX fabric?
Contact the JOTEX team through the contact page, or ask your curtain maker for JOTEX collections by name.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.