The rule for the width of the curtains and the rod is that the rod should be long enough so that when you open the curtains, the curtains are over the wall, not covering any portion of the window itself. Sometimes that is impossible, but it is best if you have room to do it.
Kathy g in MI

Thanks Kathy G.

That will not be possible with mine because I only have 11 1/2" of wall on one side unless I make them to pull to one side.

Any suggestions?

Hi Jersey girl

The rule of thumb for drapery is twice the width of the window. Personally I don't take the rod that far out on each side, usually 4 to 5". The way I do it is; when the drapes are closed the rod is covered from side to side.

If you want full length the bottom should be about 1" off the floor.

Since you window is 72" wide and the fabric is 54" you need to use one and a half panels on each side. This will give you the right fullness. So you need the finished length plus a double 4" hem (8") plus double 4" top (8") plus any match if there is a pattern to the fabric.
If you are lining them the width should be 2" less then the finished width. The front of the panel should rap around 1" to the back side. The lining hem should be one fold of 4" and be about 3" shorter in length then the drapery.

I hope this makes sense to you. You can also find lots of different patterns on how to make drapes at Joanne's. McCalls or Simplicity have lots to pick from. They even have a "Sewing for Dummies" series.

Good luck

Bonnie

Thanks for your response Bonnie. The information is very helpful.